Lazy lasagna is a total game-changer for busy moms!
It’s quick, easy, and gets dinner on the table without all the fuss.
This Easy Lasagna With Ravioli skips all the hard stuff. Instead of traditional lasagna noodles, you just use pre-filled frozen ravioli.
Boom—half the work is done for you! It’s cheesy, delicious, and made with just a few simple ingredients.
Plus, it’s super budget-friendly, which is always a win in my book. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to the old way of making lasagna!
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Main Ingredients: Jarred pasta sauce, frozen ravioli, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and more
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Extras: Serve it with a side salad and some crusty bread to soak up some of the sauce
- Tip: Use frozen meatballs or pre-cooked sausage crumbles for a quick protein boost in your lazy lasagna layers.
Lazy Lasagna: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner Ever
Oh my goodness, earlier this week, I had a lot of errands and the kids were running around like they’d had extra sugar, and suddenly, I realized it was dinner time—with nothing planned.
Typical, right? That’s when lazy lasagna came to the rescue.
Lazy lasagna is my go-to for busy nights when I need something delicious without the mess. It’s ridiculously easy, and you’ll feel like a kitchen hero with almost no effort. Here’s how I throw it together:
Prep the Dish
While the oven preheats to 400 degrees, I prep the dish. First, I grab my 9×13 dish (aka my dinner MVP) and give it a quick spray with cooking spray—because who wants to deal with stuck-on messes? Then, I spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom. It’s the perfect start to keep things saucy and prevent anything from drying out.
Mix the Ricotta Magic
In a small bowl, I mix up some ricotta cheese with a sprinkle of garlic powder. It’s simple, but trust me, it makes the whole dish taste amazing. Once it’s mixed, I set it aside—ready to layer like a pro.
Layer It Up
Here’s where it gets fun. I make a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli—straight from the freezer, no thawing needed (score!). Then, I dollop on some of that ricotta mixture and spread it out. A handful of shredded mozzarella comes next because more cheese is always the answer.
Repeat and Finish
Now, I pour on another layer of sauce and repeat the ravioli, ricotta, and mozzarella layers until I’ve used up everything. I finish it off with one last layer of sauce and a good sprinkle of mozzarella on top. It already looks so good, it’s hard to wait!
Bake It
Into the oven, it goes—uncovered—for about 20 minutes. Once the cheese is melted and bubbling, the house smells like an Italian restaurant. To make the cheese brown, I’ll broil it for a couple of minutes to get that golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Cool and Serve
The hardest part? Letting it cool. I give it about 5-10 minutes so it sets up nicely and doesn’t burn anyone’s mouth (because someone always wants to sneak a bite too soon).
And there you have it—lazy lasagna that’s cheesy, saucy, and totally satisfying. It’s the easiest dinner win, hands down!
Tips for Making Lazy Lasagna
Making lazy lasagna is all about keeping it simple and stress-free, so have fun with it and make it your own! Here are some of my favorite tips for making lazy lasagna.
- Use Foil Pans for Easy Cleanup: Save yourself from scrubbing dishes by layering everything in a disposable foil pan.
- Add Extra Flavor: Sprinkle a little Italian seasoning or garlic powder between the layers for a boost of flavor. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!
- Make It Meaty: Want a heartier dish? Brown some ground beef or sausage and layer it in with the ravioli and sauce. So easy, and it makes the lasagna extra filling.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in some spinach or sautéed mushrooms if you want to add a healthy twist. No one will even notice under all that cheese.
- Broil for a Golden Top: For that restaurant-quality bubbly, golden cheese topping, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on it, though—cheese goes from golden to crispy fast!
- Freeze Like a Pro: If you’re making this ahead of time, assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven (add a little extra baking time if it’s still frozen).
Lazy Lasagna (Baked Ravioli Lasagna)
Ingredients
- 1 24 oz. Jar pasta sauce usually red sauce
- 3 cups Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder or fresh garlic
- 1 22 oz. Package frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 Tbsp Parsley, basil, or other seasoning optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees while you throw the ingredients together.
- Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray and add a layer of sauce to the bottom of the dish.
- In a bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese and the garlic powder and set aside.
- Arrange an even layer of frozen ravioli.
- Top the first layer of ravioli with 1 cup ricotta mixture.
- Sprinkle the ricotta with 1 cup of mozzarella.
- Add another layer of sauce, then ravioli, and all the rest to get a second layer of everything.
- Once the layers are done, top the lazy lasagna with the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Allow the lasagna to cool in the casserole dish for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Nutrition
Recipe Substitutions & Add-Ins
One of the best things about lazy lasagna is how flexible it is! You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your family likes. Here are some fun and simple substitution ideas:
The Ravioli
Don’t have cheese ravioli? Try using meat-filled ravioli, spinach ravioli, or even tortellini for a slightly different flavor.
The Sauce
No red pasta sauce? Marinara, Alfredo, or a vodka sauce works beautifully in this recipe. Want a kick? Use spicy arrabbiata!
Or you can make my simple and tasty pasta bolognese sauce in a pan real quick!
The Cheeses
If mozzarella isn’t your thing, shredded cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses will work just as well. For a creamier texture, swap the ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone.
Replace the cheeses with dairy-free alternatives and check your ravioli packaging for a dairy-free option.
Some Add-Ins
Want to pack in some veggies? Toss in sautéed spinach, zucchini slices, or mushrooms between the layers.
You can also add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
Serving Suggestions
Lazy lasagna is a total dinner hero—cheesy, saucy, and oh-so-comforting. But let’s be honest, no meal is complete without a few tasty sides to round it out!
Green Salad: Make a mix of romaine, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes with your favorite dressing. It adds a fresh, crisp bite to balance all that cheesy goodness of the lazy lasagna.
Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Warm up some garlic bread or breadsticks—they’re perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce. I love these Garlic Cheese Sticks, I make them with our pasta dinners at least 2X a month!
Steamed or Roasted Veggies: Keep it light with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted zucchini. They’re super easy to make and pair perfectly with the lasagna’s rich, cheesy flavors.
Italian-Inspired Spread: Got guests or just in the mood for something fun? Go all out with an Italian-inspired spread—think an antipasto platter, some olives, and maybe a sparkling drink.
More recipes you’ll want to try!
Looking for more easy and family-friendly meals? Check out these Air Fryer Hot Dogs for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner with minimal cleanup.
If you’re stuck in a dinner rut, my Weeknight Dinner Ideas will inspire you with simple, delicious options the whole family will love.
And don’t miss out on my Slow Cooker Dump and Go Meals, which showcase how easy you can throw some stuff into the slow cooker and have easy dinners come together with less effort.
FAQs
Can I make Lazy Lasagna ahead of time and freeze it?
Absolutely! Lazy lasagna is freezer gold. Put it together in a disposable 9×13 pan if you’re planning to freeze, then wrap it tightly with foil.
It will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven straight from the freezer at 425°F and bake for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Dinner is done; no stress is required.
Do I have to use store-bought pasta sauce, or can I make my own?
It’s totally up to you! Store-bought sauce is a huge time-saver, and there are so many high-quality options out there now.
If you’ve got the time (and energy!) to whip up a homemade sauce like a bolognese sauce – it’ll work beautifully in this recipe, too. Either way, you’re winning.
Can I make Lazy Lasagna in a crockpot?
Absolutely! Lazy lasagna works like a charm in the crockpot! Just spray it with nonstick cooking spray and layer up your sauce, ravioli, and cheese like usual.
Top with cheese, then cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours. Sprinkle on some chopped parsley or basil when it’s done, and you’re ready to serve.
Dinner doesn’t get easier than that!
Final Thoughts
Lazy lasagna is proof you don’t need a ton of time or fancy ingredients to whip up a meal your family will actually eat and clean their plates.
It’s cheesy, saucy, and pure comfort food—all without the stress. And hey, we’ve all had those “what’s for dinner” panic moments.
Whether you’re chasing after kids, juggling after-school chaos, or just trying to make it through a busy day, this recipe is your go-to for getting a delicious, no-fuss dinner on the table fast.
You’re doing amazing, mama—one easy, delicious meal at a time!
