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
Scale
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.
