Enjoy a hassle-free Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna by layering cheese-filled ravioli, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese in your slow cooker. A perfect, comforting meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with minimal effort
- Uses frozen ravioli for convenience
- A delicious slow-cooked meal perfect for busy days
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Rich, cheesy, and hearty comfort food
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara or pasta sauce
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 25 ounces frozen cheese ravioli (do not thaw)
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
- Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce at the bottom.
- Layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce.
- Sprinkle 1¼ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ravioli.
- Repeat the layers: remaining ravioli, meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cook:
- Place a double layer of paper towels over the top of the slow cooker (ensuring they don’t touch the food) to absorb excess moisture.
- Cover with the lid and cook on low for 3–4 hours, until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted.
Serve:
- Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the lasagna rest for 15–20 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3–4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 4 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 servings
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to the sauce.
- Different Cheese: Mix in ricotta or provolone for added creaminess.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ravioli and ensure the sauce is gluten-free.
- Extra Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano can enhance the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish and freeze before cooking for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 2–3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to about 2 hours on low.
Do I need to cook the ravioli before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, frozen ravioli cooks perfectly in the slow cooker.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?
Draining the diced tomatoes and using paper towels on top of the slow cooker helps absorb excess moisture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything the night before and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.
What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
Any store-bought or homemade marinara sauce will work. Choose one with a rich tomato flavor.
Can I add ricotta cheese?
Yes! Add dollops of ricotta cheese between the layers for a richer texture.
Is it okay to cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook on high for about 2 hours, but the texture is best when cooked on low.
Can I use a different cheese blend?
Of course! Try a mix of cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
How do I make this dish healthier?
Use lean ground turkey, whole wheat ravioli, and a low-fat cheese option.
Conclusion
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a simple and delicious way to enjoy classic lasagna flavors without the hassle. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a hearty and comforting meal with minimal effort!
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Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Enjoy a hassle-free **Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna** by layering cheese-filled ravioli, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese in your slow cooker. A perfect, comforting meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara or pasta sauce
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 25 oz frozen cheese ravioli (do not thaw)
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet until browned. Drain fat.
- Stir in marinara, diced tomatoes, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
- Grease a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Layer meat sauce, frozen ravioli, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, topping with Parmesan.
- Cook:
- Cover with paper towels and cook on low for 3–4 hours until ravioli is tender.
- Serve:
- Let it rest 15–20 minutes before serving
Notes
- No need to thaw the ravioli before cooking.
- Use turkey or sausage instead of beef for variety.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Slow Cooking
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American