Lazy Lasagna
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Craving lasagna but short on time? Lazy lasagna is your answer! This easy recipe uses just 4 ingredients to create a tasty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can have a delicious lasagna-inspired meal on the table in under an hour with minimal prep work.
The secret to this quick and easy dish is using frozen cheese ravioli instead of traditional lasagna noodles. Simply layer the ravioli with marinara sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden. You get all the flavors of classic lasagna without the fuss. It’s a great way to satisfy your pasta cravings when you’re short on time or energy.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy lazy lasagna:
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
That’s it! Just four simple ingredients for a tasty meal.
You can find these items at most grocery stores. The frozen cheese ravioli is usually in the freezer section near other pasta products.
Feel free to use your favorite brand of marinara sauce. If you like extra cheesy lasagna, you can add a bit more mozzarella.
For best results, don’t thaw the ravioli before using. Keep them frozen until you’re ready to assemble the dish.
Remember to preheat your oven to 400°F and have a 9×13 inch baking dish ready. With these ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll have a yummy lasagna on the table in no time!
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray.
Pour 3/4 cup of marinara sauce into the dish. Spread it out evenly to cover the bottom.
Take half of your frozen ravioli and create a single layer on top of the sauce. Don’t worry if they overlap a bit.
Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the ravioli. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese on top.
Add another layer with the rest of the ravioli. Top with the leftover sauce and mozzarella. Finish by sprinkling all the Parmesan cheese on top.
Cover the dish tightly with foil. Pop it in the oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, take off the foil. Put the dish back in for 15 more minutes. The cheese should turn golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can pair it with a salad or garlic bread if you like.
That’s it! Your lazy lasagna is ready to enjoy. It’s that simple and tasty!
Possible Substitutes List
Want to switch things up? Try these tasty swaps in your lazy lasagna:
Sauce:
- Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist
- Vodka sauce for a tangy kick
- Homemade tomato sauce if you’re feeling fancy
Ravioli:
- Tortellini for a fun shape change
- Fresh ravioli if you prefer non-frozen
- Spinach or meat-filled ravioli to add veggies or protein
Cheeses:
- Italian cheese blend instead of just mozzarella
- Ricotta for a classic lasagna feel
- Provolone for extra flavor
Add-ins:
- Cooked ground beef or sausage between layers
- Sautéed veggies like spinach or zucchini
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano on top
Remember to adjust cooking times if using fresh pasta. These swaps let you customize your lazy lasagna to fit your tastes or use what’s in your fridge. Have fun experimenting!
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make this lazy lasagna more diabetes-friendly, you can make a few simple swaps. Start by using whole grain or low-carb ravioli instead of regular. This change helps control blood sugar spikes.
Choose a sugar-free marinara sauce or make your own with fresh tomatoes and herbs. This cuts down on added sugars that can affect blood glucose levels.
For the cheese, opt for reduced-fat versions of mozzarella and Parmesan. You’ll still get that gooey, cheesy goodness with less saturated fat.
Consider adding veggies to boost fiber and nutrients. Try these options:
- Spinach leaves between layers
- Diced zucchini mixed with the sauce
- Sliced mushrooms on top
To further reduce carbs, you can replace half the ravioli with thin zucchini slices. Just pat them dry before layering to avoid excess moisture.
When serving, stick to smaller portions and pair with a large side salad. This helps balance your plate and keeps carb intake in check.
Remember to check nutrition labels when shopping for ingredients. Look for options with lower carbs and sugars to make your lazy lasagna even more diabetes-friendly.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For extra flavor, try adding Italian seasoning or garlic powder to your marinara sauce. You can also mix in some cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
Don’t thaw the ravioli before using. The frozen pasta helps keep the lasagna from getting mushy as it bakes.
If you like your cheese extra gooey, sprinkle some additional mozzarella on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
To save time, prep this dish the night before. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, just pop it in the oven.
Leftovers taste great! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven.
You can freeze this lazy lasagna too. After baking, let it cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For a fun twist, try using different ravioli flavors like spinach or mushroom. You can also swap the marinara for Alfredo sauce to create a white lasagna.