If you’re craving the comfort of classic lasagna but want a fuss-free, hands-off approach, this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is the answer to dinner dreams. It captures all the hearty, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna layered with tender ravioli, rich meat sauce, and melty cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or just love set-it-and-forget-it meals, this recipe promises crowd-pleasing flavors with minimal effort and maximum warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary dish full of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of hearty comfort that will keep your family asking for seconds.
- Frozen cheese ravioli (25 oz): Using frozen ravioli means no extra pasta-making and perfect, pillowy layers that cook beautifully in the slow cooker.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 lb): Adds savory richness and a robust texture to the meat sauce base, making every bite satisfying.
- Marinara or pasta sauce (24 oz): Brings tangy tomato flavor and moisture that ties the dish together deliciously.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey, stretchy layers of cheesy goodness that everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp, nutty kick that enhances the depth of flavors perfectly.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Infuses the sauce with classic herbaceous notes like oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Provides that warm, aromatic hint of garlic without overpowering the dish.
- Salt (1/4 tsp) and black pepper (1/4 tsp): Simple seasonings to balance and brighten all the rich flavors.
- Chopped parsley or basil (optional garnish): Fresh herbs elevate the final look and add a fresh burst of flavor.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by browning your choice of ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Cooking it thoroughly ensures the meat is flavorful and juicy. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the sauce light, then stir in your marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This well-seasoned sauce is the heart of your lasagna, packed with rich, comforting flavors.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Spray the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking—a small step that makes serving and cleanup effortless. Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Next, arrange a single layer of the frozen ravioli evenly over the sauce. Add more sauce on top, then sprinkle a combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Repeat these layers—ravioli, sauce, cheese—until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a cheesy layer on top for a golden crust.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 and a half to 3 hours. The low and slow method melts the cheese beautifully and allows the ravioli to soften and soak up the sauce, while cooking on high speeds up the process without sacrificing flavor. The result is an irresistibly tender, bubbly, and cheesy lasagna bake straight from your slow cooker.
Step 4: Let It Rest and Garnish
Once the cooking time is up, let your Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe sit uncovered for about 10 to 15 minutes to set completely. This resting period gives it time to firm up so you can serve nice, clean slices. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil for a lovely pop of color and an herby, fresh finish.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkling of fresh parsley or basil is enough to brighten this hearty dish and add a touch of elegance. For extra indulgence, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can elevate the flavors even further.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even garlic bread to balance the meal. A tangy Caesar salad or steamed broccoli with lemon zest makes a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy lasagna layers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive dinner, serve this lasagna family-style right from the crockpot and let everyone help themselves—there’s something wonderfully comforting about sharing straight from the slow cooker. You could also portion it into individual ramekins and broil the tops for a bubbly, golden crust perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the flavors intensify after sitting, you might find that the next-day slices taste even better!
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Before freezing, portion the lasagna into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftover lasagna gently in the microwave or a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil if using the oven to prevent the cheese from drying out, and add a splash of marinara sauce or water if it seems a bit dry.
FAQs
Can I use spinach ravioli instead of cheese ravioli?
Absolutely! Spinach ravioli brings a lovely twist and adds extra greens; the flavors blend seamlessly with the meat sauce and cheeses in this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe.
Is it necessary to brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot?
Browning the meat first develops deeper flavors and helps reduce excess grease, which could make the dish soggy if not drained properly.
Can I add ricotta cheese to make it more like traditional lasagna?
Yes, layering ricotta cheese between ravioli and sauce adds creaminess reminiscent of classic baked lasagna. Add about a cup divided in the middle layers for extra richness.
What size crockpot works best for this recipe?
A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for layering and cooking the lasagna evenly without overcrowding or bubbling over.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before and cook it in the morning?
You can assemble the lasagna the night before, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and then slow cook it the next day. Just add extra cooking time if starting from cold ingredients in the crockpot.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is pure comfort food magic made simple. The layers of tender ravioli, savory meat sauce, and melty cheeses meld together beautifully after slow cooking, delivering big, cozy flavors with little effort. It’s a perfect meal for busy nights, family dinners, or whenever you want the ease of a crockpot meal without sacrificing that homemade, hearty taste. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to dishes!
Print
Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2.5 – 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting, simple-to-make meal that layers frozen cheese ravioli with a flavorful meat sauce and melty cheeses in a slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal prep and yields a deliciously hearty Italian-inspired dish with tender ravioli and rich, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (do not thaw)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped parsley or basil
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until it is browned and fully cooked through. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cooked meat in the skillet. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom to start the layers.
- Add Ravioli and Cheese Layers: Place a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce, then spoon more of the meat sauce on top. Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce layer. Repeat these layers — ravioli, meat sauce, cheeses — continuing until all ingredients are used, ensuring the final layer is cheese on top.
- Cook the Lasagna: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or alternatively on high for 2.5 to 3 hours. The ravioli should become tender and fully cooked through during this time.
- Rest Before Serving: Once cooking is complete, remove the lid and let the lasagna sit uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes to let it set and allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added flavor and color before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute meat or use spinach ravioli for a vegetarian variation.
- For a more classic lasagna texture, add a layer of ricotta cheese in the middle.
- If using sausage, opt for mild or spicy depending on your flavor preference.
- Make sure to not thaw the ravioli; cooking them frozen helps keep their shape and texture.
- Letting the lasagna rest before serving enhances the firmness and flavor melding.
