Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

If you’re a fan of lasagna but want a more hands-off, no-fuss version, then this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is about to become your new best friend. Think of all the cozy, cheesy, tomatoey goodness of traditional lasagna, but with a fraction of the work. No boiling noodles, no layers of ricotta filling—just a few simple ingredients, and your slow cooker does all the magic for you.

This dish is so comforting, you might want to curl up with a big bowl of it on the couch, watching your favorite movie. It’s cheesy, saucy, and totally satisfying. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, homemade meal with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to regular lasagna again!

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

This recipe has everything you love about lasagna, but it’s way easier! Here’s why it’s a total game-changer:

Effortless and Hands-Off

The beauty of this recipe is how little you have to do. Layer everything in the crockpot, set it, and forget it. The slow cooker works its magic, and you get a perfect meal every time.

Quick Prep

No boiling noodles, no complicated steps. The only prep involved is layering the ravioli, sauce, and cheese. It’s so easy, even beginners will feel like kitchen pros.

Family-Friendly

Everyone loves lasagna, and with ravioli as the base, it’s even more fun! Kids especially love how cheesy and gooey it is. It’s a hit at the dinner table, no matter who’s around.

Delicious Layers of Flavor

Each bite is a mouthful of comfort. The ravioli absorbs all the flavors from the sauce and cheese, creating the perfect balance of rich, tangy, and savory.

Perfect for Leftovers

This dish makes plenty, and it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make extra of for future meals.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this easy and delicious lasagna:

• Frozen Cheese Ravioli: The star of the show! Use a bag of frozen cheese ravioli, which replaces the traditional lasagna noodles and makes everything super easy.
• Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade. Either way, it’s the savory base of the dish.
• Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds flavor and protein. You can also use turkey or make it meatless if you prefer.
• Ricotta Cheese: The creamy cheese that adds richness and smoothness to each bite.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Lots of melty mozzarella for that cheesy, gooey layer we all crave.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan for that salty, umami flavor that makes everything pop.
• Garlic: For a burst of flavor in the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a perfect blend of herbs to tie everything together.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning to taste.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this deliciousness cooking! Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add the Garlic and Seasoning

Add the minced garlic to the meat and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Mix in the Marinara Sauce

Add the marinara sauce to the meat mixture and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Layer in the Crockpot

In your crockpot, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce mixture on the bottom. Then layer the frozen ravioli on top. Spread a layer of ricotta cheese, then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over it. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese.

Step 5: Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the lasagna is ready, serve it hot with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!

How to Serve Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

This dish is a meal in itself, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

With Garlic Bread

Nothing pairs better with lasagna than garlic bread. The crispy, buttery slices are perfect for sopping up all that extra sauce.

With a Fresh Salad

Serve this lasagna with a side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

With Roasted Vegetables

Roast some veggies like zucchini, carrots, or broccoli to add a healthy, colorful side to your plate.

With a Warm Beverage

This comforting meal pairs well with a warm beverage like a glass of red wine, iced tea, or even a hot cup of soup as an appetizer.

Additional Tips

• Use Frozen Ravioli: Make sure to use frozen ravioli directly in the crockpot. No need to thaw or cook them beforehand.
• Customize the Meat: If you prefer turkey or chicken, feel free to swap out the beef or sausage. You can also skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some extra veggies by adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
• Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Store any extra lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1 cup)
• Calories per serving: 420
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 830mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 36g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 20g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours (on low)
• Total Time: 4-6 hours 15 minutes

FAQ

Q1: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
A1: Yes, you can! Just be aware that fresh ravioli will cook faster than frozen, so check for doneness a little earlier.

Q2: Can I make this lasagna without meat?
A2: Absolutely! You can leave out the meat entirely and add extra veggies or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
A3: Yes, this lasagna freezes wonderfully. Once it’s cooked and cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake in the oven or warm in the microwave.

Q4: How do I make this dish dairy-free?
A4: You can use dairy-free cheese for both the mozzarella and ricotta, and substitute the regular milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk.

Q5: Can I use a different type of pasta besides ravioli?
A5: If you don’t have ravioli, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like tortellini, regular lasagna noodles (no pre-cooking required), or even penne.

Q6: Can I make this dish in a different slow cooker?
A6: Yes, the recipe should work in most crockpots, but cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker’s size and heat settings.

Q7: Can I add more cheese?
A7: Absolutely! Feel free to add extra mozzarella, ricotta, or parmesan if you’re a cheese lover!

Q8: How do I prevent the top from overcooking?
A8: Make sure to keep the crockpot covered during cooking, and don’t lift the lid too often. This helps maintain the moisture and prevents the top layer from getting too crispy.

Q9: Can I use homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought?
A9: Definitely! Homemade marinara will give the dish even more flavor, and it’s a great way to use up any extra sauce you have.

Q10: Can I cook this on high instead of low?
A10: Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 2-3 hours. Just keep an eye on the ravioli to make sure it doesn’t overcook.

Conclusion

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the flavors of traditional lasagna with the ease of a slow cooker. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for busy nights when you still want something hearty and homemade. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked—this is one recipe you’ll come back to time and time again! Enjoy!

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