If you adore the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine but want something quick, fuss-free, and downright delicious, then this 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (Lazy Lasagna) Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s the perfect blend of cheesy ravioli, rich pasta sauce, and melty mozzarella baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Trust me, this recipe captures all the heartiness of classic lasagna without any of the work—making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners where you want big flavor and little hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity with a few ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating this easy, crowd-pleasing baked dish. You only need frozen ravioli for that pillowy pasta goodness, a flavorful jar of pasta sauce to bring everything together, and generous amounts of cheese to add that irresistible gooey, cheesy texture. Each ingredient complements the others perfectly for effortless deliciousness.
- Frozen cheese ravioli: Look for a quality brand since this will be your pasta and filling all in one, offering tender, cheesy bites throughout.
- Pasta sauce: Choose your favorite tomato-based sauce, whether classic marinara or something a bit spiced, as this becomes the rich, savory base.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The star for meltiness and that golden, bubbly top that makes baked dishes so irresistible.
- Optional shredded parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top adds a sharp, nutty finish that takes this dish to the next level.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (Lazy Lasagna) Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get a 9×13 baking dish ready by greasing it well with non-stick spray or a little olive oil. This ensures your baked ravioli doesn’t stick and helps with easy serving later.
Step 2: Create the Sauce Base
Spread about ¾ cup of your pasta sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. This layer acts as the flavorful foundation that keeps the ravioli from drying out and infuses the entire dish with rich tomato goodness.
Step 3: Layer with Love
Place half of the frozen ravioli over your sauce layer, arranging them in a single layer. Then spread half of the remaining pasta sauce on top, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese. This layering creates delicious pockets of flavor that blend beautifully in every bite.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Now, repeat the sequence with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella. If you’re using parmesan, sprinkle it over the top now to add that tasty, slightly crispy finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil to let the cheese on top brown beautifully and bake for another 15 minutes until you see golden, bubbly deliciousness.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, give the baked ravioli a rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time allows everything to set slightly for easier serving and lets the flavors meld together perfectly.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (Lazy Lasagna) Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up this warm, hearty dish, try garnishing with freshly chopped basil or parsley—they add a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbal note. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add delightful layers to the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This baked ravioli pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance its richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers refreshing contrast, while garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets, making each serving look like a personal-sized lasagna. You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or a pinch of smoked paprika on top for an unexpected texture and flavor pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes just as comforting when reheated gently.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions by placing them in freezer-safe containers. When frozen, they’ll maintain their flavor and texture for about 2 to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (Lazy Lasagna) Recipe is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly again, usually 20 to 25 minutes. This helps preserve the texture and keeps the cheese melty and delicious without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli will cook even faster and add a delicate texture to your dish. Just reduce baking time slightly and watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
What type of pasta sauce works best?
Any good tomato-based sauce will work beautifully—classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, or even a roasted garlic tomato sauce. Choose a sauce with robust flavor to complement the cheese-filled ravioli.
Can I add meat or vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! You can layer in cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to make this dish more hearty and customized to your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! The simple flavors and cheesy goodness make it a favorite with kids, plus it’s easy to eat. Just adjust any spicy sauces to milder versions for little ones.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
If you’re out of mozzarella, provolone, fontina, or even a mild cheddar can work in a pinch, though mozzarella’s meltiness makes it ideal for achieving that classic baked texture.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (Lazy Lasagna) Recipe is a true lifesaver for anyone who craves the comforting, cheesy goodness of lasagna without all the hassle. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a homemade meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a go-to favorite that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
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3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (Lazy Lasagna) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This simple and delicious 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli, also known as Lazy Lasagna, is a perfect weeknight meal that layers frozen cheese ravioli with rich pasta sauce and melted mozzarella. Baked to golden bubbling perfection, it’s an effortless comfort food that will satisfy your Italian cravings with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (24oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 (24oz) jar pasta sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (heaping)
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish using non-stick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking during baking.
- First Sauce Layer: Spread ¾ cup of the pasta sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a flavorful base layer.
- First Ravioli Layer: Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli evenly over the sauce. Next, pour half of the remaining pasta sauce over the ravioli, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese to build layers of flavor.
- Second Layer: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, pasta sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese. If desired, sprinkle the optional shredded parmesan cheese evenly over the top for extra cheesy goodness.
- Baking: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute pasta sauce with your favorite marinara or vodka sauce for a different flavor profile.
- For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Adding fresh basil or oregano inside the layers can enhance the Italian flavor.
- This dish can easily be doubled or halved depending on the number of servings needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
