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
Scale
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.
