Ravioli Lasagna With Ricotta: A Comfort Food Revelation

There are certain dishes that, no matter how many times I make them, transport me back to a specific moment in time. This Ravioli Lasagna is one of those culinary anchors for me. I remember a blustery autumn evening years ago, the kind where the wind rattles the windows and all you crave is something warm and deeply satisfying. I was experimenting in the kitchen, a familiar playground, and stumbled upon this inspired way to combine two beloved Italian-American staples: ravioli and lasagna. The aroma that filled my small apartment was nothing short of magic – a rich, tomatoey embrace layered with creamy ricotta and tender pasta. It was an instant hit, a testament to how simple, familiar ingredients can be transformed into something truly special, especially when they’re kid-approved!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: 1 9×13 inch baking dish
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (can be adapted)

Ingredients

This recipe is a beautiful celebration of convenience and flavor, relying on a few key ingredients to create a dish that feels both rustic and refined.

• 1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 (30 ounce) package frozen ravioli (I find Italian sausage or cheese-filled varieties to be particularly delicious here, but feel free to use your favorite!)
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 (15 ounce) carton ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Equipment Needed

You won’t need a vast arsenal of specialized tools for this remarkably straightforward dish.

• A large skillet with a lid (at least 10-12 inches in diameter)
• A medium-sized bowl
• A spatula or large spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

This Ravioli Lasagna comes together with surprising speed, making it an ideal weeknight meal that still feels like a treat. Follow these steps for a truly delightful outcome.

1. In your large skillet, combine the spaghetti sauce and water. Stir them together until well incorporated.
2. Place the skillet over medium-high heat and bring the sauce mixture to a boil.
3. Once the sauce is boiling, carefully stir in the frozen ravioli. Be sure they are submerged in the sauce as much as possible.
4. Cover the skillet with its lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes. This allows the ravioli to begin thawing and absorbing the delicious sauce.
5. While the ravioli are cooking, prepare the ricotta mixture. In your medium-sized bowl, combine the beaten egg, ricotta cheese, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir these ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined.
6. After the ravioli have cooked for 5 minutes, remove the lid from the skillet. Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the top of the ravioli and sauce. Try to distribute it in dollops or a thin layer, creating a creamy topping.
7. Cover the skillet again and continue to cook on low heat for about 10 minutes. This allows the ricotta mixture to heat through and set slightly.
8. Once the 10 minutes have elapsed, remove the skillet from the heat.
9. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the ricotta topping.
10. Cover the skillet once more and let it sit, off the heat, until the cheddar cheese is completely melted. This usually takes just a few minutes, and the residual heat is perfect for achieving a gooey, melted topping without overcooking the ravioli.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Ravioli Lasagna from simply good to absolutely unforgettable, consider these professional insights.

• Ravioli Choice Matters: While any frozen ravioli will work, opt for a variety with a robust filling like Italian sausage or a blend of cheeses. These flavors will meld beautifully with the spaghetti sauce. If you’re a vegetarian, a spinach and ricotta or mushroom ravioli is a fantastic alternative.
• Sauce Consistency: If your spaghetti sauce seems particularly thick, the addition of water is crucial. It helps to ensure the ravioli cook evenly and don’t stick to the bottom of the skillet. If, however, your sauce is quite thin, you might want to reduce the water slightly.
• The Ricotta Blend: Don’t overbeat the ricotta mixture. You want it to be smooth but not watery. The egg acts as a binder, and the parmesan adds a lovely nutty depth. A pinch of dried basil or oregano in this mixture can also be a delightful addition.
• Melting the Cheddar: The final step of melting the cheddar cheese off the heat is key. It prevents the cheese from becoming oily or rubbery and ensures a perfectly melted blanket over your creation. If you prefer a more browned cheese topping, you can briefly place the covered skillet under a broiler for a minute or two, watching it very closely to prevent burning.
• Skillet Size is Important: Using a skillet that is large enough for the ravioli to lie in a single layer (or as close to it as possible) will ensure even cooking. If your skillet is too small, the ravioli may cook unevenly, with some becoming mushy while others remain firm.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Ravioli Lasagna is best served piping hot, straight from the skillet, to showcase its comforting warmth.

• Serving: Carefully lift portions from the skillet with a spatula, ensuring you get a good mix of ravioli, sauce, and that glorious cheesy topping. It’s a hearty dish on its own, but a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread makes for a perfect accompaniment.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to prevent drying out. For larger quantities, you can reheat the entire dish in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content for this delightful Ravioli Lasagna.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)	% Daily Value
Calories	381.2 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	222 g	–
Total Fat	24.7 g	38%
Saturated Fat	14.3 g	71%
Cholesterol	125.3 mg	41%
Sodium	704 mg	29%
Total Carbohydrate	17.6 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	2.6 g	10%
Sugars	9.3 g	37%
Protein	21.7 g	43%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to personalize it to your tastes and dietary needs.

• Vegetarian Delight: As mentioned, use vegetarian ravioli such as spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or a four-cheese blend. Ensure your spaghetti sauce is also vegetarian.
• Gluten-Free Option: Look for gluten-free frozen ravioli. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
• Add Some Greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or chopped kale into the sauce during the last few minutes of the initial boiling stage. It will wilt down and add a lovely color and nutritional boost.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spaghetti sauce before boiling, or mix some into the ricotta cheese.
• Herbaceous Notes: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley, chopped and mixed into the ricotta or sprinkled on top before serving, can add a burst of freshness.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh due to the texture of the ravioli, you can assemble the sauce and ricotta mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and then proceed with the cooking steps when you’re ready to serve.

Q: What kind of ravioli is best for this recipe?
A: Italian sausage or cheese-filled ravioli are excellent choices. The richness of the sausage and the creamy cheese filling complement the spaghetti sauce beautifully.

Q: How do I prevent the ravioli from breaking apart?
A: Be gentle when stirring and spooning. Ensure the sauce is sufficiently heated before adding the ravioli, and avoid overcooking, which can make them too soft and prone to breaking.

Q: Can I bake this instead of cooking it on the stovetop?
A: This recipe is designed for stovetop cooking in a skillet for convenience and speed. Baking would require a different approach and likely a transfer to a baking dish, which would alter the cooking method significantly.

Q: Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
A: To make this dairy-free, you would need to use dairy-free ricotta alternatives and dairy-free shredded cheese. Ensure your frozen ravioli are also dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

This Ravioli Lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of pure comfort and satisfaction. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can create something truly magical. The way the creamy ricotta melts into the rich tomato sauce, embracing the tender ravioli, is a symphony for the senses. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering. Gather your loved ones, share a plate, and savor the simple joy this dish brings. I’d be delighted to hear your thoughts and any personal twists you might add!