This easy and no-fuss version of classic lasagna swaps traditional noodles for cheesy ravioli, making it a quick and satisfying dinner with layers of ground beef, rich pasta sauce, and gooey cheese. Perfect for beginners or anyone craving lasagna without the extra steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lazy Beef Lasagna is an incredibly easy and flavorful dish that requires minimal preparation while still delivering all the comforting layers of a classic lasagna. With ground beef, marinara sauce, ravioli, and melted cheese all baked to perfection, this dish is both time-saving and delicious. The use of ravioli eliminates the need for lasagna noodles, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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1 1/2 pounds ground beef (93% lean or leaner)
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1 tablespoon minced garlic
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon pepper
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1 jar (26 ounces) prepared pasta or marinara sauce
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1 1/2 cups water
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1 package (20 to 25 ounces) refrigerated or frozen cheese ravioli
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1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and garlic, cooking for 8 to 10 minutes until the beef breaks into 3/4-inch crumbles. Stir occasionally. Remove from the skillet with a slotted spoon, pour off the drippings, and return the beef to the skillet.
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Stir in salt, nutmeg, and pepper. Mix well. Add the pasta sauce and water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Coat a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. Layer half of the ravioli, half of the beef mixture, and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining ravioli, beef mixture, and cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes (20 minutes if using frozen ravioli). Uncover and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the pasta is tender.
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Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6 servings
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cooking time: 40 minutes
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Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or mushrooms for a meatless version.
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Extra vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
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Different cheeses: Swap the Italian cheese blend for mozzarella or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes until hot.
FAQs
Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of ravioli?
Yes, you can substitute regular lasagna noodles, but you’ll need to boil them first and adjust the layering process.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It may need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute for a leaner version of this dish.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this lasagna freezes well for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
Add herbs like basil, oregano, or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara or pasta sauce works perfectly in this recipe for a time-saving option.
Is there a non-dairy version of this recipe?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese blends and make sure the ravioli is dairy-free to keep it vegan.
Can I add more cheese to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more cheese to the layers or sprinkle extra on top for a cheesier lasagna.
What type of ravioli should I use?
You can use cheese ravioli, or for a twist, try spinach and cheese or meat-filled ravioli for added texture and flavor.
How can I make this spicier?
For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce.
Conclusion
Lazy Beef Lasagna is a perfect weeknight meal that delivers all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the time-consuming prep. With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal steps, you can enjoy a hearty and delicious lasagna that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re a beginner cook or just looking for a quick dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Print
Lazy Beef Lasagna
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Lazy Beef Lasagna is a quick and easy twist on the classic lasagna recipe! With ground beef, marinara sauce, cheese ravioli, and melted cheese, it’s a comforting, no-fuss dish perfect for busy weeknights. Just assemble and bake, and you’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal ready in under an hour. Ideal for beginners or anyone craving lasagna without the hassle, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (93% lean or leaner)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 jar (26 ounces) prepared pasta or marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups water
1 package (20 to 25 ounces) refrigerated or frozen cheese ravioli
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
Instructions
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Cook the Ground Beef:
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and garlic, cooking for 8 to 10 minutes until the beef breaks into 3/4-inch crumbles. Stir occasionally. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon, pour off drippings, and return the beef to the skillet. -
Season the Beef:
Stir in salt, nutmeg, and pepper. Mix well. Add the pasta sauce and water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
Assemble the Lasagna:
Coat a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Layer half of the ravioli, half of the beef mixture, and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining ravioli, beef mixture, and cheese. -
Bake:
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes (20 minutes if using frozen ravioli). Uncover and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the ravioli is tender. -
Let Stand:
Allow the lasagna to stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or mushrooms for a meatless lasagna.
Extra Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Cheese Swap: You can substitute the Italian cheese blend with mozzarella or ricotta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
