Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna Bake: Quick Family Dinner Recipe

This Easy Ravioli Lasagna is a shortcut lasagna that delivers all the comforting flavors of a homemade bake with far less effort. Family-friendly and budget-conscious, it comes together in under an hour using just a handful of ingredients.

Update Notes: Originally published in January 2015 and refreshed in May 2020 with new photos and practical tips.

Easy Lasagna with Ravioli

Traditional lasagna is beloved but time-consuming. This version swaps lasagna noodles for frozen cheese ravioli, making assembly quick while still delivering rich, layered flavors.

Because the ravioli already contains ricotta, you get creamy pockets of cheese without extra steps. Combined with a simple meat-and-tomato sauce and fresh spinach, the result is a satisfying casserole perfect for busy weeknights, freezer meals, or feeding a crowd.

What goes into this dish?

You only need a few pantry and refrigerator items and less than an hour from start to table.

How to make it?

*Scroll for the full recipe card with exact amounts, timing, and extra tips.

1. Prepare the ravioli: Cook frozen cheese ravioli according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the meat: In a cast-iron or non-stick skillet, sauté chopped onion in olive oil, then add ground beef and cook until no longer pink.
3. Finish the sauce: Stir in a jar of marinara and simmer about 15 minutes. Fold in chopped fresh spinach and season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble: Spread a little meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13″ casserole dish. Arrange half the cooked ravioli in a single layer, spoon half the meat sauce over them, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella.
5. Top and bake: Repeat the layers and finish with the remaining cheese on top. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, then let rest 10 minutes before serving.

What to serve with lasagna?

The casserole is hearty on its own, but a crisp green salad and a loaf of crusty bread complete the meal nicely.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make it in advance?

Yes. Assemble and refrigerate, covered, up to 3 days ahead. When ready, bake according to the recipe.

How long should I bake it?

Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes to melt and lightly brown the cheese. If baking straight from the fridge, let the pan sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or add about 10 more minutes to the bake time so everything heats through and becomes bubbly.

How long will leftovers keep?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven until hot.

Can I freeze ravioli lasagna?

Yes — either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble, wrap tightly in foil or plastic, and place in a freezer bag for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge 24 hours before baking and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes. To freeze after baking, cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F for about 30 minutes.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or a medley of vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, or eggplant for a satisfying vegetarian bake.

Recipe notes and expert tips

• Cook ravioli al dente so they hold their shape during baking and don’t become mushy.
• Store-bought marinara saves time, but a homemade sauce works equally well.
• To loosen every last bit of sauce from the jar, add 1/4 cup water or red wine, close it, shake, then pour into the pan.
• Substitute Italian sausage for the ground beef, or mix meats (beef and pork, or poultry) for extra depth of flavor.
• Try blending grated Parmesan into the mozzarella for a more complex cheese topping.
• Spinach can be swapped for kale or Swiss chard, and you can also use spinach-and-cheese ravioli for an even cheesier version.

Full recipe

Easy Ravioli Lasagna

A quick, family-friendly lasagna made with cheese ravioli, marinara, ground beef and spinach.

Prep Time: 10 mins • Cook Time: 30 mins • Total Time: 40 mins

Course: Main • Cuisine: Italian • Yields: 4 servings • Calories: 572 kcal

EQUIPMENT

• Cast-iron or non-stick skillet
• Large pot
• 9×13″ casserole dish

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (24 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or favorite pasta sauce)
• 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the ravioli according to package directions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped onion. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink.
4. Pour in the marinara sauce and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir in the chopped spinach and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
5. Spoon a little sauce on the bottom of a 9×13″ casserole dish. Arrange half the cooked ravioli in a layer, spoon half the meat sauce over them, and sprinkle with half the mozzarella.
6. Repeat the layers and finish with the remaining mozzarella on top. Bake 15 minutes until bubbly and cheese is lightly golden. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

NOTES

• Cook ravioli al dente; they will continue to soften in the oven.
• Use jarred marinara for speed or homemade sauce if you prefer.
• Substitute Italian sausage or mix meats for a richer sauce.
• Mix Parmesan with the mozzarella for extra flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, replace meat with mushrooms and other vegetables.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 572 kcal • Carbohydrates: 13 g • Protein: 36 g • Fat: 41 g