Cozy Fall Ravioli Lasagna Recipe Ready in Just 40 Minutes
Oh, you’re going to love this fall ravioli lasagna – it’s my go-to cozy dish when I want something comforting but don’t feel like wrestling with floppy lasagna noodles. It’s the best of both worlds: the rich, cheesy layers of lasagna, but with plump, tender ravioli doing all the heavy lifting. Perfect for those crisp autumn evenings when you crave warmth without the fuss.
What makes this recipe special? It’s ridiculously easy (we’re talking 15 minutes of prep!) and completely vegetarian, but still hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites. The marinara melds with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella, while the ravioli soaks up all those delicious flavors. And here’s my secret: swap in butternut squash ravioli for an extra autumn twist. Trust me, one bite and you’ll see why this dish has become a fall staple in my kitchen.
Fall Ravioli Lasagna Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy masterpiece – and yes, I’m picky about a few of these:
- 1 package (20 oz) cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen – but fresh gives that perfect al dente bite)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (your favorite brand, or homemade if you’re feeling fancy)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (pack it lightly – we want gooey coverage!)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, not the shaky-can kind)
- 1 large egg (this helps bind our ricotta layer)
- 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh if you’ve got it)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (trust me, it blends better than fresh here)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip – it wakes up all the flavors)
How to Make Fall Ravioli Lasagna
Alright, let’s get layering! This method is so simple – even my 10-year-old nephew can help assemble it (though he mostly just sneaks cheese). Follow these steps and you’ll have bubbly, golden perfection:
Preparing the Ricotta Mixture
First, grab a medium bowl and plop in your ricotta. Crack in the egg – I like to beat mine lightly first to avoid white streaks. Add Parmesan, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until it’s dreamily creamy. Taste it! Needs more pepper? Add it now. This mixture should make you want to eat it with a spoon.
Layering the Fall Ravioli Lasagna
Okay, here’s where the magic happens. Spread just enough marinara to thinly coat your baking dish – I use the back of a spoon for this. Now arrange half your cooked ravioli in a single layer (they can snuggle but shouldn’t pile). Dollop half the ricotta mixture over top (spoons work great for this) and gently spread. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella – don’t skimp! Repeat: sauce, ravioli, ricotta, then finish with ALL the remaining mozzarella because cheese is life.
Baking and Resting
Pop it in your preheated oven and watch for two things: bubbling edges (about 20 minutes in) and golden-brown cheese (last 5 minutes). Resist cutting immediately! Let it rest 5 minutes – this keeps the layers from becoming a cheesy landslide. The wait kills me every time, but it’s worth it.
Why You’ll Love This Fall Ravioli Lasagna
This dish has earned a permanent spot in my fall rotation, and here’s why:
- Weeknight superhero: It’s ready in 40 minutes flat – faster than takeout but tastes like you slaved for hours
- Endlessly adaptable: Swap in butternut squash ravioli or add sautéed mushrooms – it’s your canvas!
- Always a hit: Even picky eaters devour it (my niece asks for seconds every time)
- Autumn in every bite: Warm spices in the marinara and earthy cheese flavors scream cozy season
Seriously, it’s the comfort food hug your fall dinners have been missing.
Fall Ravioli Lasagna Variations
This recipe is like your favorite sweater – cozy as is, but so fun to accessorize! Here’s how I mix it up depending on my mood and what’s in the fridge:
- Butternut squash ravioli: My autumn MVP – the sweet squash plays beautifully with the savory cheeses
- Greens boost: Stir a handful of chopped spinach or kale into the ricotta mixture
- Meat lover’s twist: Brown some Italian sausage or ground beef and layer it with the marinara
- Mushroom magic: Sautéed wild mushrooms add earthy depth between layers
The best part? No matter how you tweak it, it always comes out deliciously comforting.
Serving Suggestions for Fall Ravioli Lasagna
This dish shines bright on its own, but oh, the sides I’ve paired it with over the years! A crusty garlic bread is my must-have – perfect for scooping up every last bit of cheesy marinara. For balance, I love a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy edges. The contrast of textures makes each bite of the warm, gooey lasagna even more satisfying.
Storing and Reheating Fall Ravioli Lasagna
Leftovers? Lucky you! This dish keeps beautifully. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual portions in foil and freeze for 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating).
When reheating, I swear by the oven method – 350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly. Microwave works in a pinch (1-2 minutes, stirring halfway), but the cheese won’t stay as gloriously gooey. Pro tip: add a splash of water before reheating to keep it moist!
Fall Ravioli Lasagna Nutrition
Now, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are estimates based on my exact ingredients. Your counts might dance around a bit depending on your cheese brands or ravioli choice!
- Calories: About 420 per hearty serving
- Protein: 22g (thanks to all that cheesy goodness!)
- Carbs: 45g (ravioli does the heavy lifting here)
- Fiber: 4g (more if you sneak in those greens)
It’s comfort food, sure, but packed with protein and calcium too. Everything in moderation, right?
Fall Ravioli Lasagna FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli? Absolutely! No need to thaw – just add 5 extra minutes to the bake time. The texture might be slightly softer than fresh, but still delicious. I keep a bag of frozen cheese ravioli in my freezer specifically for this recipe!
How do I make this gluten-free? Easy peasy! Just swap regular ravioli for your favorite gluten-free variety. Many brands now make fantastic GF pasta that holds up beautifully in baked dishes like this.
Can I prepare it ahead? You bet! Assemble the whole dish (unbaked), cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, add 10 extra minutes to the bake time. Perfect for stress-free entertaining!
What if I don’t have ricotta? Cottage cheese works in a pinch – just blend it smooth first. Or get fancy with mascarpone mixed with a splash of cream. Improvising is half the fun!
Try This Fall Ravioli Lasagna and Share Your Twist!
There you have it – my foolproof fall ravioli lasagna that never fails to impress. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this dish delivers every single time. I can’t wait for you to experience that first cheesy, saucy bite!
Now it’s your turn – make this recipe your own! Did you try butternut squash ravioli? Add crispy pancetta? Maybe swirl in some pesto? I’m always looking for new ways to jazz up this classic. Drop your creative twists in the comments below – let’s inspire each other with our kitchen adventures!
Happy cooking, friends. May your ravioli layers be plentiful and your cheese always golden-brown.
PrintCozy Fall Ravioli Lasagna Recipe Ready in Just 40 Minutes
A layered dish combining ravioli and lasagna elements, perfect for fall flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 package (20 oz) cheese ravioli
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook ravioli according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara in a baking dish.
- Layer half the ravioli, then half the ricotta mixture, and half the mozzarella.
- Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use butternut squash ravioli for a fall twist.
- Add spinach to the ricotta mixture for extra greens.
- Leftovers keep for 3 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dish
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
