Cheesy ravioli, marinara, mozzarella, and parmesan—this Lazy Lasagna is the shortcut dinner you’ll actually want on repeat.
Confession time: traditional lasagna and I… we’re on complicated terms. Don’t get me wrong—I love eating it. Who doesn’t love layers of pasta, sauce, and way too much cheese? But the process? It feels like prepping for Thanksgiving on a Tuesday night. Boil the noodles, shred the cheese, mix the ricotta—it’s like doing a puzzle where the reward is a mountain of dirty dishes.
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
One winter evening, years back, I was exhausted after a road trip. I’d driven through a snowstorm (the kind where your shoulders tense up so much you feel like you’ve aged five years) and all I wanted when I got home was comfort food. Of course, lasagna popped into my head—but there was no way I was starting that whole ordeal at 7:30 p.m.
So I improvised. I found a bag of frozen cheese ravioli in the freezer (bought during one of those “I’ll just grab extras” grocery runs). A jar of marinara in the pantry, mozzarella in the fridge. I layered it all together and hoped for the best. When it came out of the oven, bubbly and golden, I swear I nearly cried. My husband thought I’d been in the kitchen for hours. I didn’t correct him. Sometimes you’ve gotta let people believe you’re superhuman.
Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
Table of content
Why You’ll Love This Lazy Lasagna Recipe?
Here’s the thing—this Lazy Lasagna is the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve gamed the system. Ten minutes of prep and the result looks like you worked all afternoon. It’s almost unfair.
Now, I’m not saying it’s identical to your grandmother’s classic lasagna (the one she insists must have exactly three layers and simmered sauce that took all Sunday). But for a weeknight? For when you just want something cheesy, warm, and cozy without breaking your back? This is the move. Honestly, it’s saved me more times than I can count—soccer nights, late work days, even the time I had unexpected dinner guests and zero energy.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s talk ingredients, because even when you’re being “lazy,” the details matter:
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Marinara sauce: Whatever jar you like. I’ve used fancy organic brands and the cheap stuff, and honestly, both worked. If you’ve got homemade sauce in the freezer, even better—you’ll feel slightly less lazy.
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Frozen cheese ravioli: The unsung hero. It’s pasta + filling in one neat little package. And no, you don’t need to thaw it. Straight from the freezer, my friend.
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Mozzarella cheese: The stretchy, gooey part that makes you close your eyes when you take a bite.
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Parmesan cheese: That final salty, nutty sprinkle on top that crisps up beautifully under the broiler.
How To Make Lazy Lasagna?
Okay, let’s do this together.
Step 1 – Oven on. Preheat to 400°F. Grease your pan so you don’t curse yourself during cleanup.
Step 2 – Sauce base. Spread about ¾ cup of marinara in the dish. Think of it like tucking the ravioli into bed.
Step 3 – First layer. Add half the frozen ravioli. Don’t fuss if they overlap—this isn’t Top Chef.
Step 4 – More sauce, more cheese. Spoon on half the marinara, sprinkle mozzarella. Smells good already, right?
Step 5 – Repeat. Second layer of ravioli, the rest of the sauce, then mozzarella and finally parmesan. It’s like déjà vu, but cheesier.
Step 6 – Bake covered. Foil on, 30 minutes in the oven. This is when I usually tidy the kitchen and maybe scroll Instagram.
Step 7 – Bake uncovered. Foil off, another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. You’ll want to hover near the oven door, trust me.
Step 8 – Wait. Let it cool 5 minutes. Painful, I know, but worth it so you don’t burn the roof of your mouth.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
If, and it’s a big if, you’ve got leftovers, they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The oven brings the cheese back to life, but the microwave does the job if you’re impatient. Freezing? Totally works. Wrap it tight, stash it for up to 2 months, and you’ve got a backup plan for the night you just cannot.
Variations and Substitutions:
Because lazy doesn’t have to mean boring:
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Meatier version: Add cooked ground beef or sausage between layers.
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Veggie twist: Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini—sneak ‘em in. Nobody will complain.
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Ravioli swap: Go with meat or spinach ravioli instead of cheese.
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Cheese party: Mix in provolone or ricotta if you’re feeling fancy.
What to Serve with Lazy Lasagna?
Lazy Lasagna holds its own, but sides make it shine.
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Garlic bread. Always garlic bread.
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A simple green salad (for balance, or at least the illusion of it).
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Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus if you want to add some greens.
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Wine. Red feels obvious, but if all you’ve got is a cold white in the fridge, I say go for it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I thaw the ravioli first?
Nope. Straight from the freezer, which is the whole point.
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes! Assemble it in the morning, refrigerate, then bake at night. Add 10 minutes since it’ll be cold.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Use two pans—it’s great for potlucks or feeding relatives who show up uninvited.
This Lazy Lasagna isn’t perfect, and honestly, that’s what makes it wonderful. It’s the meal you lean on when life’s messy—when the sink’s already full, when work ran late, or when you just want something bubbling and cheesy without the stress. And hey, if you tell your family you slaved over it? I won’t say a word.
So, what about you—are you team “shortcuts are lifesavers,” or do you still swear by traditional lasagna nights? Either way, I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Lazy Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 1 25-ounce bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the oven and baking dish.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Layer the base.
- Pour approximately ¾ cup of marinara sauce into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly to coat the bottom.
Assemble the first layer.
- Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single, even layer over the sauce. Spoon half of the remaining marinara sauce over the ravioli, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
Create the second layer.
- Place the remaining ravioli on top, followed by the rest of the marinara sauce and mozzarella. Evenly distribute the parmesan cheese over the surface.
Bake covered.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Bake uncovered.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
Cool and serve.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for approximately 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
