Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a delicious, hearty meal that combines layers of frozen cheese ravioli, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses, all slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for a comforting dinner with minimal prep, this recipe offers the classic flavors of lasagna without the hassle of boiling noodles or standing over the stove.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Layers
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creamy layers)
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the Italian seasoning and the marinara or pasta sauce. Heat the mixture through to combine all flavors well.
- Prepare the crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker pot and spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking and to start the layering process.
- Layer ravioli: Arrange a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli evenly over the meat sauce in the crockpot.
- Add meat sauce: Spoon some of the cooked meat sauce evenly over the layer of ravioli to coat them generously.
- Add ricotta (optional): If using, dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the meat sauce layer for a creamy texture in the final dish.
- Cheese it up: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses on top of the ricotta and meat sauce layers to add richness and melt into gooey goodness.
- Repeat layering: Continue layering ravioli, meat sauce, ricotta (if using), mozzarella, and Parmesan, finishing with a top layer of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a melted, golden crust.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the ravioli are tender and all the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the lid and let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or a combination of both for varied flavor.
- Using frozen ravioli straight from the bag cuts down prep time significantly — no need to thaw.
- Ricotta cheese is optional but adds a lovely creamy layer to the dish.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on your slow cooker’s heat accuracy to prevent overcooking.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use a hearty marinara sauce with extra vegetables.
