Are you ever in the mood for a delicious, comforting meal but just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen? Well, I’ve got the perfect solution for you: Lazy Day Lasagna!
This dish is a brilliant and simple twist on traditional lasagna that’ll satisfy your cravings without all the fuss. Lazy day lasagna is all about making things easy and still having a great meal to enjoy.
Think of this Lazy Lasagna recipe as a shortcut to yumminess. It’s a snazzy way of saying ravioli casserole, and oh boy, is it good!
I love having quick and easy meals like this that still bring on the great flavor that we all love. Lasagna is probably my family’s favorite comfort food, and this recipe makes it simpler.
Using frozen ravioli, some tasty meat sauce, and a few other simple ingredients, this lasagna comes together in no time.
It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy dinner recipe that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s so fun to make!
Whether you’re feeling a bit lazy or just short on time, this lasagna won’t let you down. It’s got all the flavors of a classic lasagna but is much simpler to put together.
So, let’s dive into why this recipe for lazy day lasagna is a keeper and how you can whip up this delicious meal with minimal effort!
Some of our other favorite dinner recipes we have on our site include: Creamy One Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe, Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe with Tzatziki, and Best & Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Super Easy to Make: No need for layering traditional lasagna noodles – it’s as easy peasy as layering ravioli.
- Family Favorite: Everyone loves the familiar flavors of lasagna, making it a hit with the entire family. It’s one of those easy dinner recipes you can make again and again.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good, if not better, the next day! Make sure you save that recipe card for later. You’re gonna need it!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Frozen ravioli
- Meat sauce or jarred sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
HOW TO MAKE LAZY DAY LASAGNA:
- Cook the ravioli through to the directions on the package.
- While they are cooking, heat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix the sauce with the ricotta so it is combined in a large bowl.
- Put about a half cup of the sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread it out.
- Layer on a single layer of ravioli. Top with some of the mozzarella cheese, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, and another 1/2 cup of sauce.
- Keep doing this until you have layered all the ravioli. Try to only use a half of the mozzarella cheese while layering. On the very top, there should be the layer with the remaining sauce and top that with all of the mozzarella that is left.
- Cook this for about 25 minutes or until bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT RAVIOLI IS THE BEST TO USE?
I used cheese ravioli, and that really works great. You can use any type you like, though, such as spinach or meat-filled.
Next time you make it, try out another variety. The last thing you want is to be boring with your meals! Am I right?
CAN I ADD MEAT?
Absolutely! You can add browned ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for extra flavor.
A lot of the time, I like to use a store-bought meat sauce, other times I’ll purchase a non-meat sauce and add my own. This is totally up to your preference.
For my family, it’s always a good idea to add more meat. Jeremy and Lily both agree on this one. When it’s dinner time, bring on the delicious meat sauce!
CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?
Yes, you can assemble this easy recipe ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready.
Just remember to adjust the cook time a little bit if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
ANY ADDITIONS?
Other than ground meat, there are plenty of great ideas here. Check it out!
- Spinach or kale for a veggie boost
- A layer of cooked Italian sausage or ground turkey
- Chopped onion or bell pepper for extra crunch
- Fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness
- Sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
- Olives for a tangy kick
- Sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, intense flavor
- Extra garlic for garlic lovers
- A layer of cottage cheese or ricotta for creaminess
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
If you have any other suggestions on substitutions, I’d love to hear about them. Let me know in the comments below!
- Cottage cheese for ricotta
- Alfredo sauce instead of tomato sauce
- Gluten-free ravioli for a gluten-free version
- Whole wheat ravioli for a healthier twist
- Homemade marinara sauce for jarred sauce
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavor only gets better with a day or two!
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave. It makes a really great take along lunch for my hubby!
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Use cooking spray on your baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
- If you want a crispier top, broil for a minute or two at the end.
- Mix a little Italian seasoning into your sauce for extra flavor.
- Use a mix of different cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- For a lighter version, use a smaller amount of cheese and add more veggies.
Lazy Day Lasagna is a cozy, comforting dish that brings joy to your dinner table. It’s perfect for those lazy days when you want something hearty and delicious without the hassle.
Heaven knows I have plenty of days like that around here!
With its layers of ravioli, rich sauce, and melty cheese, it’s a surefire way to please everyone. So why not give this easy lasagna recipe a try and enjoy the perfect family meal with very little effort?
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this LAZY DAY LASAGNA, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Easy Lazy Day Lasagna Recipe (with Ravioli)
Ingredients
- 20 ounces frozen cheese ravioli or frozen ravioli of your choice
- 3 cups meat sauce or red sauce of your choice
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the ravioli through to the directions on the package.20 ounces frozen cheese ravioli
- While they are cooking, heat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix the sauce with the ricotta so it is combined in a large bowl.3 cups meat sauce, 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- Put about a half cup of the sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread it out.
- Layer on a single layer of ravioli. Top with some of the mozzarella cheese, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, and another 1/2 cup of sauce.2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Keep doing this until you have layered all the ravioli. Try to only use a half of the mozzarella cheese while layering. On the very top, there should be the layer with the remaining sauce and top that with all of the mozzarella that is left.
- Cook this for about 25 minutes or until bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving with parmesan for garnish.parmesan cheese for garnish
Notes
- Use cooking spray on your baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
- If you want a crispier top, broil for a minute or two at the end.
- Mix a little Italian seasoning into your sauce for extra flavor.
- Use a mix of different cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- For a lighter version, use a smaller amount of cheese and add more veggies.
Nutrition
Originally posted Oct. 2013, Updated Jan. 2024
Comments & Reviews
Carrie from Carrie This Home says
I was hooked at your title…I guess I love finding lazy recipes! This looks super easy so I’m pinning it now. I’m visiting from Serenity Now. Have a great weekend!
Maria says
This looks so yummy! What a great way to use those filled fresh pasta bits.
Thanks for sharing!
Becca from ItsYummi.com says
What a perfect, comfort food! You can’t go wrong with lasagna 🙂
I found you at the Best of the Weekend link party!
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Ooh ravioli lasagna sounds absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing the recipe at my link party; pinning this one for sure!
AnnMarie says
This is a delicious looking way to cheat! I never thought to use ravioli…perfect! Visiting from Weekend Wonder.
carolinaheartstrings says
This looks terrific. I cannot wait to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing it.
Erin {Delightful E Made} says
Such a great idea for a busy, weeknight meal. Stopping by from Talent Show Tuesday.
Jennie says
This looks so good!
I have a giveaway going on and today is the last day to enter, would love for you to check it out!
http://thediaryofarealhousewife.blogspot.com/2013/10/sponsorship-giveaway.html
Catherine says
Dear Dana, I love how simple and delicious this recipe is…perfect for those crazy week nights. Stopping by from Sweet & Savoury. Visit soon. Blessings, Catherine xo
AnnMarie says
Had to come back to tell you that I made this last night for dinner. It was SO good! My husband ate most of it and took the rest to work today! Great recipe!
Dana DeVolk says
YAY!! You’ve made my day, so glad you both loved it!
Cindy @Hun... What's for Dinner? says
My family loves this type of casserole. I love that is so much quicker than regular lasagna. Thanks for sharing at Simple Supper Tuesday.
carissa says
um, totally making this tonight. can’t believe i never thought about using ravioli as lasagna. genius girl!
Ritchil says
I love lasagna and this looks delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
Heather @ French Press says
strange coincidence – I am making a similar version of this right now 🙂
Leah says
This looks so easy and delicious. I think my kids will even eat it! Who doesn’t like raviolis? Thanks for sharing it at the Friday Follow Along. Hope you will stop by again this week because we are featuring this!
Julie Corbisiero says
Hi, I love this recipe! My family would love this and this is so much easier than making the traditional lasagna! I saw it on domestic superhero’s party.
Julie at julieslifestyle.blogspot.com
theresa says
Brilliant!! I will for sure try these. Thanks!
Steph @ Crafting in the Rain says
Great idea–looks yummy!
Kayla says
Sounds delish! And I need anything that’s simple to make – I’m ALWAYS lazy when it comes to cooking. I’m hosing a state art giveaway that you should enter! http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/10/state-art-giveaway-from-word-lust.html