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Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

If you’re craving all the comforting flavors of a classic Italian meal without the fuss, this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine layers of tender frozen cheese ravioli, savory seasoned ground beef, and rich marinara bubbling slowly to perfection in your crockpot—all topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s everything you love about lasagna, but way simpler and with a perfectly cheesy twist. Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or need a cozy dish that feeds a crowd, this recipe brings hands-off ease and family-friendly flavor to your table with no stress at all.

Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the juicy ground beef adding richness, to the frozen ravioli that gift the dish its signature texture and ease. Combined with classic Italian seasonings and three types of cheese, you’ll get layers bursting with taste and just the right creaminess throughout.

  • 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a savory base to build your sauce on.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the meat and sauce perfectly.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth without overpowering.
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Brings that classic Mediterranean herb blend to every bite.
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: The tomatoey heart of the dish, rich and tangy.
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds texture and brightness with natural sweetness.
  • 1 bag (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli: No thawing needed; they cook tender right in the crockpot, delivering a luxurious pasta layer.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the top for that irresistible stringy texture.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor to balance the richness.
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional): Dollops between layers to add creamy softness and that authentic lasagna feel.
  • Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional): Fresh herbs brighten the finished dish with a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until all the pink is gone and the meat is beautifully browned, which builds that rich, savory foundation you need. Drain any excess fat so the sauce doesn’t get greasy.

Step 2: Stir in Sauces

Once your meat is browned and drained, stir in the marinara sauce and the diced tomatoes with their juices. This combination gives the dish a robust, savory tomato base that will soak into the ravioli during cooking. Then, remove the skillet from heat and get ready for layering in the crockpot.

Step 3: Layer Your Crockpot

Lightly grease the bottom of your crockpot to prevent sticking. Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom—it prevents sticking and ensures each bite has plenty of flavor. Next, add a layer of frozen ravioli directly from the bag—no need to thaw! Add more sauce on top, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese if you’re using it, and sprinkle both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous topping of sauce and cheese. This layering is what makes the dish feel like a comforting lasagna without all the noodle fuss.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or if you’re short on time, set it to high for 2 to 3 hours. The ravioli will become tender and soak up all those incredible flavors, while the cheese melts into a luscious, bubbly topping.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

When the timer goes off, turn off your crockpot and let the lasagna sit uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps it set just a bit, making serving easier and flavors even more developed.

How to Serve Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top adds a vibrant green contrast to the cheesy, tomatoey layers and lends a fresh herbal aroma that rounds out the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the rich flavors perfectly with a little crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it straight from the crockpot for easy family meals or scoop portions into individual oven-safe dishes and broil for a few minutes to get a bubbly, golden cheese crust on top for a fancy touch. This recipe’s versatility makes entertaining effortless and even more inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover lasagna in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it a perfect next-day meal that you’ll look forward to all over again.

Freezing

You can freeze the entire cooked lasagna or portions of it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through if reheated in a bowl, or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through and the cheese starts to bubble again. This recipe keeps its creamy texture and rich flavor beautifully even after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use sausage instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Italian sausage works wonderfully in this recipe, adding extra spice and flavor. Just brown it the same way you would the beef before layering.

Do I have to use ricotta cheese?

Not at all. Ricotta adds a creamy texture that mimics traditional lasagna, but if you prefer, you can skip it or even substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter option.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. Adding chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms between layers is a delicious way to sneak in extra nutrition and boost the color and texture.

Is it necessary to thaw the ravioli before cooking?

Nope! One of the best things about this recipe is you can layer the frozen ravioli straight into the crockpot, which saves time and effort without compromising taste or texture.

How do I know when the lasagna is done?

The ravioli should be tender and the sauce bubbling at the edges. Cooking times can vary slightly with crockpot models, but 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high is usually perfect.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is comfort food magic made effortless. It delivers all the satisfaction of a classic lasagna with way less work and zero stress, leaving you more time to enjoy with family and friends. I encourage you to give it a try and discover how slow cooking can transform simple ingredients into a deliciously hearty, cheese-filled celebration of Italian-American flavors. Once you’ve tasted it, this recipe will sneak into your regular rotation, guaranteed!

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Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe


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4.2 from 59 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting, cheesy dish made with layers of frozen cheese ravioli, savory meat sauce, and a blend of Italian cheeses, all slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for a hands-off dinner that delivers classic lasagna flavors without the fuss.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained)

Layers

  • 1 bag (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)

Garnish (optional)

  • Chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

  1. Cook the meat sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes. Remove from heat.
  2. Prepare the crockpot layers: Grease the bottom of the crockpot, then spread a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce to start.
  3. Add ravioli and cheeses: Place a layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce, then spoon more meat sauce on top. Add a few dollops of ricotta cheese if using, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  4. Repeat layering: Continue layering ravioli, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until all ingredients are used. Finish with a generous layer of sauce and cheese on top.
  5. Cook the lasagna: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the ravioli is tender and the dish is heated through.
  6. Rest before serving: Turn off the crockpot and let the lasagna sit uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes to set.
  7. Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with sausage, plant-based ground meat, or other proteins as desired.
  • Add chopped spinach or zucchini between layers for added vegetables and nutrition.
  • No need to thaw frozen ravioli before layering; it cooks perfectly in the crockpot.
  • Letting the lasagna rest uncovered after cooking helps it firm up for easier serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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