Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Utilizing frozen ravioli eliminates the need for boiling noodles or mixing ricotta fillings, streamlining the cooking process.
• One-Pot Convenience: The slow cooker handles all the cooking, reducing cleanup and allowing you to attend to other tasks.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite proteins, sauces, or vegetables to suit your family's preferences.
• Consistent Delicious Results: The slow cooking process melds the flavors beautifully, ensuring a moist and flavorful lasagna every time.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 (24-ounce) jars prepared pasta sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 (25-ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with chopped garlic, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until browned and crumbly, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
   • Stir in the pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, and oregano, mixing well to combine.

2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:

   • Spoon a generous layer of the meat sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.
   • Add a layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce.
   • Repeat layers of meat sauce and ravioli, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.

3. Cook:

   • Cover the slow cooker and cook on the Low setting for 3 to 5 hours.
   • About 45 minutes to 1 hour before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Serve:

   • Once the cheese has melted, turn off the slow cooker and let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before serving.
   • Scoop portions onto plates and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3 to 5 hours on Low, plus an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour for melting the cheese.
• Total Time: Approximately 4 to 6 hours

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a hearty meatless version.
• Different Proteins: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage to vary the flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce to introduce some heat to the dish.
• Cheese Variations: Incorporate ricotta or cottage cheese layers for added creaminess, or sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
• Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added just before serving to brighten the dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow the lasagna to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What type of ravioli works best for this recipe?

Frozen cheese ravioli is commonly used, but you can experiment with meat-filled or spinach varieties for different flavors.

Do I need to thaw the frozen ravioli before adding it to the slow cooker?

No, add the ravioli directly from the freezer into the slow cooker.

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time by about an hour to prevent overcooking the pasta.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely, simply omit the meat and add your choice of vegetables or plant-based meat substitutes.

Can I prepare this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, assemble the lasagna in a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

How can I prevent the lasagna from becoming too watery?

Ensure you drain any excess grease from the cooked meat and use a thick pasta sauce.

What side dishes pair well with this lasagna?

A fresh green salad and garlic bread complement the rich

Print

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a deliciously easy take on classic lasagna, using frozen cheese ravioli in place of traditional noodles. With layers of rich meat sauce, melty mozzarella, and tender pasta, this slow cooker meal is perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-5 hours (plus 45-60 minutes for cheese melting)
• Total Time: 4-6 hours
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 (24-ounce) jars prepared pasta sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 (25-ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with chopped garlic, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease.
2. Stir in the pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, and oregano. Mix well to combine.

Assemble in the Slow Cooker:

3. Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Add a layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce.
5. Repeat layers of meat sauce and ravioli, ending with a final layer of meat sauce.

Cook:

6. Cover and cook on Low for 3 to 5 hours.
7. About 45 minutes to 1 hour before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover and continue cooking until melted and bubbly.

Serve:

8. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving.
9. Scoop onto plates and enjoy!

Notes

• Meat Alternatives: Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Cheese Options: Try ricotta, cottage cheese, or Parmesan for extra creaminess.
• Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) until warm.