Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Tangy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe for Cozy Family Nights

Craving a hearty weeknight crockpot ravioli lasagna that simplifies classic Italian comfort?

Layers of cheesy goodness melt together with minimal effort in this slow cooker magic.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together without hours of kitchen labor.

Rich marinara mingles with soft ravioli and gooey cheese, creating a casserole that feels like a warm hug.

Robust flavors develop slowly, transforming simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Minimal prep means you can spend more time enjoying conversation and less time cooking.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every decadent bite of this crowd-pleasing meal!

Why Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Is A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

  • Simplify Dinner Prep: Skip the complex lasagna-making process and create a delicious meal with minimal effort using frozen ravioli and basic ingredients.
  • Customize with Ease: Mix and match different types of ravioli, ground meats, and cheese to suit your family's taste preferences and keep meals exciting.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Eliminate multiple cooking steps and dirty dishes by layering ingredients directly in the crockpot, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combine the beloved flavors of lasagna and ravioli in a kid-friendly dish that satisfies everyone at the dinner table.

Ingredients for Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Main Ingredients:
  • Frozen Ravioli: A convenient pasta option that creates the base of this layered lasagna dish.
  • Ground Beef: Provides protein and hearty flavor to the crockpot lasagna.
  • Pasta Sauce: Adds moisture and rich tomato flavor to bind the layers together.
Cheese:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Adds creamy texture and delicious cheesy flavor to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Optional Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Helps to enhance the natural flavors of the beef and pasta sauce.

How to Make Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Crockpot Base

Create a protective sauce foundation by spreading a thin layer of pasta sauce across the bottom of your crockpot. This prevents ingredients from sticking and burning during cooking.

Step 2: Build Delicious Layers

Start constructing your lasagna by carefully arranging ingredients in strategic layers:
  • Frozen ravioli
  • Cooked ground beef
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Pasta sauce

Repeat these layers methodically, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed. Your final layer should be topped with extra sauce and a generous sprinkle of cheese.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set the temperature according to your schedule:
  • High setting: Cook for 2 hours
  • Low setting: Cook for 4 hours

Cooking time ensures ravioli becomes tender and cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible blanket.

Step 4: Dish and Delight

Once cooking completes, carefully remove the lid and marvel at your bubbling, cheesy creation. Scoop generous portions onto plates, allowing the melted cheese to stretch dramatically. Serve immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Expert Tips for Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

  • Prevent ravioli from sticking by adding a thin sauce layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
  • Use frozen ravioli directly without thawing to maintain texture and save preparation time.
  • Mix different cheese types like mozzarella and Parmesan for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
  • Create a vegetarian version by replacing ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.
  • Ensure even cooking by layering ingredients carefully and spreading sauce uniformly between each layer.

Variations to Try with Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

  • Vegetarian Ravioli Lasagna: Replace ground beef with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a nutritious plant-based version.
  • Spicy Mexican Ravioli Lasagna: Mix in taco seasoning, use pepper jack cheese, and top with jalapeños for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Mediterranean Inspired Ravioli Lasagna: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped olives, and sundried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Creamy Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna: Swap traditional pasta sauce with alfredo sauce and add grilled chicken for a rich, decadent alternative.

Pairing Suggestions for Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

  • Enhance Flavor Pairing: Robust Chianti wine perfectly complements the rich, meaty tomato sauce of this lasagna, cutting through the heaviness with its acidic notes.
  • Complement Vegetable Side: Roast a crisp green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add refreshing brightness.
  • Match Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian ciabatta to soak up extra sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy, cheesy ravioli layers.
  • Select Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or chopped parsley on top to add a vibrant, fresh element that lifts the entire dish's flavor profile and provides a subtle aromatic finish.

How to Store Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna for Freshness

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents.
  • Place individual servings in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying.

FAQs About Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Answered

  • Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh ravioli works well. Just reduce cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking and maintain the perfect texture.

  • Do I need to thaw the frozen ravioli before adding to the crockpot?

No, you can add frozen ravioli directly into the crockpot. This helps prevent mushy pasta and maintains the right consistency.

  • What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?

Choose lean ground beef (85% lean or higher) to reduce excess grease and ensure a cleaner, more flavorful dish. Drain the beef after browning for best results.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.

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Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (high) or 4 hours 15 minutes (low)
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy crockpot ravioli lasagna combines Italian comfort classics into one effortless slow-cooker masterpiece. Layers of cheesy pasta, savory ground beef, and rich marinara sauce create a hearty meal that delights families with minimal kitchen effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
  • Optional: 2 pounds ground beef for extra meatiness

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 1 bag frozen cheese ravioli
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce:

  • 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) pasta sauce

Instructions

  1. Coat the bottom of the crockpot with a thin pasta sauce layer to prevent ravioli from sticking during cooking.
  2. Create alternating layers in the crockpot, starting with frozen ravioli as the base foundation.
  3. Spread cooked ground beef evenly across the ravioli layer to ensure consistent meat distribution.
  4. Generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the meat layer for added depth of flavor.
  5. Cover the Parmesan with a substantial layer of mozzarella cheese to create a rich, melty texture.
  6. Pour pasta sauce over the cheese layer, ensuring complete coverage of all ingredients.
  7. Repeat the layering process – ravioli, ground beef, Parmesan, mozzarella, and sauce – until all ingredients are incorporated.
  8. Finish the final layer with an extra generous covering of sauce and a final cheese sprinkle.
  9. Set crockpot to high temperature and cook for 2 hours, or alternatively use low temperature for 4 hours.
  10. Confirm doneness by checking that ravioli is thoroughly heated and cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
  11. Remove from crockpot, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve piping hot for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use cooking spray to ensure easier cleanup and prevent sticking in the crockpot.
  • Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter dish.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like ricotta or provolone for unique flavor variations.
  • Opt for whole wheat or spinach ravioli to boost nutritional value and add extra vegetables to the meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours (high) or 4 hours (low)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 490 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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