Savory Ravioli Lasagna Recipe: Fun Twist on Italian Classics
Layers of pasta, cheese, and savory sauce come together in this irresistible ravioli lasagna that promises to steal the show at dinner.
Frozen ravioli makes this dish incredibly simple to assemble with maximum flavor impact.
Home cooks treasure shortcuts that don’t compromise on taste, and this recipe delivers exactly that.
Each bite combines the classic comfort of traditional lasagna with the convenience of premade pasta pockets.
Melted cheese, rich marinara, and perfectly cooked ravioli create a mouthwatering masterpiece that feels both familiar and exciting.
Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing meal.
Prepare to fall in love with a new family favorite that’s sure to have everyone asking for seconds.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: 495 kcal
Servings: 5
Ravioli Meets Lasagna in These Core Ingredients
For Protein And Flavor Base:
Bulk Italian Sausage: Adds rich, hearty meat foundation with classic Italian seasoning that infuses deep flavor into the entire dish.
Refrigerated Four-Cheese Ravioli: Provides convenient, creamy pasta core that eliminates complex pasta-making steps while delivering authentic Italian taste.
For Moisture And Sauce Components:
Marinara Sauce: Creates vibrant, tangy liquid base that enhances overall dish moisture and delivers classic tomato-herb profile.
Water: Helps create perfect cooking liquid consistency and ensures proper ravioli and sausage cooking texture.
Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface and adds subtle fruity undertone to enhance ingredient interactions.
For Finishing And Garnish:
Whole Milk Mozzarella: Delivers creamy, stretchy cheese layer that melts beautifully and creates luxurious golden-brown top with rich dairy complexity.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Introduces bright, aromatic herb finish that adds fresh garden-like note and traditional Italian garnish touch.
Kitchen Picks for This Summer Skillet Favorite
Large Skillet: Essential for cooking sausage and creating the base of the dish, with high sides for easy mixing.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for crumbling sausage and stirring ingredients smoothly in the skillet.
Measuring Cup: Helps accurately add water and measure sauce for the perfect consistency.
Oven Mitts: Crucial for safely handling the hot skillet when moving from stovetop to oven.
Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if using fresh mozzarella that needs shredding.
Sharp Knife: Handy for chopping fresh basil as a final garnish.
A One-Skillet Method That Works Every Time
Sizzling Skillet Prep Warm up your trusty large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in some cooking oil.
Sausage Symphony Crumble savory sausage into the skillet, letting it dance and brown until perfectly golden, about 6-7 minutes.
Sauce Magic Pour in rich marinara and a splash of water, letting everything bubble and mingle for a few delightful minutes while scraping up all those delicious browned bits.
Ravioli Transformation Nestle the tender ravioli into the sauce, allowing them to soak up all the incredible flavors until the sauce thickens and the pasta becomes perfectly soft.
Cheesy Crown Remove the skillet from heat and create delectable layers of ravioli and melty mozzarella, making sure every inch is covered in cheesy goodness.
Oven Finale Slide the skillet into a hot oven and bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden masterpiece. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve this comforting dish straight from the skillet.
Ideas That Make Your Ravioli Lasagna a Hit
Replace Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein boost that keeps the flavor profile exciting and nutritious.
Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone, fontina, or a sprinkle of parmesan to create unique flavor layers that elevate the classic recipe.
Toss in fresh spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the sausage cooking stage to sneak extra vegetables into this crowd-pleasing one-pan meal.
Add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to give the dish a personalized heat kick that matches your spice tolerance.
Fresh Ways to Serve This Summer Twist
Cozy Family Feast: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, this hearty skillet lasagna brings everyone together with its comforting layers and cheesy goodness.
Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the dish's flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dish Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette or garlic bread to complement the rich, savory ravioli lasagna and create a complete meal that satisfies every hungry diner.
Wine Pairing Delight: Serve alongside a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the sausage and tomato sauce flavors, creating a restaurant-worthy dining experience at home.
Keeping Leftovers Just as Comforting
Quick Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and split into meal-sized portions for busy weeknights, storing extra servings in airtight containers for fast reheating.
Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftovers sealed in the skillet or transfer to containers, which stay fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or lower, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
Freezer-Friendly Approach: Cool the dish completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, where it can be stored up to 2 months without losing taste quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating Magic: Warm individual portions in microwave for 2-3 minutes, adding splash of marinara sauce to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350°F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through, ensuring cheese melts evenly and sausage remains tender.
Hearty ravioli lasagna combines two Italian classics into one comforting casserole. Layers of cheese-filled pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella create a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) bulk mild or hot Italian sausage
8 oz (226 g) whole milk mozzarella, shredded and divided (about 2 cups)
20 oz (567 g) package refrigerated four-cheese ravioli (such as Buitoni)
24 oz (680 g) jar marinara sauce
1 cup (240 ml) water
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsps torn fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Preparation: Position the oven rack 8 inches from the top heating element and preheat to 450°F (232°C).
Meat Foundation: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbly pieces until golden-brown, releasing rich flavors throughout the meat, about 6-7 minutes.
Sauce Integration: Pour marinara sauce and water into the skillet, creating a vibrant, simmering mixture. Scrape the pan’s bottom to incorporate caramelized bits, developing a robust flavor profile for 2-3 minutes.
Pasta Immersion: Gently fold fresh cheese ravioli into the bubbling sauce, allowing them to become tender and plump while the sauce thickens, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Cheese Layering: Remove skillet from heat and strategically layer ravioli mixture, generously distributing shredded mozzarella between the layers to ensure complete cheese coverage and maximum flavor infusion.
Final Baking: Transfer skillet to the preheated oven, baking for 10 minutes until cheese melts completely, developing a golden-brown, slightly crispy surface that promises a delectable culinary experience.
Serving: Carefully remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves, and serve immediately while the dish remains hot and tantalizingly bubbling.
Notes
Sausage Selection Matters: Choose high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavor for maximum taste impact.
Sauce Scraping Secret: Always scrape pan bottom to release caramelized bits, which enhance overall dish depth and richness.
Cheese Melting Technique: Watch cheese closely during final baking to achieve perfect golden-brown bubbling without burning.
Fresh Herb Finale: Add basil leaves just before serving to preserve their vibrant color and aromatic freshness.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.