It’s 6pm, you’re tired, and everyone’s hungry. You want the comfort of pasta without the long wait. This Lazy Ravioli Skillet Lasagna is your new secret weapon for busy nights. It delivers all those classic Italian flavors in just one pan. You get cheesy, saucy goodness without boiling a separate pot of water.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a winner because it saves you so much time. Most lasagna recipes take hours of layering and baking. This version is ready in 30 minutes from start to finish. It is the perfect fit for a cozy fall weeknight dinner. Your whole family will love the tender pasta and melty cheese.
Simple Method
Making this meal is incredibly simple and stress-free. You start by browning the beef right in your skillet. Then, you stir in the sauce and frozen ravioli. The ravioli cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up all the flavor. Even if you are a beginner, you can master this one-pan meal easily.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You likely have most of these pantry staples in your kitchen right now.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 pound frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, approximately 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, water, oregano, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the frozen ravioli to the skillet and stir to ensure they are mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until ravioli are tender.
- Uncover and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Replace the lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this dish warm directly from the skillet for a rustic feel. It pairs perfectly with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad. You can also add a side of roasted broccoli for extra greens. Set the table and enjoy a stress-free family meal together. This dish makes everyone feel full and happy.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for three days. This meal actually tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for two minutes. You can also reheat it on the stove with a splash of water. This is a great option for easy weekday lunches at work.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the resting time after cooking to let the sauce thicken.
- Avoid overcooking the ravioli or they may become too soft and mushy.
- Use your favorite high-quality marinara sauce for the best overall flavor.
- Brown the meat thoroughly to get those savory, caramelized bits in the sauce.
- For a back-to-school treat, let the kids sprinkle the cheese on top.
- Upgrade the dish by adding a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage to add a spicy kick.
- Use gluten-free ravioli to make this meal safe for sensitive bellies.
- Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes.
- Try mushroom ravioli for a deeper, earthy flavor profile this fall.
Quick Answers
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, but you will need to reduce the cooking time significantly. Check them after five minutes to see if they are tender. You may also need slightly less water in the sauce.
Will my kids actually eat this?
Most kids love the combination of pasta, red sauce, and melted cheese. It tastes just like traditional lasagna but is much easier to chew. It is a guaranteed winner for picky eaters.
I hope this easy skillet meal makes your busy weeknights much smoother. There is nothing better than a warm, cheesy dinner that requires minimal cleanup. Happy cooking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup wate r
- 1 pound frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, approximately 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, water, oregano, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the frozen ravioli to the skillet and stir to ensure they are mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until ravioli are tender.
- Uncover and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Replace the lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
