Lazy Lasagna: Weeknight Comfort Food

If you’re craving the cozy, cheesy goodness of lasagna but don’t have the time (or patience!) for layering noodles, simmering sauces, and waiting hours for it all to bake, I’ve got you covered. Meet my Lazy Lasagna—the weeknight-friendly version of this classic that uses one brilliant shortcut: frozen cheese ravioli.

This recipe takes all the flavors you love from traditional lasagna—savory meat sauce, tender pasta, gooey melted cheese—and streamlines it into a dish you can get on the table with minimal effort. Best part? It’s hearty enough for a family dinner but simple enough for even the busiest weeknight.

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Why You’ll Love This Lazy Lasagna

• Only 6 ingredients. No long grocery lists here—you’ll need just ground meat, store-bought ravioli, marinara, mozzarella, and a few finishing touches.
• Hands-off baking. Once it’s in the oven, you’re free to relax, set the table, or scroll your favorite show.
• Kid- and crowd-approved. Cheesy pasta baked to perfection? Say no more.
• Freezer-friendly. Assemble ahead and bake straight from the freezer when you need a fuss-free meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this lazy lasagna so magical:

• 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey – I usually use beef for a richer flavor, but turkey works beautifully for a lighter option.
• 24 oz jar marinara sauce – Grab your favorite brand or make it homemade if you’re feeling fancy.
• 24 oz bag frozen cheese-filled ravioli – This is the secret shortcut that saves you time.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella – For that melty, stretchy cheese pull.
• 1/2 cup water – Helps create steam so the ravioli cooks through.
• Parmesan & fresh parsley – Optional, but they make the dish look and taste restaurant-worthy.

How to Make Lazy Lasagna

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey for about 5–7 minutes until fully cooked. Stir in the marinara sauce and set aside.
3. Layer: Spread a spoonful of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 7×11” baking dish. Add half the frozen ravioli, half the remaining sauce, and half the mozzarella. Repeat for a second layer.
4. Add Water & Cover: Pour 1/2 cup water over the top (this ensures the ravioli cooks through), then cover tightly with foil.
5. Bake: Bake covered for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve: Let it cool slightly, then top with parmesan and parsley before serving.

Tips for Making Lazy Lasagna

• Don’t thaw the ravioli. Use them straight from the freezer—the oven steam will do the work.
• Cheese it up. Feel free to add extra mozzarella or even a layer of ricotta for a more traditional lasagna feel.
• Mix up the protein. Italian sausage, ground chicken, or even plant-based crumbles all work here.
• Make it ahead. Assemble the dish earlier in the day, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Just add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.

Variations to Try

Lazy lasagna is endlessly adaptable! Here are some fun spins:

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce.
• Spicy: Use spicy marinara or add red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• White Lasagna: Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce and add chicken or broccoli.

What to Serve with Lazy Lasagna

While this dish can easily stand on its own, I love pairing it with:

• Garlic bread – for scooping up all that saucy goodness.
• A crisp green salad – to balance out the richness.
• Roasted veggies – like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes! If using fresh ravioli, reduce the baking time by about 10–15 minutes.

Do I have to use beef or turkey?
Not at all—Italian sausage, chicken, or even plant-based ground “meat” all work.

Can I freeze lazy lasagna?
Absolutely. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for about 1 hour, uncovering for the last 15 minutes.

What size pan should I use?
A 7×11” dish works perfectly, but you can also use a 9×13” (just spread the layers thinner). You may need more ravioli to cover the pan completely.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Lazy Lasagna is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to mean complicated cooking. With just a few clever shortcuts, you can serve up a bubbly, cheesy, crowd-pleasing dish that tastes like it took hours—but really only required about 20 minutes of hands-on time.

Other Lasagna Recipes to Try

• Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups
• Hearty Lasagna Soup
• Mexican Lasagna
• Cabbage Lasagna