If you’re craving lasagna but want something that’s fuss-free and comes together in a snap, this 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (A.K.A. Lazy Lasagna) Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s a warm, comforting baked pasta dish that layers frozen cheese ravioli with rich pasta sauce and melty mozzarella, all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or just want to indulge in a cozy meal without breaking a sweat, this Lazy Lasagna hits all the right notes: cheesy, saucy, and utterly satisfying with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The true charm of the 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (A.K.A. Lazy Lasagna) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that classic lasagna flavor without any hassle. From the tender ravioli pockets to the flavorful sauce and gooey cheese, every component works in harmony to create a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours, even though it didn’t.
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli: Using frozen ravioli is a time-saver and ensures perfectly cooked pasta that holds up during baking.
- Pasta Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce to add luscious tomato flavor and a touch of herbs.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This melts beautifully and blankets the dish with gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Optional Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick when sprinkled on top before baking.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (A.K.A. Lazy Lasagna) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a drizzle of olive oil. This simple step ensures your Lazy Lasagna won’t stick and makes clean-up much easier.
Step 2: Lay the Sauce Base
Spoon about ¾ cup of your chosen pasta sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This layer creates the perfect saucy foundation for the ravioli to nestle into, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Add the First Ravioli Layer
Next, arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer on top of the sauce. No need to thaw—just layer them right from the freezer! Then, spread half of the remaining pasta sauce over the ravioli, and sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Step 4: Repeat to Build Layers
Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and shredded mozzarella. If you’re using parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top for an added flavor and beautiful golden finish once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This keeps everything moist and allows the ravioli to cook through gently. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, so the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is total magic.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once baked, let the dish rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This pause helps the layers set slightly, making it easier to cut servings that hold together beautifully. Plus, it cools down just enough so everyone can dig in without burning their mouths!
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (A.K.A. Lazy Lasagna) Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up each plate, sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top. A light dusting of extra parmesan or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil also adds a lovely finishing touch that elevates this simple dish.
Side Dishes
Keep the sides fresh and easy with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal veggies. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are also fantastic companions to soak up all those cheesy tomato juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Lazy Lasagna in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned dinners, or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top for a little heat. You can also swap the mozzarella for a blend of Italian cheeses to customize your flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious if not better!
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. If you want to save some for later, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it covered and then uncovered as directed, adding extra baking time if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and bubbly. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and uncover toward the end for that perfect golden top.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli will work just as well. Just keep in mind that fresh ravioli cooks faster, so you might want to reduce baking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Do I have to use jarred pasta sauce?
Not at all. Homemade or store-bought sauce works perfectly here. Feel free to pick a sauce you love, whether it’s marinara, spicy arrabbiata, or a classic tomato basil.
Is it possible to add meat to this recipe?
Definitely! You can mix cooked ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken into the pasta sauce before layering for a heartier Lazy Lasagna.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, simply swap the cheese ravioli for a vegan variety, use a vegan pasta sauce, and replace mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives. It’s just as delicious and comforting!
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free ravioli in the frozen section and make sure your pasta sauce is labeled gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy a gluten-free version of this easy baked ravioli recipe.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (A.K.A. Lazy Lasagna) Recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a perfect weeknight winner or a casual dinner party dish that’s bound to impress with its simplicity and incredible flavors. Give it a try next time you want something cozy, cheesy, and effortlessly delicious—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
Print
3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (A.K.A. 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
Description
A simple and delicious 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli recipe, perfect for a quick and comforting meal. This easy lasagna-inspired dish layers frozen cheese ravioli with pasta sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bakes to bubbly perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Main 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: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread ¾ cup of pasta sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a flavorful base layer.
- First Layer: Arrange half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce layer, then spread half of the remaining sauce on top, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Second Layer: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and shredded mozzarella. If using, sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer for added richness.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the ravioli through and meld the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly for a perfect finish.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the baked ravioli to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, so it sets nicely and is easier to portion.
Notes
- You can substitute the pasta sauce with your favorite marinara or tomato-based sauce for different flavor profiles.
- For added texture and flavor, consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms between layers.
- The optional parmesan cheese on top provides a nice salty crust but can be omitted for a milder cheese flavor.
- If you prefer a less crispy top, keep the dish covered with foil for the entire baking time.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
