Imagine all the hearty flavors of classic lasagna, but with none of the layering fuss and almost zero effort. That’s the magic of Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna! This is my go-to recipe when I crave comfort food that’s both soul-warming and wildly convenient. You get layers of tender ravioli, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese—all cooked together right in your slow cooker. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy weeknights, cozy Sundays, or anytime you need a delicious dinner that everybody will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how it uses simple, everyday ingredients to create something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Each item brings its own special magic, whether it’s creaminess, savoriness, or a pop of color.
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli: These are the heart of your lasagna, creating effortless layers without boiling noodles or fussing with pasta sheets.
- Ground Beef: Adds hearty, savory depth—feel free to swap for turkey or Italian sausage if you like.
- Marinara or Pasta Sauce: The flavor base for your meat sauce, so pick one you love!
- Italian Seasoning: Infuses the dish with those classic, herby notes that make it taste like a true Italian comfort food.
- Garlic Powder: An easy way to add a mellow garlic flavor without mincing cloves.
- Salt: Just enough to make all the other flavors pop.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection between every layer.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Savory and nutty, it’s the finishing touch that takes each bite over the top.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Keeps everything from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that makes your Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna look extra inviting.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot
Start by giving the inside of your crockpot a generous spray with nonstick cooking spray. This little step guarantees your lasagna layers will come out easily and your cleanup will be a snap later on.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat and toss in your ground beef. Cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nice and browned. Make sure to drain off any excess grease so your finished dish isn’t oily.
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce
Once your beef is browned, stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it all simmer together for a minute or two—this helps the flavors meld and gives you a rich, savory sauce for your Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna.
Step 4: Layer Everything in the Crockpot
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crockpot. Then, arrange a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli right over the sauce—don’t worry about thawing them! Spoon over more meat sauce, then sprinkle on a generous handful of mozzarella and a little Parmesan. Repeat these layers until all your ingredients are used up, finishing with plenty of cheese on top.
Step 5: Let the Crockpot Work Its Magic
Pop the lid on and cook on low for 4 hours (or on high for 2 hours if you’re in a hurry). You’ll know it’s done when the ravioli are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it sit uncovered for about 10 minutes before serving—this helps it set up perfectly for slicing.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Garnishes
Chopped parsley is my favorite finishing touch for Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna. It adds a burst of freshness and a pop of green that makes every slice look extra appetizing. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top is always a hit!
Side Dishes
This lasagna is hearty on its own, but I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted veggies, like broccoli or zucchini, are also wonderful for a wholesome, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna in individual ramekins for dinner parties, or scoop it into bowls for a relaxed, family-style vibe. Sometimes I’ll garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil to really impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and makes the tastiest next-day lunch!
Freezing
Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a freezer superstar. Portion out cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, you can pop individual servings into the microwave for a couple of minutes, or warm larger portions in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If it looks a little dry, add a spoonful of marinara before reheating to bring back the sauciness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Beef or spinach ravioli work beautifully here. Just use the same quantity and follow the directions as written for a delicious twist.
Do I need to thaw the ravioli first?
No thawing needed at all. Just layer the frozen ravioli straight into the crockpot and let the slow cooker do all the work!
What size crockpot should I use?
A standard 6-quart crockpot is perfect for this recipe, giving you enough room for all the layers without any overflow.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the ground beef or swap it for plant-based crumbles, and use cheese or spinach ravioli for a fantastic vegetarian version of Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna.
How do I prevent the edges from burning?
Spraying your crockpot well, layering sauce first, and not overcooking are the best ways to get perfect results every time. If your slow cooker runs hot, check on the lasagna a little early.
Final Thoughts
If you love the idea of a cozy, bubbling lasagna but want dinner to feel simple and joyful, you’ll fall for Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna just like I did. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, and I can’t wait for you to make it your new weeknight favorite.
Print
Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a convenient, comforting Italian-American dish that layers frozen cheese ravioli with flavorful ground beef marinara sauce and melty cheeses, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a hassle-free, cheesy casserole perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, with an effortless dump-and-go prep.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot: Spray the inside of your crockpot generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Make sure to break it apart as it cooks so it browns evenly. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from getting too oily.
- Make the meat sauce: Stir the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the cooked ground beef. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly combined.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crockpot to begin. Add a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. Spoon more meat sauce on top of the ravioli, then sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layers: Continue layering ravioli, meat sauce, and cheeses until all ingredients are used, making sure to finish with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Cook the lasagna: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. The ravioli should be tender and the cheeses melted and bubbly when done.
- Rest and garnish: Let the lasagna sit uncovered in the crockpot for 10 minutes before serving to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- You can substitute beef ravioli or spinach ravioli instead of cheese ravioli depending on your preference.
- This recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or quick leftovers.
- Ensure the ravioli is fully cooked through before serving; cooking times may vary by slow cooker model.
- Optional herbs like basil or oregano can be added for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
