This oven baked 3-ingredient lazy ravioli lasagna is the kind of weeknight shortcut that feels almost too good to be true. Instead of boiling noodles, mixing fillings, and layering a traditional lasagna, frozen cheese ravioli steps in for both the pasta and the cheese layer, which makes dinner come together fast with barely any prep. It reminds me of the budget-friendly, low-effort meals that somehow got passed around from roommate to roommate, and it is still one of my favorite tricks for getting a cozy baked pasta on the table after a long workday.
Serve this with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted broccoli if you want to round it out into a full meal. It also pairs really well with Caesar salad, sautéed zucchini, or even a bagged salad kit on especially busy nights. If you are feeding a crowd, set out extra warm marinara and a little grated Parmesan so everyone can help themselves.
Oven Baked 3-Ingredient Lazy Ravioli Lasagna
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 package frozen cheese ravioli, 25 ounces
1 jar marinara sauce, 24 ounces
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9x13-inch rectangular glass baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in an even layer over the sauce, spoon over about half of the remaining marinara, and sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
3. Repeat with the remaining ravioli, the rest of the marinara, and the remaining 1 cup mozzarella, making sure the top is covered well so the pasta stays moist while baking.
4. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
5. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before scooping and serving so the layers can set up a bit and hold together better.
Variations & Tips
Meat Lover's Version: Add a layer of cooked Italian sausage or browned ground beef between the ravioli layers for a heartier dinner. If you go this route, drain the meat well so the lasagna does not get watery.
Veggie Boost: Stir a few handfuls of baby spinach into the marinara or add a layer of sautéed mushrooms and zucchini. This is an easy way to stretch the dish and work in some vegetables without making the recipe much more complicated.
Cheese Swap: Try part mozzarella and part shredded Italian blend for extra flavor. A little grated Parmesan on top during the last few minutes of baking also adds a nice salty finish.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the whole dish in the morning, cover, and refrigerate until dinner. If baking straight from the fridge, add about 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time.
Freezer Tip: This recipe freezes well before or after baking. Wrap it tightly, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or baking for best texture.