If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort, Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is about to become your new weeknight hero. Picture all the cheesy, meaty, saucy goodness of classic lasagna, but with the convenience of your trusty slow cooker and the magical shortcut of frozen ravioli. This dish layers hearty flavors and creamy textures, creating a cozy and satisfying meal that feels like a big, warm hug—perfect for busy evenings or whenever you just want dinner to make itself. Trust me, this is one you’ll want to keep on regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is just how simple (but crucial) each ingredient is. Every piece plays a part—melty cheese, rich sauce, pillowy ravioli—coming together for a truly irresistible one-pot meal.
- Frozen cheese ravioli: The real time-saver here—no need to thaw or pre-boil, just layer straight from the bag for effortless, perfectly tender “pasta” sheets.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Browned meat adds a savory richness and protein boost; go with sausage for more spice or stick with beef for a classic flavor.
- Marinara or pasta sauce: Your favorite jarred sauce infuses the whole dish with tomatoey depth; choose one with Italian herbs for extra flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into stretchy, gooey layers (and you really can’t have lasagna without mozzarella!).
- Ricotta or cottage cheese: Dollops of creamy cheese between the layers keep things luscious and add that iconic lasagna texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty punch and a gorgeous golden top when the dish is done.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs gives every bite that irresistible pizza-parlor aroma.
- Garlic powder: Because a little garlicky flavor makes everything better!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Just a pinch here and there sharpens flavors and balances the richness.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): A shower of herbs at the end lifts the whole dish with fresh color and a burst of flavor.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until fully browned and no longer pink; this only takes about 6-8 minutes. Remember to drain off any excess fat so your Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna stays rich but not greasy.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Once your meat is beautifully browned, stir in the marinara or pasta sauce. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, a dash of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Let it simmer together for about 5 minutes—just enough for those flavors to mingle and become best friends.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Give the inside of your crockpot a light misting of nonstick spray; this makes serving and cleanup a total breeze. Spread a thin layer of your meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Then, arrange a layer of frozen ravioli right over the sauce, no thawing needed! Dot the ravioli with generous spoonfuls of ricotta or cottage cheese, scatter a handful of mozzarella, and sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers, building them up like a lasagna tower, until all the ingredients are used up—be sure you finish with a hearty layer of sauce and lots of gooey cheese on top.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pop on the lid and let your crockpot do the heavy lifting! Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for about 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the ravioli are soft and tender and the cheese is blissfully bubbly and golden. Turn off the heat and let the lasagna sit uncovered for about 10 minutes—this little rest helps everything set so you can scoop gorgeous, intact slices.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, shower your Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna with a big handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley if you have it. This punch of green not only looks beautiful but adds a burst of garden-fresh flavor to each plate.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Garnishes
Bring your Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna to the table with a flourish of fresh basil ribbons, flat-leaf parsley, or even a dusting of extra Parmesan. If you like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes goes a long way. A drizzle of good olive oil can add a finishing shine and even more flavor!
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve big, bubbly scoops of lasagna with crusty garlic bread (for serious sauce-sopping) and a crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette to cut through all the cheesy richness. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli are also fantastic sides that round out the plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or potlucks, try scooping portions into shallow bowls and topping with fresh herbs and a few shavings of Parmesan. Mini portions in ramekins work perfectly for individual servings at family gatherings. Or, serve “lasagna bar” style, letting everyone customize with bowls of extra cheese, herbs, or chili flakes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna cools to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or no-fuss dinners later in the week. Each piece reheats like a dream and the flavors honestly get even cozier.
Freezing
To freeze, cut leftovers into portions, wrap well, and tuck into a freezer-safe container or bag. This lasagna freezes beautifully for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, so everything stays creamy, melty, and delicious.
Reheating
For individual servings, just pop a piece in the microwave with a splash of water or additional sauce, then cover loosely and heat until piping hot. To reheat a larger amount, bake, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until bubbly (usually 20-30 minutes). Add a fresh sprinkling of mozzarella or Parmesan for extra melty goodness!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! You can swap in beef-filled ravioli, spinach ravioli, or even mushroom-stuffed ones for a fun twist. The method stays the same and each version brings its own unique flavor to this comfort classic.
Is it necessary to thaw the frozen ravioli first?
No thawing required—just layer the frozen ravioli straight into your crockpot! They’ll cook up perfectly tender by the time the dish is ready, soaking up all those wonderful saucy flavors.
Can I assemble Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna ahead and cook later?
Definitely. You can assemble the lasagna in the crockpot insert the night before (just cover and refrigerate), then start cooking in the morning or a few hours before dinner. It makes weeknights so much smoother!
What’s the best way to prevent sticking in the slow cooker?
Spraying the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray before layering, and spreading a little sauce on the bottom first, ensures nothing sticks. Cleanup is quick, and every serving comes out easily.
What other cheeses work in this lasagna?
Feel free to experiment! While mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta are classics, you can try provolone for extra gooeyness, fontina for mild creaminess, or even a sprinkle of asiago or Romano for extra bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and homespun—without fussing at the stove for hours—Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is truly a must-try. Let dinner practically cook itself while you put your feet up, and treat your family (or friends, or just yourself!) to layers of cozy flavor. I know this recipe will become one of your favorites too!
Print
Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This easy crockpot ravioli lasagna is a simple and delicious twist on traditional lasagna, using frozen cheese ravioli for a quick and satisfying meal. Layers of ravioli, meat sauce, and three cheeses cook together in the slow cooker for a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Layering:
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess grease and stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spray the crockpot with nonstick spray. Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer ravioli, cheese, and sauce, repeating until all ingredients are used.
- Cook in the Crockpot: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until ravioli are tender and cheese is melted. Let sit uncovered for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use different types of ravioli for variety.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream to the sauce.
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