Name: Lazy Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving the cozy, classic flavors of lasagna but don’t have the time or energy for all the layering and boiling, this Lazy Lasagna is about to become your new favorite weeknight go-to. Using frozen ravioli as a clever shortcut, you can get all the melty cheese, hearty meat sauce, and Italian comfort you love without any of the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this Lazy Lasagna serves up that irresistible taste with a fraction of the effort!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things beautifully simple, but don’t underestimate the impact of each ingredient! Every item adds something special, from rich meatiness and savory sauce to gooey cheese and a pop of fresh herbs.

Ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides a hearty, savory base—choose whichever you love best for a custom flavor twist.
Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down, making the sauce even more flavorful.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings warmth and zing that no good Italian dish can live without.
Marinara or pasta sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): The backbone of the dish, choose your favorite for a taste you love—homemade or store-bought both work wonderfully.
Italian seasoning: Just half a teaspoon, but it wakes up all those tomato and cheese flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing everything else.
Frozen cheese ravioli (25 oz): The true star of a Lazy Lasagna—no need to thaw or precook, just layer straight from the freezer!
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): All that gorgeous, gooey melt—you’ll love how it pulls.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Sprinkled at the end for a hit of sharp, nutty flavor and a golden top.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional): These herbs brighten up the whole dish, especially if you want a pretty finish for serving.

How to Make Lazy Lasagna

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this not only prevents sticking, but also makes cleanup a dream. While the oven heats up, gather all your ingredients to keep the process smooth and easy.

Step 2: Sauté Meat, Onion, and Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium, then add your ground beef or sausage and diced onion. Cook until everything is browned and crumbly—this builds a flavorful base. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute; you’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells amazing. Drain off any extra grease if necessary.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Stir in the jar of marinara or pasta sauce, along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This shortcut sauce will taste like it’s been cooking all afternoon thanks to your tasty add-ins.

Step 4: Layer the Lazy Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of your meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared dish—this helps prevent the ravioli from sticking. Add a layer of frozen cheese ravioli straight from the bag, no boiling required. Spoon more of the sauce on top and sprinkle on a generous helping of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all your ingredients are used, finishing with a lovely blanket of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that golden, cheesy top.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This helps everything melt and meld together. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and just starting to brown. Allow the Lazy Lasagna to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving—this makes it easier to slice (and gives extra eager eaters time to set the table!). Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like that pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Lazy Lasagna

Garnishes

A sprinkling of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving adds a beautiful burst of green and a hint of freshness to every bite. If you’re feeling indulgent, a little extra Parmesan on top never hurt anyone either!

Side Dishes

Lazy Lasagna pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette or some buttery garlic bread to scoop up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus also make tasty, colorful companions on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For something special, serve individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party, or spoon out big rustic squares family-style right from the baking dish. This recipe travels well, so it’s wonderful for potlucks and gatherings where comfort food is always welcome!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lazy Lasagna is actually even better the next day when all those flavors have mingled! Store cooled portions tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Simply spoon out as needed for quick lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

If you’d like to make an extra batch for later, Lazy Lasagna freezes like a dream. Wrap the unbaked (or baked and cooled) casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, just cover the portion and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works great—cover and heat on medium power in 1 to 2 minute bursts until hot.

FAQs

Can I use spinach or meat-filled ravioli instead of cheese?

Absolutely! Spinach or meat ravioli make delicious swaps in Lazy Lasagna. Just use them straight from the freezer and follow the same layering method for a new twist every time.

Do I need to thaw the ravioli first?

No thawing needed! That’s the beauty of this shortcut—frozen ravioli go right into the baking dish, and they’ll cook up perfectly in the oven as everything bakes together.

Is it possible to make Lazy Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the whole dish up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add about 10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground meat for plant-based crumbles or skip it altogether and boost the veggie content with sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach sautéed with the onions and garlic.

Why is my lasagna watery?

If there’s extra moisture, it’s often from the sauce or not letting the lasagna rest after baking. Use a thick sauce and always let Lazy Lasagna sit for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing so the layers can set up nicely.

Final Thoughts

The next time you’re craving hearty Italian comfort but need something unfussy, Lazy Lasagna is truly the answer. With bold flavor, gooey cheese, and barely any prep, it’s perfect for busy nights or sharing with friends and family. Give it a try and discover just how easy “lasagna night” can be!

Lazy Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Lazy Lasagna recipe is a quick and easy alternative to traditional lasagna, using frozen ravioli for a shortcut without sacrificing flavor. Layers of meat sauce, cheese, and pasta come together for a comforting meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients:

1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic and sauté, then drain excess grease if needed. Stir in the pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Layer the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the baking dish. Add a layer of frozen ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly. Let rest before serving. Garnish with herbs if desired.