If you’re craving comforting Italian flavors but want something incredibly simple to prepare, this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is here to become your new go-to dinner. Combining the convenience of a slow cooker with the classic layers of lasagna, this dish uses frozen cheese ravioli to deliver that rich, cheesy, meaty experience without the fuss of rolling noodles or standing over the stove. It’s hearty, cheesy, and effortlessly delicious, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze and everything plays an important role in making this dish shine. From the savory browned ground beef to the gooey, melty cheeses and tangy pasta sauce, each component enhances the layers for perfect texture, flavor, and color in this easy crockpot meal.
- Frozen cheese ravioli (25 oz): Choose your favorite brand to ensure tender, cheesy layers without any prep.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the richness of the other cheeses.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts wonderfully to create that classic lasagna stretch and gooey texture.
- Jarred pasta sauce (24 oz): Use a quality marinara or your preferred pasta sauce to infuse every layer with savory tomato goodness.
- Ground beef (1 lb, browned and drained): Provides a hearty, meaty backbone to the dish; use 2 lbs if you want it extra meaty.
- Cooking spray or oil: For lightly greasing your crockpot to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This step is crucial to develop rich flavor and caramelization. Once browned, drain off the excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot
Lightly grease the bottom and sides of your crockpot with cooking spray or a touch of oil. This simple step helps prevent sticking and ensures your layers cook evenly and come out cleanly when ready to serve.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Begin by spreading a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of the crockpot. Follow with a layer of frozen cheese ravioli, then add an even portion of browned ground beef. Sprinkle some shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top. Repeat these layers—sauce, ravioli, beef, cheeses—until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous topping of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan to create that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 4: Cook the Lasagna
Cover your crockpot with the lid and cook the lasagna on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The slow cooking melds all the flavors together beautifully, giving you that slow-simmered lasagna taste with minimal effort.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the hearty dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread pairs perfectly with this rich casserole, offering refreshing crunch or buttery goodness to balance every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this lasagna straight from the crockpot family-style for a cozy dinner, or portion it out onto plates and drizzle a little extra pasta sauce on top for an elegant touch. You can also garnish individual servings with a dollop of ricotta cheese to add creaminess and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making the next-day meal just as delightful.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbling again. Cover with foil if reheating in the oven to keep the moisture locked in and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of ravioli in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheese ravioli works perfectly, you can swap in meat-filled or spinach ravioli to mix up the flavors and add a personal twist to your lasagna.
Do I need to thaw the frozen ravioli before adding it to the crockpot?
Nope! One of the beauties of this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is that you can layer the ravioli frozen, saving you prep time and making the whole process incredibly easy.
What if I don’t eat beef? Can I use another protein?
Definitely. Ground turkey or chicken make great substitutes for the beef. You can also use Italian sausage for a spicier kick, just brown it the same way before layering.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot lasagna?
Yes! Feel free to toss in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when layering to amp up the nutrition and add great flavor and texture.
How thick should the layers be in the crockpot?
Keep the layers fairly even and not too thick—this helps everything cook evenly and ensures the ravioli soften perfectly without overcooking the cheeses.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is the ultimate comfort food hack that brings lasagna to your slow cooker without the fuss. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy nights while still treating yourself and family to hearty, cheesy deliciousness. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite make-ahead meal!
Print
Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting, hassle-free twist on classic lasagna that uses frozen ravioli layered with meat, cheese, and pasta sauce, slow-cooked to perfection for a deliciously hearty meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained (use 2 lbs for extra meatiness if desired)
Cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Other
- 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease the bottom and sides of your crockpot to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce at the bottom of the crockpot. Then place a layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce. Add a portion of the browned ground beef, followed by a layer of shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat these layers — pasta sauce, ravioli, ground beef, and cheese — until ingredients are used up, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
- Cook the Lasagna: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Serve: Serve the lasagna hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a meatier dish, double the ground beef to 2 lbs.
- Use a good quality pasta sauce for better flavor.
- Do not thaw the frozen ravioli before layering; layering frozen helps prevent overcooking.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving to set properly.
