Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty meal that’s almost effortless to make, look no further than Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna. This dish combines the rich, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna with the convenience of frozen ravioli and a slow cooker, resulting in a layered pasta bake that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you want a cozy, satisfying dinner, Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is bound to become a regular on your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna so approachable is its straightforward list of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from providing savory depth to delivering melty, irresistible cheese pulls. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a helpful tip for each:
- Frozen cheese ravioli (25 oz): These are the shortcut hero, delivering all the flavor of homemade pasta with none of the fuss—no need to thaw before layering!
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 pound): Choose your favorite for a rich, meaty base; sausage adds an herby kick, while beef keeps it classic.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz jar): Go with a brand you love or use homemade; a robust sauce brings everything together.
- Water (1/2 cup): This helps the ravioli cook perfectly in the slow cooker, ensuring a saucy, tender finish.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that infuses each layer with classic Italian flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, aromatic kick without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): The key to that gooey, stringy cheese layer everyone loves in lasagna.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): For a salty, nutty finish that takes the dish over the top.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): A pop of green freshness for color and a hint of brightness.
How to Make Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until it’s browned and cooked through, then drain off any excess grease. This step sets up the savory foundation for your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna and ensures there’s no extra oil in your finished dish.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Once the meat is browned, stir in the marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder right in the skillet. Mix everything together and let it simmer for a minute or two, just enough to blend the flavors. This creates a hearty, flavorful sauce that will soak into the ravioli and tie the whole lasagna together.
Step 3: Layer in the Crockpot
Lightly grease the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking. Spread a thin layer of your meat sauce on the bottom—this helps keep the ravioli from sticking and adds moisture. Begin layering: add a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw!), top with more sauce, then sprinkle with a bit of mozzarella. Repeat these layers, finishing with a generous layer of meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Each layer builds up the classic lasagna experience, only so much easier!
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. The magic happens here—your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna bakes gently, the ravioli become perfectly tender, and the cheeses melt into bubbly, golden perfection. The hardest part is waiting while those delicious aromas fill your kitchen!
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once the cheese is melted and everything is hot and bubbly, turn off the slow cooker and let your lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps it set up, making it easier to serve. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite.
How to Serve Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Garnishes
Finish your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna with a flourish of chopped fresh basil or parsley. Not only does this add a pop of color, but the fresh herbs also brighten up the rich, cheesy flavors. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a light dusting of extra Parmesan never hurts!
Side Dishes
This dish is filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies. The freshness of a salad or the crunch of garlic bread makes the perfect contrast to the creamy, saucy lasagna layers.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, try scooping portions into individual ramekins or serve family-style straight from the slow cooker. You can even make “lasagna bowls” by serving over a bed of sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles for an extra veggie boost. Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is as versatile as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors only get better as they meld together, making tomorrow’s lunch a treat!
Freezing
This recipe is a freezer superstar. Cool completely, then wrap portions tightly or use freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to three months. When you need a quick, hearty meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual portions until hot, or warm larger amounts in a covered baking dish at 350°F until bubbly. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of marinara before reheating to bring back that delicious saucy texture. Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna tastes just as wonderful the next day!
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli works well, but keep an eye on the cooking time as it will cook faster than frozen. Check for doneness after about 2 hours on low to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based meat substitute. Use your favorite vegetarian ravioli to keep things hearty and satisfying.
Can I add extra vegetables to Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna?
Definitely! Layer in fresh spinach, sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms between the ravioli for added nutrition and color. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies.
What size slow cooker works best?
A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, allowing plenty of room for even layers and bubbling cheese. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you may need to halve the recipe.
How do I keep the lasagna from sticking to the crockpot?
Lightly grease the bottom and sides of your slow cooker before layering the ingredients. This helps ensure easy serving and cleanup once your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is ready.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food shortcut that doesn’t skimp on flavor or fun. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to make weeknights a little easier, this recipe is a winner every time. Give it a try—you may never go back to traditional lasagna again!
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Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a hearty and comforting Italian-American dish that layers frozen cheese ravioli with a savory meat sauce and plenty of melted cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe combines the ease of a slow cooker with the classic flavors of lasagna, delivering a cheesy, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Main Ingredients
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder into the cooked meat, mixing well to combine all flavors.
- Layer in Crockpot: Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Add Ravioli: Arrange a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce evenly.
- Build Layers: Spoon more meat sauce over the ravioli and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering with ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of meat sauce topped by remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until ravioli is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to set and the lasagna to firm up. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach or beef ravioli for a different flavor profile.
- Add fresh spinach or sautéed vegetables between ravioli layers to boost nutrition.
- This lasagna freezes well and makes excellent leftovers, perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
