Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a delicious and effortless twist on traditional lasagna, layering frozen cheese ravioli with savory meat sauce and melted cheeses, all slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal that requires minimal prep and delivers comforting Italian-American flavors with convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 7–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Make the Sauce: To the cooked meat, stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Layer the Lasagna: Arrange half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce layer. Top the ravioli with more meat sauce, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, meat sauce, and cheeses to create a second layer.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours until the ravioli is tender, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Turn off the crockpot and let the dish sit uncovered for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil, if desired, for a bright, fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can use ground beef, Italian sausage, or a mix of both to suit your taste.
- Consider adding a layer of fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- This recipe freezes well and is perfect for meal prepping ahead of time.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with seasoned vegetables and use a vegetarian pasta sauce.
- Ensure the ravioli is not thawed before layering to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
