If you are craving a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing Italian classic, this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine layers of tender frozen ravioli, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and ooey-gooey melted cheeses all cooked effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s the ultimate comfort food that practically makes itself while you go about your day. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this version of lasagna brings the heartwarming flavors without the time-consuming fuss, proving that delicious, homemade meals can be simple and stress-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to crafting an unforgettable Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe. Each component adds a special touch—meaty depth, tangy marinara, creamy cheeses, and aromatic seasonings all working together to create a harmonious love letter to Italian comfort food.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and the perfect meaty foundation.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: Brings bright tomato tang and herbaceous notes for that classic Italian taste.
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli: Convenient and delicious pasta layers that soak up all the yummy sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving that irresistible stretchy cheese pull.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, slightly tangy richness that balances the dish.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a sharp, nutty kick finishing every bite perfectly.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with fragrant herbs like oregano and basil.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances savory depth with warm, subtle garlic notes.
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness when serving.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Start by browning your choice of ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Cook it until it’s completely done with no pink left. This step builds the flavorful base of your sauce. Drain any excess grease so your lasagna doesn’t end up greasy—this keeps the texture just right and the flavors focused.
Step 2: Combine with Sauce
Once the meat is perfectly cooked, stir in the jar of marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. This mixture will turn into a rich, aromatic sauce providing every layer its delicious, tomatoey punch. Give it a good stir to marry all those flavors together.
Step 3: Layer in the Crockpot
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your slow cooker. This is the first foundation that keeps your layers intact and ensures every ravioli at the bottom gets that luscious meatiness all over.
Step 4: Add a Layer of Frozen Ravioli
Next, lay out a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli right on top of the sauce. No need to thaw them—this recipe is all about convenience without compromising taste.
Step 5: Dollop Ricotta Cheese
Scatter dollops of ricotta cheese over the ravioli layer. The ricotta adds creamy indulgence to each bite, giving the dish that signature lasagna richness.
Step 6: Sprinkle Mozzarella and Parmesan
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan cheese over the ricotta. This mix of cheeses melts together beautifully, turning your layers into a gooey, cheesy dream.
Step 7: Repeat Layers
Keep layering the meat sauce, ravioli, ricotta, and cheeses the same way until all your ingredients are used up. Be sure to end with a hearty topping of mozzarella to get that perfectly bubbly, golden finish.
Step 8: Cook in Crockpot
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. The slow heat softens the ravioli just right and melts all the cheeses to create a deliciously cohesive dish. When the cheese is bubbly and the edges are gently caramelized, you know your lasagna is ready.
Step 9: Serve with Fresh Basil
Garnish your masterpiece with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a burst of fresh color and herbal aroma that makes this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic, but feel free to sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. A drizzle of good olive oil can also add a glossy finish and richer mouthfeel.
Side Dishes
Pair your lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus can also balance the meal with a fresh, earthy note.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish straight from the crockpot for a rustic family-style meal, or divide it into individual ramekins and top each with fresh herbs for an elegant touch. This recipe also works great for potlucks—just set your slow cooker on the table, and everyone can help themselves to this delicious lasagna.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making your second serving even better than the first.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! For best results, freeze in individual portions or the entire casserole in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using an oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. For the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts to preserve the cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well and creates a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. Just be sure to cook the meat thoroughly before layering.
Do I need to thaw the frozen ravioli before cooking?
No need to thaw your ravioli. Using them frozen helps maintain their shape during cooking and simplifies the process even more.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap out the meat for your favorite veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach and use a hearty marinara sauce. This will keep all the comforting textures and flavors intact.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
You can assemble the layers in a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 to 60 minutes until bubbly and cooked through, but the slow cooker version is hands-off and fantastic.
How do I prevent the bottom from burning in the crockpot?
Make sure to spread a thin sauce layer at the bottom and avoid piling the ravioli too thickly in one spot. Cooking on LOW helps gently heat everything evenly without scorching.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes you’ll want to keep going back to. It takes all the best parts of classic lasagna but cuts down on the fuss and time, leaving you with layers of cheesy, saucy comfort in every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this recipe will become your new go-to. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to feel like a warm hug from your slow cooker every single time.
Print
Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours on LOW or 2 to 3 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes (LOW) or 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes (HIGH)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a delicious and comforting layered casserole that combines frozen cheese ravioli, rich marinara sauce, seasoned ground beef or Italian sausage, and a blend of cheeses. Prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker, it offers a hassle-free way to enjoy a classic lasagna flavor with less prep and cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Pasta and Cheeses
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily.
- Combine with Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir in the Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly until well combined, creating a flavorful meat sauce.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crockpot to prevent sticking and start the layering process.
- Add Ravioli: Place a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce, spreading them out evenly to cover the surface.
- Spread Ricotta Cheese: Dollop ricotta cheese over the ravioli layer, distributing it evenly to add creaminess throughout the dish.
- Sprinkle Cheeses: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer for extra cheesy flavor.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering the meat sauce, ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until all ingredients are used, ensuring the topmost layer is generously covered with mozzarella cheese for a bubbly finish.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. The dish is ready when the ravioli is tender and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve the lasagna warm directly from the crockpot for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- Do not thaw the frozen ravioli before layering; cooking them frozen ensures they hold their shape and don’t become mushy.
- If preferred, you can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier flavor.
- Feel free to add extra Italian seasoning or herbs like oregano and thyme to enhance the flavor.
- To save time, you can prepare the meat sauce the night before and refrigerate it until ready to assemble.
- If your crockpot tends to run hot, check the lasagna at the lower end of cooking times to prevent overcooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
