Description
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 495
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg