Description
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting and easy-to-make slow cooker recipe that layers frozen cheese ravioli with a savory meat sauce and melted cheeses. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Italian-American dish delivers all the flavors of traditional lasagna with less effort, making it a family-friendly favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Lasagna Layers
- 1 package (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and cook the ground beef with the diced onion until browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
- Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of frozen ravioli in a single layer, followed by another layer of meat sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat layering all ingredients, finishing with a layer of sauce topped with cheese.
- Cook the lasagna: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna sit uncovered for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use spinach ravioli or meat ravioli for variety.
- You can prepare the meat sauce a day in advance to save time.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use sautéed mushrooms or lentils instead of ground beef.
