If you are looking for a comforting and effortlessly delicious meal to cozy up to, this Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Layers of tender frozen ravioli, savory browned beef with aromatic herbs, rich marinara sauce, and melting mozzarella meld together beautifully in your slow cooker, taking all the hassle out of traditional lasagna-making. The best part? You layer it right in the crock pot, set it, and walk away while the slow cooker works its magic. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a bubbling, saucy, cheesy meal that tastes like it took hours of prep—without the stress. This recipe perfectly balances convenience, flavor, and that soul-satisfying feeling from a classic Italian kitchen favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that each bring their own special touch to the dish. From the perfectly seasoned ground beef to the quality marinara sauce and, of course, the ravioli itself, each item builds layers of flavor and texture that make this lasagna truly unforgettable.
- 25 oz. frozen ravioli (5 cheese recommended): Using frozen ravioli that does not need to be thawed keeps the recipe quick and ensures perfectly al dente pasta after slow cooking.
- 1 lb. ground beef (or mild sausage): Adds savory richness and protein; mild sausage works for a slight twist in flavor.
- 1 cup diced white onion: Brings a sweet, aromatic base to the meat mixture.
- 1/2 tsp. salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- 1/4 tsp. pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder: Gives a subtle garlicky note without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 tsp. dried leaf oregano: Adds that unmistakable Italian herb aroma; avoid ground oregano for better texture and flavor.
- 24 oz. marinara sauce (Rao’s or your favorite brand): Brings depth and acidity, rounding out the dish perfectly.
- 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups): Melts beautifully on top, creating that irresistible golden, cheesy crust.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Start by heating a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) along with the diced white onion. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Cook until the meat is nicely browned and the onion is tender. Remember, don’t drain all the fat—leaving a few tablespoons in there will keep the meat juicy and flavorful, adding another layer of deliciousness to your lasagna.
Step 2: Prep Your Slow Cooker
Next, spray your slow cooker insert lightly with non-stick spray to help prevent any sticking. This small step makes a big difference when it comes to cleanup and ensures your beautiful layers slide out smoothly when serving.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Now the fun part begins! Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a flavorful base. Then add half of the frozen ravioli, making sure they cover the sauce. Spoon all of the cooked meat and onion mixture evenly over the ravioli. Add the remaining ravioli on top of the meat, then pour the rest of the marinara sauce over everything. This layered approach ensures every bite delivers that perfect balance of pasta, meat, and sauce.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Cook
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the top layer. Place the lid on the slow cooker, set it to LOW, and cook for 4 hours. During this time, the ravioli will cook through, flavors meld together, and that mozzarella will melt into a bubbly, golden topping you’ll be eager to dig into.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After 4 hours, your Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is ready to serve. Grab a spatula and dish out hearty portions while the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey. This meal is comfort food at its finest, effortless and utterly delicious.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over each serving right before plating. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of savory richness and looks stunning against the bubbly mozzarella. For those who enjoy a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil can provide a delightful kick.
Side Dishes
This lasagna is hearty and filling, but pairing it with a crisp, refreshing salad like a classic Caesar or a mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette perfectly balances the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are fantastic for mopping up any leftover sauce—plus, who doesn’t love extra bread at the table? Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli are also lovely, healthy additions to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little fancy for guests or a special occasion, try serving your Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe layered in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for personal portions. Garnishing each with a sprig of herb or a single basil leaf adds charm. You can also offer an array of toppings on the side—like sliced olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or a drizzle of pesto—for everyone to customize their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent drying out. When you’re ready for seconds, you’ll find that the layers taste even better after resting overnight and the sauce further integrates with the ravioli and meat.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prepping. Cool the lasagna completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing, leave out the mozzarella cheese topping if possible and add fresh cheese when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm in the microwave or oven until steaming hot—about 3-5 minutes in the microwave or 20-25 minutes at 350°F covered with foil in the oven. If you left off the cheese before freezing, sprinkle fresh mozzarella on top a few minutes before the end of reheating for melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
While fresh ravioli can work, frozen ravioli is preferred as it holds up better during the slow cooking process without becoming too soft. If you use fresh, reduce cooking time and keep an eye on the texture to prevent overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and add layers of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian version. You can even use a plant-based ground beef substitute for extra protein.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! Assemble the layers in the slow cooker insert up to a day before cooking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, cook on LOW for 4 hours. This makes it perfect for busy days or entertaining.
What kind of slow cooker should I use?
A standard 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe, giving you enough room for layering without overflowing. Make sure it has a tight-fitting lid to keep moisture inside during cooking.
How can I make the cheese topping extra bubbly and golden?
If you want a more golden, bubbly cheese crust, after slow cooking, transfer the lasagna to an oven-safe dish and broil it for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning—it will add a delightful finish!
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is exactly the kind of meal that makes weeknight dinners feel like a treat without any of the fuss. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you relax, and the result is a hearty, cozy dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to comfort foods—and perfect for when you want homemade flavors without the kitchen marathon. Give it a whirl and enjoy every rich, cheesy bite!
Print
Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 5.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna is a delicious, easy-to-make layered dish combining cheesy ravioli, seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, all cooked slowly to perfection. Perfect for a comforting dinner with minimal prep and hands-off cooking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 25 oz. frozen ravioli (5 cheese, DO NOT THAW)
- 1 lb. ground beef (can substitute mild sausage)
- 1 cup white onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. dried leaf oregano (not ground)
- 24 oz. marinara sauce (suggested Rao’s)
- 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Onions: In a medium non-stick skillet set to medium-high heat, combine the ground beef and diced onion. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Cook until the meat is browned but retain a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid to keep the mixture moist.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Add half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce. Top this with the entire cooked ground beef mixture, then add the remaining ravioli on top. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the last ravioli layer.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the layered ingredients.
- Cook the Lasagna: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 4 hours, allowing the layers to meld and the cheese to melt beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully scoop out portions and serve warm. Enjoy your hearty, cheesy slow cooker ravioli lasagna!
Notes
- Do not thaw the frozen ravioli before layering to maintain texture and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Retaining some of the meat’s cooking liquid helps keep the filling moist and flavorful.
- Use a good-quality marinara sauce like Rao’s for best flavor, but any marinara sauce can be used.
- This recipe is ideal for busy days when you want a comforting meal with minimal active cooking time.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
