If you’ve ever craved lasagna but didn’t want to go through the hassle of layering and baking, then this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is your new best friend. Imagine layers of cheesy ravioli, rich marinara sauce, and melt-in-your-mouth cheese, all cooked together in a cozy slow cooker. Trust me, this dish is the perfect comfort food with minimal effort required. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and I’m about to tell you why you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes. Add in some vegetables for extra flavor, swap the cheese for your favorites, or even try a different sauce.
Budget-Friendly: This dish is made with simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. You won’t have to break the bank to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal.
Quick and Easy: There’s no need for all-day preparation or complicated steps. Just layer, set, and let the slow cooker do the magic. It’s a no-fuss, no-stress recipe that’s perfect for busy days.
Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to make it your own. Want more cheese? Go ahead! Need a veggie boost? Toss in some spinach or mushrooms. The possibilities are endless.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Here’s the magic of this lasagna it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Ravioli: The star of the show. These little pasta pockets are stuffed with cheese and soak up all that glorious marinara sauce. If you’re in the mood for something more hearty, you can also use meat-filled ravioli.
Marinara Sauce: The base of the sauce is so rich and flavorful, with just the right balance of tangy and savory. It’s the perfect complement to the creamy cheese and tender ravioli.
Ricotta Cheese: This cheese adds a creamy, slightly sweet richness that makes the dish feel indulgent. It’s what gives this lasagna its comfort factor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey, and oh-so-delicious. You’ll need plenty of mozzarella to top off each layer for that cheesy, bubbly goodness.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds that perfect sharpness and depth of flavor to balance out the richness of the other cheeses.
Italian Seasoning: This simple blend of herbs brings the entire dish together, giving it a flavor that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
1. Preheat Your Equipment:
Start by greasing the slow cooker with a little olive oil or cooking spray. This ensures your lasagna won’t stick and makes clean-up a breeze later.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Add in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
If you haven’t already, grease your crockpot as mentioned. This will prevent the ingredients from sticking and allow everything to cook evenly.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Now, layer your ravioli in the bottom of the crockpot. Top it with a generous amount of marinara sauce, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat this process until all your ingredients are used up, making sure each layer is nice and even.
5. Cook to Perfection:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. The ravioli will be tender, and all the flavors will meld together perfectly.
6. Finishing Touches:
Once it’s ready, let the lasagna sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle and makes serving a bit easier.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a crisp salad or served on its own, this recipe is sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
How to Serve Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- A side of garlic bread for extra comfort.
- A fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the lasagna.
- Steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, for some added crunch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use frozen ravioli for even more convenience just layer it straight from the freezer into the crockpot!
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 2 hours instead of low.
- Try adding some cooked ground beef or turkey for a meaty twist.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh ravioli will work perfectly. Just make sure to layer it carefully to ensure even cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I freeze Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna?
Yes, this recipe freezes well! Just allow it to cool completely before freezing. To reheat, bake in the oven until heated through.
Can I use other types of pasta?
While ravioli is the star here, you could also use regular lasagna noodles. Just make sure to cook them beforehand.
How do I prevent the ravioli from getting too soggy?
Be sure not to overload the layers with too much sauce. A thin layer is all you need for perfect ravioli texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish the night before, refrigerate it, and then cook it the next day.
What can I add to the sauce for extra flavor?
You can add garlic, onions, or even some red wine to the marinara sauce for a richer flavor.
How do I make the cheese mixture creamier?
If you want an extra creamy texture, you can add a bit of sour cream or heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make this recipe in a regular oven by following the same layering method in a baking dish, then cover and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the mozzarella or Parmesan for your favorite cheeses, like provolone or gouda, to put your own twist on the dish.
Conclusion
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a game-changer when it comes to comfort food. With minimal prep, it delivers all the flavors you crave in a lasagna, without the hours of work. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish will have everyone going back for seconds. So go ahead, try it out, and let the crockpot do its magic you won’t regret it!
Print
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on low
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make lasagna using frozen ravioli, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese. This Crockpot version saves you time without sacrificing flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces (680g) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 25 ounces (710g) frozen cheese ravioli (do not thaw)
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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Assemble the Lasagna:
- Lightly grease the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add half of the frozen ravioli, then layer with half of the remaining meat sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat with the second layer of ravioli, sauce, and cheese, topping with grated Parmesan cheese.
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Cook the Lasagna:
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the ravioli are tender and the cheese is melted.
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Serve:
- Let the lasagna sit for 5 minutes before serving to let it set.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Ravioli: Frozen ravioli makes this recipe quick and simple.
- Meat Options: Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be substituted for ground beef.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a meatless lasagna.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to add ricotta or provolone for more flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 544 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1,334mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 91mg