Craving comfort food but short on time? This lazy lasagna is here to save the day!
It’s basically a mash-up of all the best parts of lasagna, minus the work. Frozen ravioli does all the heavy lifting here, and let me tell you, it’s genius. Layer it up with some sauce and cheese, pop it in the oven, and voila!
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
Why You’ll Love This Lazy Lasagna
Quick and Easy: This recipe simplifies the traditional lasagna-making process. It saves you time and effort in the kitchen without compromising on the end result.
Minimal Prep: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe requires minimal preparation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
Deliciously Cheesy: The combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses creates a rich, gooey, and satisfying dish that’s sure to please cheese lovers.
Budget-Friendly: Using frozen ravioli and jarred marinara sauce makes this recipe cost-effective. You get a hearty and delicious meal without breaking the bank.
Ingredients
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli: The star of the dish! They’re tender pasta pillows filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Marinara Sauce: To simplify prep, use your favorite jarred marinara sauce. The rich tomato sauce will soak into the ravioli as they bake, infusing tons of flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: It’s mild, creamy mozzarella melts beautifully, binding the layers of pasta and sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: It adds a sharp, salty, umami flavor that perfectly complements the tangy marinara and mild mozzarella.
How to Make Lazy Lasagna
This lasagna recipe is so easy, it should be illegal!
1. Prepare the oven. Set your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
2. Layer the sauce. Pour about 3/4 cup of the marinara sauce into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to form a thin, even layer that covers the bottom.
3. Add the ravioli. Take half of the frozen ravioli and arrange them in a single layer on top of the sauce.
4. Layer the sauce and cheese. Spoon half of the remaining marinara sauce over the ravioli layer. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Repeat the layers. Create a second layer by placing the remaining frozen ravioli over the cheese. Top with the rest of the marinara sauce and mozzarella. Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake covered. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Bake uncovered. After 30 minutes, remove the foil covering and return the dish to the oven. Continue baking, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese on top turns golden brown.
8. Cool and serve. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Pair with your favorite side salad, garlic bread, or any other desired accompaniments.
Tips for the Best Lazy Lasagna
This recipe is so easy, it’s foolproof. But these tips make it more irresistible.
- Quality is key. Choose well-rated frozen ravioli brands like Rana, Celentano, Louisa, or Mama Rosie’s for the best flavor and texture.
- Switch up the sauce. While marinara is classic, you can use your favorite store-bought or homemade pasta sauce like Alfredo, Bolognese, or pesto sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Keep things even. Spread the sauce evenly at the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Give it a rest. Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes after baking to set and make it easier to serve.
- Add a healthy twist. Incorporate sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to add nutrients and flavor without much extra effort.
- Try tasty add-ins. Customize your lazy lasagna with add-ins like crumbled Italian sausage, crispy bacon, sliced black olives, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Choose your favorite cheese. Experiment with different cheese combinations like an Italian blend and cottage cheese, or add creamy cheeses like mascarpone or cream cheese.
- Pair it perfectly. Serve lazy lasagna with garlic breadsticks, pesto-topped garlic bread, a simple side salad, roasted broccoli, or sautéed green beans.
How to Store
Keep your leftover lasagna fresh with these tips.
To Store: Refrigerate in an air-tight container within 2 hours of cooking and consume within 3-5 days. The unbaked lasagna can be prepared in advance, covered tightly, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
To Freeze: Wrap cooled lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in air-tight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat: For individual portions, microwave for 2-3 minutes, checking every 30 seconds until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
I used to print one recipe.
Hi Carol!
If you scroll to the end of the post, you should see a “PRINT” button on the bottom right corner of the image on the recipe card. Click that and you can print the ingredients and method 🙂