If you love lasagna but crave something easier and just as satisfying, Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner. Picture all the flavors of traditional baked lasagna, but layered in your slow cooker with frozen ravioli—no fussy boiling noodles or complicated assembly required. Each bite delivers cheesy, saucy goodness with a comforting, hearty texture that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just want a foolproof meal prepped ahead, this slow cooker masterpiece satisfies every craving with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna depends on a handful of pantry staples and fresh touches, each one adding unique flavor and texture. It goes to show that simple, quality ingredients—layered with care—result in a crave-worthy meal worthy of any dinner table.
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli: The star shortcut—using these ensures tender, cheesy layers without extra prep or pre-cooking.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Rich, savory protein brings heartiness; pick sausage for bolder, spicier flavors.
- Marinara or Pasta Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce for moisture and tang—homemade is even better if you have time!
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, binding everything together in classic lasagna style.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that sharpens each layer beautifully.
- Italian Seasoning: Dried herbs infuse those rustic, aromatic Italian notes throughout the dish.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers bold garlic flavor without any chopping required.
- Onion Powder: Lends depth and balances the sweetness in the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple but crucial—season as you go to amplify all the savory flavors.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): A scatter of herbs at the end gives vibrant color and a fresh, just-made aroma.
How to Make Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s beautifully browned and completely cooked through. Once done, drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce. This step develops a robust flavor base and is worth the few extra minutes.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
With the heat still on, return the meat to the skillet and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, letting the spices toast and bloom in the fat for extra depth. Next, pour in that luscious marinara sauce and mix well. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes—the aromas will make your stomach rumble!
Step 3: Prep the Crockpot
Generously spray the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. This small move will save you so much effort when it’s time to serve (and especially at cleanup!). Now add a thin layer of the rich meat sauce to the bottom. This forms a savory base and ensures the ravioli don’t stick.
Step 4: Layer the Ravioli and Cheese
Place a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce, using about a third of the bag (don’t worry about overlap). Spoon more meat sauce over the ravioli, then sprinkle a generous handful of mozzarella and a scoop of Parmesan on top. Repeat these layers—ravioli, sauce, cheese—until all your ingredients are used up, finishing with a hearty layer of sauce and plenty of cheese for that irresistible golden top.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna cook gently for about 4 hours. During this time, the ravioli beautifully soak up the savory sauce while melting into cheesy decadence. The aroma will fill your kitchen and maybe even tempt the neighbors!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
When it’s done, the ravioli will be tender and the cheese gloriously melted. Uncover and let it sit for a few minutes to set, then scoop out generous helpings. For a pop of fresh flavor, scatter chopped basil or parsley across the top right before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Garnishes
This is one of those comforting meals that’s even better with a personal finishing touch! Try a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, ribbons of basil, or a handful of chopped parsley for vibrant color and a hint of garden-fresh zest. A little drizzle of good olive oil can also make each plate irresistible.
Side Dishes
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is hearty on its own, but sides turn it into a feast. You can’t go wrong with a crisp green salad dressed simply with balsamic vinaigrette—it balances out the cheesy richness. Add a basket of warm, buttery garlic bread or a plate of roasted vegetables to round out the meal and soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or a special family dinner, spoon individual servings into bowls and top each with a different herb or cheese for a personalized touch. Mini slow cookers or ramekins make adorable single-portions, perfect for parties. Or serve it rustic, right from the crockpot at the table for a cozy, communal vibe—everyone digging in is half the fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. It stays fresh and flavorful in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or a quick dinner later in the week. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, so leftovers are a treat!
Freezing
This dish is a freezer superstar. Portion cooled lasagna into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to label it (trust me, you’ll want to find this later), and for best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place a portion in the microwave on medium power until warmed through, or reheat larger amounts covered in a 350°F oven until bubbly. Add a splash of extra marinara if it looks a little dry. Either way, Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna reheats beautifully for next-day meals that taste like you just cooked them.
FAQs
Can I use meatless ravioli or a vegetarian filling?
Absolutely! Swap in meatless or spinach-and-cheese ravioli and substitute sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for the meat. You’ll still get that classic layered lasagna taste, just lighter and completely vegetarian.
What size crockpot works best for this recipe?
A standard 6-quart slow cooker is just right for this recipe, allowing plenty of space to layer without risking overflow. If you have a slightly bigger crockpot, you can double the recipe for a crowd—just add a little extra cooking time.
Can I add ricotta cheese for extra creaminess?
Yes! Add dollops of ricotta between the layers for a super creamy and authentic lasagna texture. This twist is a favorite with cheese lovers—just spoon and gently spread it right over the ravioli or sauce layers before adding mozzarella.
Should the ravioli be thawed before layering?
No need to thaw—just add the frozen ravioli directly. They cook perfectly right in the sauce, absorbing flavor and keeping the dish simple and mess-free. Thawed ravioli can get too soft, so it’s best to use them frozen.
What can I do if my Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is too watery?
If your finished lasagna seems watery, try letting it sit uncovered for 10 minutes before serving to help the juices settle and thicken. Also, avoid using extra-watery sauces, and be sure to drain the cooked meat thoroughly before assembling.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comforting, family-friendly meal, Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna truly delivers. It’s a breeze to put together, tastes like a labor of love, and makes everyone at the table happy. Give it a try soon—your slow cooker (and your taste buds) will thank you!
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Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this easy and delicious Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna for a comforting Italian-American meal that practically cooks itself. Layers of cheesy ravioli, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese meld together in a slow cooker for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna:
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown and fully cook the ground beef or sausage. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in marinara sauce.
- Layer in Slow Cooker: Grease a 6-quart slow cooker. Start with a layer of meat sauce, then add frozen ravioli, more sauce, and a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until ravioli is tender. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- You can make a vegetarian version by using sautéed vegetables instead of meat. For spicier flavor, opt for spicy sausage or add a layer of ricotta for creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
