Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting and fuss-free meal that layers frozen cheese ravioli with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella cheeses, all cooked slowly to perfection in your crockpot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal prep and delivers classic lasagna flavors with an effortless twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Combine with Sauce: Add the marinara sauce to the cooked meat, stirring to evenly combine the flavors. Optionally, stir in the Italian seasoning and garlic powder for added depth.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Spread a thin, even layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crockpot to prevent sticking and add flavor to the base.
- Add Ravioli Layer: Place a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the meat sauce, distributing evenly.
- Spread Ricotta: Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the layer of ravioli, spreading gently to cover as much surface as possible.
- Add Mozzarella and Parmesan: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the ricotta layer for a cheesy topping.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering meat sauce, ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top to create a bubbly crust during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the ravioli is tender, the cheese has melted thoroughly, and the dish is heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for aroma and presentation, then serve the lasagna warm as a hearty family meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Use a leaner meat option to reduce fat content and drain excess grease well after browning.
- Make sure not to thaw the ravioli before layering; frozen ravioli cooks perfectly in the crockpot.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Add extra Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier flavor profile.
- If your crockpot runs hot, check the dish after 3 hours to prevent overcooking and ensure the ravioli doesn’t become too soft.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (LOW) or 2.5 hours (HIGH)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
