If you love lasagna but dread the time and effort, this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is here to save your day! Layers of tender ravioli, hearty meat sauce, and gooey cheese come together effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s the ultimate comfort food with minimal prep—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy the rich flavors of lasagna without ever boiling a noodle or preheating the oven.
The Backstory
This recipe became a household favorite after a particularly hectic day when I needed something satisfying yet simple. I decided to skip traditional lasagna noodles and instead grabbed a bag of frozen ravioli from the freezer. Layering it all in the crockpot was a game-changer! The result was a dish just as comforting as classic lasagna but with a fraction of the effort.
Ready to make your life deliciously easy? Let’s get started!
Recipe Instructions (with USA Measurements)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage, browned
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 2: Layer in the Crockpot
Start by spooning a thin layer of meat sauce into the bottom of the crockpot to prevent sticking. Arrange a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli on top of the sauce, then sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers—sauce, ravioli, mozzarella—until all ingredients are used. Finish with a top layer of sauce, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, turn off the heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve this warm, cheesy lasagna straight from the crockpot. Enjoy with your favorite garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna:
- Meat Variations: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a different twist.
- Extra Veggies: Add a layer of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini between the ravioli layers for extra nutrients.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna with a simple Caesar salad or roasted vegetables. For an indulgent experience, serve with garlic knots or crusty bread to scoop up the delicious sauce. For drinks, a glass of red wine or a chilled sparkling water works perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s hearty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor—all while being incredibly easy to make. Try this recipe today and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to follow me for more time-saving, family-friendly recipes. 🍝
Effortless Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe: Your New Go-To Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 24 oz frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the meat and stir to combine.
- In the bottom of the slow cooker, spread a layer of marinara sauce.
- Add a layer of frozen ravioli on top of the sauce.
- Spoon half of the cooked meat mixture over the ravioli.
- Sprinkle a layer of Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce and cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the cheese is bubbly and the ravioli are heated through.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
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