There’s nothing quite like a comforting, bubbling casserole dinner, and Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a surefire family favorite that scores high marks for both flavor and convenience. By layering tender cheese ravioli with a hearty, savory meat sauce and two kinds of melty cheese, you get all the magic of classic lasagna with a fraction of the effort. This dish makes busy weeknights so much more manageable, thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work. Whether you’re hosting company, feeding a hungry crew, or just craving a cozy meal, Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna delivers serious Italian-American comfort with almost no fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a key role in creating rich layers of flavor and texture. From the ribbons of gooey mozzarella to the herb-kissed sauce, you’ll love how easy these staples come together for unbeatable results.
- Frozen cheese ravioli (1 bag, 25 oz): Using frozen ravioli saves time and gives you that tender, cheesy bite in every layer.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 lb): Choose based on your flavor preference; sausage adds extra spice, while beef keeps it classic.
- Marinara or pasta sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): Your favorite store-bought sauce brings the signature tang and tomato richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): For those irresistibly gooey, stretchy cheese layers we all crave in lasagna.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp, nutty finish right on top for extra flavor.
- Small onion, diced (1): Builds a sweet-savory foundation in the sauce and deepens the flavor.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Essential for infusing the sauce with fragrant, classic Italian aroma.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A convenient blend of herbs that brings warmth and earthy undertones to the meat sauce.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Pulls all the flavors together; feel free to adjust to taste.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Just a touch enhances the robust character of the dish.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Brightens up the final plate with color and freshness.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onion
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Let it sizzle together for about 6 to 8 minutes, until everything is browned and the onions are soft. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease—this ensures your Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna won’t end up greasy, and sets the stage for truly robust flavor.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Now stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let these aromatics bloom in the pan for about a minute; you’ll notice the amazing fragrance right away. Pour in your jar of marinara sauce and stir to combine, then remove from the heat. This hearty, well-seasoned sauce soaks into every layer and truly makes the dish pop.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in Your Crockpot
Spray the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray—trust me, this helps tremendously with cleanup. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce over the bottom. Arrange a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce, no need to thaw them first! Spoon more meat sauce on top, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella. Repeat these layers until you’re out of ravioli, meat sauce, and mozzarella, making sure to end with sauce. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and a hearty sprinkle of grated Parmesan for that bubbly, golden crown.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Savory Perfection
Pop the lid on and set your crockpot to LOW. Let the Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna cook for 4 to 5 hours. While it simmers away, your kitchen will fill with the mouthwatering aroma of homemade Italian comfort food. The ravioli cooks to fork-tender perfection, soaking up the sauce, while the cheese transforms into that ooey-gooey dream topping. Once time’s up, turn the crockpot off and let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes so it’s easier to slice and serve.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Just before serving, scatter freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top for a burst of flavor and a pop of green. Your Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is now ready to delight everyone at the table!
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Garnishes
For a memorable finish, dust your Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna with extra grated Parmesan and scatter a mixture of freshly chopped basil and parsley across the top. A few turns of freshly cracked black pepper add both flavor and a gourmet touch. If you love a little zip, even a handful of red pepper flakes can be sprinkled over each serving.
Side Dishes
Nothing goes better with this dish than warm, buttery garlic bread or soft Italian rolls for scooping up all that cheesy sauce. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a side of sauteed vegetables, like garlicky green beans or roasted zucchini, for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. A simple Caprese salad, with ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, also makes a lovely, colorful companion.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve the Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna family-style right from the slow cooker for a classic, homey vibe or, for a special occasion, carefully cut squares and plate each portion individually. Add a swirl of extra marinara around each serving for a restaurant-worthy look, or use mini slow cookers for individual presentations at dinner parties—always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna leftovers to an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator and you’ll have a ready-to-heat meal for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if the leftovers taste even better the next day!
Freezing
This dish is also freezer-friendly. Cut cooled portions into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and freeze for up to two months. When you need a quick dinner, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual servings until piping hot, or pop larger portions in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) for about 20–25 minutes. Add a little extra cheese on top before reheating if you want a fresh, melty finish. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten it up.
FAQs
Can I use refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Refrigerated ravioli work well in Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna. Just note they tend to cook a bit faster, so start checking for doneness after about 3 hours on LOW to avoid overcooking the pasta.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the beef or sausage and use your favorite plant-based ground or add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for wonderful flavor and texture. Use a vegetarian-friendly marinara sauce for a fully meatless meal.
How do I keep the lasagna from getting watery?
Be sure to drain any excess grease from the meat and use a good-quality, thick marinara sauce. If your sauce is quite runny, simmer it for a few extra minutes to concentrate the flavors before layering.
Can I add extra veggies to the layers?
Definitely! Fresh baby spinach, thinly sliced zucchini, or mushrooms layer beautifully and add nutrition and color. Just keep the vegetable amount moderate to avoid excess moisture in the final dish.
What size slow cooker works best?
A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna. If yours is smaller, halve the recipe or layer carefully so it doesn’t overflow. Too large, and the layers may be too thin, which can dry out the lasagna.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna enough—it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and best of all, incredibly simple to prepare. Give it a try and see how quickly it disappears at your table. Your slow cooker might just become your new favorite secret for authentic-tasting comfort food any night of the week!
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Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a delicious and convenient twist on traditional lasagna, perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of frozen cheese ravioli, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese come together in a slow cooker for a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Frozen Cheese Ravioli:
1 bag (25 oz)
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage:
1 lb
Marinara or Pasta Sauce:
1 jar (24 oz)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
2 cups
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup
Onion, diced:
1 small
Garlic, minced:
2 cloves
Italian Seasoning:
1 tsp
Salt:
1/2 tsp
Black Pepper:
1/4 tsp
Fresh Basil or Parsley:
for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage with diced onion until browned. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in marinara sauce.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Spray slow cooker with nonstick spray. Spread meat sauce on the bottom, then layer ravioli, sauce, and cheeses. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours until ravioli is tender and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a layer of fresh baby spinach between the ravioli layers.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
