Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food for those who want a delicious, easy-to-make meal that doesn’t require hours of prep and cooking time. By using a slow cooker, you can enjoy a rich, cheesy lasagna with layers of frozen ravioli, ground meat, and a variety of savory cheeses, all melded together with a marinara sauce. It’s a family-friendly dish that comes together with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. The best part? You can customize it with different fillings, meats, and even sauces.

If you’re a lasagna lover, but the thought of layering, baking, and all that fuss just isn’t for you, a crockpot ravioli lasagna is a perfect alternative. Unlike traditional lasagna that requires pre-cooked noodles, the ravioli provides an easy shortcut while delivering a similar comforting texture. For a recipe with a fantastic twist, check out The Magical Slow Cooker’s best slow cooker ravioli lasagna for more inspiration. And if you need a starting point, Allrecipes’ slow cooker ravioli lasagna offers a fantastic family favorite that you can tweak to your taste.

Why Choose Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna?

There are several reasons why crockpot ravioli lasagna has become a favorite among home cooks. Here are just a few of the advantages:

  • Easy to Make: Unlike traditional lasagna, which requires boiling noodles and assembling multiple layers, this recipe cuts down on prep time. Simply layer the ingredients in your crockpot and let it cook.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Since you’re using a slow cooker, the mess is minimal. No need for baking sheets, pots, or pans.
  • Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients based on dietary preferences, such as using vegetarian ravioli, plant-based cheese, or alternative proteins like ground turkey or tofu.
  • Perfect for Busy Days: Just assemble the ingredients in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a hearty, hot meal waiting for you.
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Ingredients for Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

To prepare this tasty crockpot ravioli lasagna, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful dish.

Basic Ingredients:

  • Frozen ravioli – Choose cheese-filled ravioli, spinach, or even meat-filled ravioli, depending on your preference.
  • Ground beef – You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for an extra flavor boost.
  • Marinara sauce – Store-bought or homemade marinara sauce works best.
  • Cheese – A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan are the key cheeses to include. You can also add ricotta for a creamier texture.
  • Onion – Finely chopped for added flavor.
  • Garlic – Minced garlic enhances the flavor of the sauce.
  • Italian seasoning – For that signature Italian flavor.
  • Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a bit of heat.

How to Make Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Crockpot ravioli lasagna with melted cheese, marinara sauce, and savory layers of ravioli cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.

Making crockpot ravioli lasagna is incredibly simple, especially when you follow this step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by browning your choice of ground meat in a large skillet. You can use ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage—it all depends on your taste. Once the meat is browned, drain off any excess fat. Add finely chopped onion and garlic to the pan and sauté them until they become soft and fragrant.

After that, stir in your marinara sauce. This will give the meat a rich flavor. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Pro Tip: For a deeper flavor, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes in the sauce.

Step 2: Layer the Lasagna

Now comes the fun part—layering everything in the crockpot. Here’s the order:

  • Start with a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Add a layer of frozen ravioli, making sure they are spread out evenly.
  • Top with a layer of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

Pro Tip: Be sure to spread the ravioli evenly so that each piece gets coated with sauce, which will help them cook properly.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna

Cover the crockpot and set it to low for about 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The lasagna will be ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the ravioli are tender.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a crispier top, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will allow the cheese to brown slightly.

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Customizing Your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

One of the best aspects of this crockpot ravioli lasagna is how customizable it is. Here are some variations to make the dish suit your taste or dietary preferences:

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

  • Vegetarian: Use spinach ravioli or vegetable ravioli instead of the meat version. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a heartier dish.
  • Vegan: Replace the cheese with dairy-free alternatives, and use plant-based meat or tofu as a substitute for the ground beef.

Gluten-Free Options

For a gluten-free ravioli lasagna, look for gluten-free ravioli available in stores or online. You can also make your own gluten-free pasta. For the marinara sauce, just ensure it’s gluten-free, and use a combination of gluten-free breadcrumbs or rice flour if you want to add some extra texture to the layers.

Healthier Modifications

  • Opt for low-fat mozzarella or part-skim ricotta for a lighter version.
  • Choose ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce the fat content.
  • Add more vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrients without compromising on taste.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Once your crockpot ravioli lasagna is ready, it’s time to think about what to serve it with. Here are some complementary side dishes and beverages that will elevate your meal.

Side Dishes:

  • Garlic bread – A crunchy, buttery side to mop up the sauce.
  • Salads – A simple Caesar salad or a fresh Greek salad will add a refreshing contrast to the rich lasagna.
  • Roasted vegetables – Try roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans to add color and nutrients to the meal.

Beverage Pairings:

  • Wine – Pair your lasagna with a glass of Chianti, Merlot, or another full-bodied red wine. These wines will complement the hearty flavors of the lasagna.
  • Non-AlcoholicSparkling water or lemonade is a great option for those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks. The acidity in these beverages balances the richness of the lasagna.

FAQs About Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Crockpot ravioli lasagna with melted cheese, marinara sauce, and savory layers of ravioli cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh ravioli in place of frozen, but you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly, especially if using the low setting.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover crockpot ravioli lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just add a bit more time to the cooking when you start, especially if the lasagna is cold.

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What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian or vegan option.

How can I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the marinara sauce for a kick of heat. You can also use spicy Italian sausage as the meat for an added spice boost.

Conclusion

Crockpot ravioli lasagna is a fantastic and easy dish that combines the best parts of lasagna with the convenience of a slow cooker. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or just want a stress-free weeknight dinner, this recipe is a winner. The layers of ravioli, cheese, and savory sauce come together to create a rich, comforting meal that everyone will love.

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Crockpot ravioli lasagna with melted cheese, marinara sauce, and savory layers of ravioli cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna


  • Author: iyma hernandes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food with layers of frozen ravioli, ground meat, and a variety of cheeses, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bag frozen ravioli (cheese or meat-filled)
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, brown the ground meat, then drain excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
  3. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the crockpot.
  5. Layer frozen ravioli over the sauce.
  6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese.
  8. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
  9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a crispier top, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: ravioli, lasagna, crockpot, slow cooker, pasta, cheesy

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