Ravioli Lasagna Bake

Ravioli Lasagna Bake

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or spaghetti sauce
– 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 package (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
– Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. **Preheat Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. **Cook the Meat:**
– In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

3. **Prepare the Sauce:**
– Add the marinara or spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning to the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

4. **Assemble the Bake:**
– Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
– Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
– Spoon half of the ricotta cheese over the ravioli, spreading it out evenly.
– Sprinkle half of the chopped spinach (if using) over the ricotta cheese.
– Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the spinach.
– Repeat the layers with the remaining meat sauce, ravioli, ricotta cheese, spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

5. **Bake:**
– Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
– Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
– Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Enjoy your homemade ravioli lasagna bake!