If you love the comforting, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna but dread the lengthy prep and endless dishes, this Lazy Lasagna Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It takes all the flavors you adore—rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and savory parmesan—and layers them with frozen cheese ravioli for a fuss-free family favorite that tastes like it took hours to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a heartwarming meal without the hassle!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential to bringing this Lazy Lasagna Recipe to life. Each one contributes to the dish’s perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible cheesy melt that makes it so satisfying.
- Frozen cheese ravioli: Using frozen ravioli keeps things easy and provides the perfect pasta base packed with creamy cheese inside.
- Tomato sauce: Choose a flavorful jarred tomato sauce or your own homemade variety for that rich, tangy layer.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This melts beautifully and adds that signature stretchy cheese appeal.
- Grated parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan brings depth and a slightly nutty finish to the dish.
How to Make Lazy Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready and hot when you start assembling your layers, so everything cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
Step 2: Start with a layer of tomato sauce
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. This not only prevents sticking but also infuses the ravioli with saucy goodness from the get-go.
Step 3: Arrange the ravioli
Place a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce. You don’t need to thaw them first—this saves prep time and they’ll cook beautifully in the sauce and oven heat.
Step 4: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese
Generously scatter shredded mozzarella over the ravioli layer. This cheese ensures each bite is ooey and gooey, capturing the essence of classic lasagna.
Step 5: Build alternating layers
Repeat layering sauce, ravioli, and mozzarella until all ingredients are used up, making sure to finish with a top layer of mozzarella to create that golden bubbly crust we all crave.
Step 6: Cover and bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake for 30 minutes. This lets everything cook through without drying out the layers.
Step 7: Uncover and finish baking
Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly. This finishing step adds that irresistible browned topping.
Step 8: Let it cool slightly before serving
Allow your lazy lasagna to rest for a few minutes. This helps it set so it slices beautifully and won’t spill over when you serve.
How to Serve Lazy Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley on top add a burst of color and a fresh note, balancing the richness of the cheese and sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette or some garlicky steamed broccoli for a light, complementary crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the lasagna in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch or layer in a clear glass dish to show off all those beautiful layers right through the sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover lazy lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen and become more harmonious overnight!
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble and bake as directed, then cool completely before wrapping well and freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions but keep a glass of water nearby to maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli will cook faster, so reduce the baking time slightly and keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
What type of tomato sauce works best?
Any flavorful tomato sauce you love will work, whether it’s spicy, herbed, or classic marinara. Feel free to experiment to find your family’s favorite.
Is there a meat version of this Lazy Lasagna Recipe?
Yes! You can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed mushrooms between the layers for extra heartiness and flavor depth.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! Use gluten-free cheese ravioli instead of regular, and make sure your tomato sauce doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients.
How do I prevent the ravioli from sticking together?
Spreading sauce on the bottom and layering generously with sauce between ravioli helps prevent them from sticking as they bake.
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Lasagna Recipe is pure magic on a weeknight table—effortless to throw together yet wildly satisfying to eat. When life gets busy and you crave that cozy, cheesy comfort food, this dish has got you covered. Give it a go, and get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation that feels like a hug in every bite.
Print
Lazy Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Lazy Lasagna recipe offers a quick and easy alternative to traditional lasagna by using frozen cheese ravioli layered with tomato sauce and lots of cheese. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with minimal prep work.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 (24 oz) jar tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a hot environment for even baking.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor to the base.
- Layer Ravioli: Arrange a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli on top of the sauce. Do not thaw the ravioli before layering.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ravioli to create a cheesy layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers of tomato sauce, ravioli, and mozzarella cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the ravioli to cook through.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the lasagna cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set and enhance flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the tomato sauce with marinara or your favorite pasta sauce for a different flavor.
- Adding cooked ground beef or vegetables between layers can make the dish heartier.
- Use whole grain or gluten-free ravioli to make it suitable for specific dietary needs.
- Let the lasagna rest for about 5 minutes before serving to make slicing easier and prevent it from falling apart.
