If you’re craving the comforting flavors of lasagna but want to skip the fuss of layering noodles and baking in the oven, this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It takes all the heartiness of classic lasagna and wraps it into a no-fuss slow cooker meal, with tender frozen ravioli, rich tomato sauce, and layers of melted cheese all melding beautifully after a few hours on low heat. This dish is pure comfort made simple, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a homey meal without standing over the stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients means you won’t have to make a special trip to the store, yet each item plays a key role in creating the rich and satisfying flavors this dish delivers. From the savory meat to the creamy cheeses and perfectly seasoned sauce, here is everything you need to whip up this delightful meal.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Choose your favorite for a savory base that adds depth and heartiness.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce: The tomatoey backbone that brings tang and sweetness.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained): Adds texture and fresh flavor to the sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings those classic Mediterranean herbs alive in every bite.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Provides a subtle warm kick without overpowering the sauce.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of spice.
- 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (uncooked): The star of the show, melting tenderly into cheesy perfection.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: A gooey, melty layer that every lasagna needs.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, sharp finish that lifts the dish.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of freshness and color just before serving.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking your ground beef or Italian sausage until fully browned and crumbly. This step builds the hearty foundation of flavor, so be sure to drain off excess fat to keep things from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Create the Sauce Mixture
To the browned meat, add your marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the flavors meld while simmering briefly, transforming your simple ingredients into a luscious, aromatic sauce.
Step 3: Start Layering in the Crockpot
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce along the bottom of your 6-quart crockpot. This prevents the ravioli from sticking and ensures each bite is drenched in flavor right from the base.
Step 4: Layer the Ravioli and Cheese
Next, arrange half of your frozen ravioli over the sauce layer. Then spoon over more meat sauce followed by half the shredded mozzarella and half the Parmesan. This layering creates the iconic assembly of lasagna, only faster and fuss-free.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Build a second layer with the remaining ravioli, followed by the sauce and the rest of your cheeses. This repeated layering guarantees that every forkful offers a perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
Step 6: Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for about 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the ravioli is tender and the cheese is irresistibly melted and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing off with freshly chopped basil or parsley brings a fresh, vibrant touch that cuts through the richness and adds appealing color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the hearty richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect to soak up any extra sauce and make the meal feel indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe in individual ramekins or bake the crockpot contents in small cast iron skillets under the broiler for a minute to crisp the cheese top. This adds texture and a restaurant-style touch to your cozy dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover ravioli lasagna in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after resting overnight, making leftovers a delicious second helping.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before cooking (assembled in a freezer-safe crockpot insert) or after cooking. For freezing cooked portions, wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn and consume within 2 months for best taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating can help maintain the moisture and creamy texture without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen for this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe?
Fresh ravioli can be used, but keep in mind they may cook more quickly. Check on your lasagna an hour earlier to avoid overcooking the delicate pasta.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the ground meat for sautéed mushrooms or a mix of hearty vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Use a vegetarian marinara sauce to keep it meat-free.
Can I add ricotta cheese to make it more like traditional lasagna?
Yes, layering in ricotta cheese between the ravioli adds creaminess and rounds out the texture nicely. Just spoon dollops of ricotta on top of the sauce layers before adding ravioli or cheese.
What size crockpot is best for this recipe?
A 6-quart crockpot is ideal to accommodate all the layers without crowding, which helps the ravioli cook evenly and the sauce simmer perfectly.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before and cook it the next day?
Definitely! Assemble everything in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, place the insert back in the crockpot and cook as directed, allowing extra cooking time if it’s chilled.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe transforms weeknight dinner into a hands-off, comforting feast that your whole family will adore. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or simply crave lasagna without the fuss, this recipe brings warmth and ease to the table. So go ahead—give it a try and soak in all the cheesy, tomatoey goodness with zero stress.
Print
Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a delicious and convenient twist on classic lasagna, layering frozen cheese ravioli with a flavorful meat sauce and melty cheeses, all slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights, this comforting Italian-American dish requires minimal prep and delivers hearty, cheesy satisfaction with tender ravioli and rich flavors.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula. Drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the marinara or pasta sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the browned meat. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
- Layer the Lasagna: In a 6-quart crockpot, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom. Next, arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Top the ravioli with more meat sauce, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Add Remaining Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan, ensuring the top layer is covered with cheese for a nicely melted finish.
- Cook the Lasagna: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or on high heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the ravioli are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly throughout.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the lasagna rest inside the crockpot for about 10 minutes to set and make serving easier. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve warm and enjoy your effortless, comforting meal.
Notes
- For variety, try using spinach or beef ravioli instead of cheese ravioli.
- Add a layer of ricotta cheese between the ravioli layers for a more traditional lasagna texture and flavor.
- Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in the crockpot.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
