If you’re craving the comfort of lasagna but don’t want to spend hours layering noodles and simmering sauces, the Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is about to become your weeknight hero. This dish transforms frozen ravioli and a few pantry staples into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece—all with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining guests, you’ll love how the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe brings something special to the table, from robust flavors to gooey textures. Gather these basics and you’ll have a showstopping meal with barely any effort.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds hearty, savory depth—use either, or a mix for extra flavor!
- Marinara or pasta sauce: The foundation of your lasagna; choose your favorite for a personalized touch.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses classic herbs throughout every bite, making it taste like it simmered all day.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the savory taste without any peeling or chopping required.
- Salt & black pepper: Simple but essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
- Frozen cheese ravioli: No boiling needed—these create perfect “lasagna layers” and cut down on prep time.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy, stretchy layers for that irresistible cheese pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that makes each bite pop.
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional): A sprinkle of green brightens up the finished dish and adds fresh aroma.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through—about 7 to 8 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base and ensures every forkful is packed with savory goodness. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat to keep your sauce just right.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
With the meat cooked, stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the flavors mingle. This shortcut sauce is rich, herby, and utterly irresistible—perfect for marrying the ravioli and cheeses.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Spray the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray so nothing sticks. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking and kickstart the flavor. Layer half the frozen ravioli directly on top (no need to thaw!), then cover with more meat sauce, half the mozzarella, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and cheeses, building those mouthwatering layers.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. The ravioli will soak up all the saucy, cheesy goodness and become perfectly tender, while the cheese melts into golden, bubbly layers. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once it’s done, turn off the crockpot and let your Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe sit uncovered for about 10 minutes. This lets the layers set up for easier serving. Finish with a shower of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor, then dig in!
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil is the classic finishing touch, adding a burst of color and a hint of freshness. For extra flair, try a light dusting of additional Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
This rich, cheesy lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette. Add some garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up any leftover sauce, and you’ve got a complete Italian-inspired feast with hardly any effort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. If you’re entertaining, let everyone garnish their own slice with fresh herbs, chili flakes, or even a dollop of ricotta. Kids especially love the cheesy layers served up with a side of marinara for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe keep wonderfully in the fridge. Let the lasagna cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it a perfect grab-and-go lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
This lasagna is a freezer superstar! Portion any extras into freezer-safe containers, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have a homemade meal ready whenever you need it most.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, until hot throughout. If you’re warming up a larger amount, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until bubbly and warmed through—about 20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli works well, but keep in mind it may cook a bit faster, so start checking for doneness about 30 minutes earlier than the suggested time.
What type Main Course
Both ground beef and Italian sausage are delicious, but a 50/50 mix delivers the best of both worlds: richness from the beef and extra seasoning from the sausage.
Can I make this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce for extra heartiness and flavor.
Is it okay to assemble the lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the whole dish in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking when you’re ready—just add 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
Can I double the recipe?
If you have a large slow cooker, you can easily double the ingredients for a crowd. Just make sure not to overfill the crockpot and add a little extra cooking time if needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about coming home to a bubbling crockpot filled with cheesy, saucy layers. The Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is the ultimate blend of convenience and comfort—so easy, yet so delicious every single time. Give it a try and make it your own; it just might become your new favorite go-to dinner!
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Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a simple, comforting Italian-American dish perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of frozen cheese ravioli, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese slow-cook to create a hearty, cheesy lasagna without the fuss of traditional preparation. Ready in under 5 hours with minimal effort, it’s a family-friendly, kid-approved meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
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
Lasagna Layers
- 1 bag (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
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 to reduce greasiness. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place half of the frozen ravioli in an even layer over the meat sauce. Top the ravioli with more meat sauce, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the Layers: Add the remaining ravioli on top, followed by the rest of the meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese to form the final layer.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or on high heat for 2 hours. The ravioli should be tender and the cheese melted and bubbly when done.
- Rest and Serve: Turn off the crockpot and let the lasagna sit uncovered for 10 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can use ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of both for varied flavor.
- Add a layer of fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- This recipe freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for easy future meals.
- Perfect for meal prep as it reheats beautifully while maintaining flavor and texture.
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
