This Beef and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic lasagna, combining the rich flavors of ground beef, marinara sauce, and cheese-filled ravioli. Layered with fresh spinach and topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this lasagna is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how to create this delicious dish step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 packet (25 oz) beef ravioli
- 1 bag (10 oz) fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and ground pepper.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef and marinara sauce mixture.
- Add Ravioli: Place a layer of beef ravioli over the sauce.
- Add Spinach: Spread a layer of fresh spinach over the ravioli.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a portion of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the spinach.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of the beef and marinara sauce mixture on top.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Sprinkle the dried Italian herbs for added flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Cool Slightly: Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
- Serve: Serve the lasagna warm, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal!
Cooking Notes
- Beef: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Ravioli: Cheese ravioli can be used instead of beef ravioli if you prefer.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this lasagna? A: Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked lasagna. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of Beef and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna, follow these modifications:
- Ravioli: Replace the ravioli with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant.
- Sauce: Use a sugar-free marinara sauce to keep the carb count low.
- Cheese: Ensure all cheese used is full-fat and free of added sugars or fillers.
Beef and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of rich beef, savory marinara sauce, fresh spinach, and cheesy ravioli makes for a comforting and satisfying meal. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious twist on traditional lasagna!
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