If you’re searching for a no-fuss, delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (Lazy Lasagna) Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe takes frozen ravioli, rich pasta sauce, and melty cheese, then transforms them into a bubbling, golden-baked dish that everyone will rave about. It’s comfort food at its simplest and fastest, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a hearty meal without the hassle of traditional lasagna layers. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on repeat in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (Lazy Lasagna) Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a few ingredients come together to create a flavorful, satisfying dish. Each element plays an essential role: the ravioli provides the perfect bite-sized pasta filled with cheesy goodness, the sauce keeps everything saucy and rich, and the cheese on top crowns the dish with a golden, bubbly finish that makes it irresistible.
- Frozen cheese ravioli: The star of the dish, these pockets of cheese cook perfectly in the oven and save tons of prep time.
- Pasta sauce (about 24 oz): Pick your favorite jarred variety for that classic, comforting Italian flavor that soaks beautifully into the ravioli.
- Shredded mozzarella (2 cups, heaping): This cheese melts to gooey perfection, bridging all the layers together with delicious stretchiness.
- Shredded parmesan (1/2 cup, optional): For a little extra savory kick and a lovely browned finish if you want to add it on top.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (Lazy Lasagna) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 400° F and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. This greased pan ensures nothing sticks and your layers bake beautifully together.
Step 2: Build the First Layer
Spread a generous yet thin layer of pasta sauce across the bottom of your greased pan—about three-quarters of a cup will do. This foundation keeps the ravioli moist and adds that rich tomato flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Layer the Ravioli
Arrange about half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer atop the sauce, usually around 12 pieces. No need to thaw—frozen ravioli bake perfectly straight from the bag, saving you precious time.
Step 4: Add More Sauce and Cheese
Next, spoon half of your remaining sauce over the ravioli, then sprinkle on half of the shredded mozzarella. The sauce keeps everything saucy while the mozzarella starts that wonderfully stretchy cheese layer we all love with baked pasta.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Keep the rhythm going by repeating those layers: the rest of the ravioli, followed by the remaining sauce and mozzarella. If you like, finish by sprinkling the optional parmesan evenly over the top for a golden, savory crust.
Step 6: Bake Covered Then Uncovered
Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until you see that beautiful cheese bubbling and browning. This final step gives you the perfect balance of melty cheese and crispy edges.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Pull it from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes, then serve hot. The layering takes no time but yields a dish that tastes like you spent hours fussing over it.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (Lazy Lasagna) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that always elevates baked pasta dishes. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick, perfect if you like a bit of heat with your cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed veggies, such as broccoli or green beans, bring texture and nutrition to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins for perfectly portioned, baked ravioli cups. Or layer into mini casserole dishes for individual servings that impress at any dinner party or potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even better after a day, making leftover lunches or quick dinners a treat.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the entire dish in a freezer-safe container, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350° F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. Adding a touch of extra mozzarella on top before reheating keeps it nice and melty.
FAQs
Can I use refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Using refrigerated ravioli is perfectly fine. Just reduce the initial covered baking time by 5 to 10 minutes since refrigerated ravioli cook faster than frozen.
What types of pasta sauce work best for this recipe?
Any pasta sauce you love will work, from classic marinara to creamy alfredo or even pesto. Feel free to experiment—recently, a kale pesto with white cheddar sauce turned out amazing, adding a unique twist to this lazy lasagna.
Is this dish suitable for picky eaters?
Yes! The familiar flavors of cheese, pasta, and sauce make it a hit even with picky eaters. Plus, you can customize it by adding veggies, meat, or herbs to gently introduce new flavors.
Can I add meat or vegetables to this recipe?
Sure thing! This recipe is very flexible. Add cooked ground beef, sausage, spinach, or your favorite veggies between the layers to bulk it up and boost nutrition.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The dish is ready when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn a light golden brown. The sauce should be hot and bubbling around the edges, signaling it’s time to dig in.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about the 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (Lazy Lasagna) Recipe that makes it a family favorite for good reason. It’s quick, easy, and so delicious that it feels like a special dinner even on the busiest days. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort meal that everyone at your table will adore!
Print3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli (Lazy Lasagna) Recipe
This 3 Ingredient Baked Ravioli, also known as Lazy Lasagna, is a quick and easy dinner recipe that the whole family will love. Made with just frozen ravioli, pasta sauce, and cheese, it layers these simple ingredients and bakes them to create a delicious, hassle-free lasagna-like meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is both budget-friendly and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (24 oz) bag of frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 (24 oz) jar of pasta sauce (any kind)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (heaping)
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Spread sauce: Spread about 3/4 cup of pasta sauce in a thin, even layer on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer ravioli: Arrange half of the frozen ravioli (approximately 12 pieces) in a single layer over the sauce.
- Add sauce and cheese: Spoon half of the remaining pasta sauce evenly over the ravioli, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat layers: Layer the remaining ravioli over the cheese, followed by the leftover sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese. Optionally, sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Brown the cheese: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite sides such as vegetables, salad, or garlic bread.
Notes
- Feel free to customize by adding ground beef, sausage crumbles, spinach, herbs, vegetables, or extra seasonings to the layers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Try alternative sauces like Alfredo, pesto, or butternut squash for a different twist. The “Kale Pesto With White Cheddar” sauce from Costco is highly recommended.
- If using refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen, reduce the covered baking time by 5-10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
