Looking for the ultimate comfort food that comes together with almost zero fuss? This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is the cozy, cheesy answer to weeknight dreams. Imagine classic lasagna, but made effortless by layering frozen ravioli, savory meat sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese right in your slow cooker. Each bite delivers those Italian-American flavors you love, but with a fraction of the prep time—and your kitchen smells incredible while it cooks! Trust me, if you adore lasagna but never have the time, this shortcut will blow your mind.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is that you probably have most ingredients already, but every single one brings something special to the table—from savory richness, melty cheese pulls, and herby aroma, to buttery-soft ravioli that make this dish irresistible.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds heartiness and a flavor base—use beef for classic taste or sausage for an herby, spiced kick.
- Onion: Sautéed onions bring a subtle sweetness and help balance out the tanginess of the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the meat sauce with true Italian comfort; don’t skip it.
- Marinara or Pasta Sauce: The saucy glue that ties all the layers together; go for your favorite jarred brand for convenience.
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli: The not-so-secret shortcut—these act as the pasta and cheese layers all in one!
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that stretchy, melty top everyone loves; use freshly shredded for the best melt.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and depth; sprinkle a little extra for bonus flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: Blends dried herbs for a classic lasagna aroma and taste.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): These add a pop of color and fresh flavor as a finishing touch.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Helps everything release from the crockpot and makes cleanup a breeze.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef or Italian sausage along with the diced onion. Break up the meat as it cooks, letting the onion soften and everything become beautifully browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for a minute more, just until fragrant. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease so your lasagna isn’t greasy!
Step 2: Prep the Saucy Filling
With your meat mixture ready, pour in the marinara or pasta sauce and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Mix well, letting the flavors meld together for a couple of minutes over low heat. This simple step transforms your sauce into something richer and more homemade tasting.
Step 3: Layer in the Crockpot
Grab your slow cooker and coat it generously with nonstick cooking spray to make sure those delicious edges don’t stick. Start by spooning a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom—it keeps the ravioli from scorching. Lay a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce, cover with more meat sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat these layers until you’ve used everything, finishing with a thick blanket of cheese on top.
Step 4: Let It Cook
Cover and set your crockpot on low for about 4 hours, or high if you’re impatient (just 2 to 2.5 hours), until the ravioli are tender and everything is hot and bubbly. The ravioli plumps up as it gently cooks, soaking up all that savory sauce and cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once it’s cooked through, turn off the crockpot and let your Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This little pause lets it firm up so you’ll have beautiful, sliceable layers—and fewer “lava cheese” accidents at dinnertime! If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top right before serving.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley over each serving—the green pop is pretty inviting, and those fresh herbs bring the whole dish to life. A finishing sprinkle of extra Parmesan never hurts, either, for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Side Dishes
This rich and comforting main dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Italian salad and some buttery garlic bread. Add a bowl of roasted vegetables, like zucchini or broccoli, to balance out all the hearty cheese and pasta. If you’re feeling celebratory, a glass of red wine (or sparkling water with lemon) is perfection.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the lasagna into neat squares and serve on colorful plates for a family-style dinner. Or go the extra mile: scoop portions into small ramekins, top with a little mozzarella, and broil briefly until bubbly for an individual, restaurant-style presentation. This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe also looks gorgeous when garnished with whole fresh basil leaves and a dusting of black pepper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, so it’s one of those dishes that’s arguably even better the next day. If your crockpot insert fits, you can cover it and store the whole thing right in the refrigerator.
Freezing
If you want to save Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe for a future busy night, simply let any leftovers cool completely. Portion into freezer-safe containers, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, press a piece of plastic wrap onto the surface before adding the lid.
Reheating
For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Reheat servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or pop larger amounts back in the slow cooker or oven (covered, at 325°F) until hot throughout. The cheese may need a quick stir to redistribute, but the flavor stays fantastic.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli works great, but you might want to reduce the cooking time slightly (check for doneness at the 1.5 hour mark on high or 3 hours on low) since fresh pasta cooks faster than frozen.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply swap the ground meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a vegetarian meat substitute. Use cheese ravioli filling and keep the sauce vegetarian—every bit as delicious and satisfying!
Does this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe work with white or Alfredo sauce?
Yes, switching up the sauce is a tasty way to personalize the flavors! Try your favorite Alfredo or a creamy tomato sauce for a whole new twist, and experiment with spinach or chicken ravioli for added depth.
Can I assemble it the night before and cook it in the morning?
Definitely! Just layer everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit out while your crockpot preheats for 10-15 minutes, then cook as directed.
What size crockpot is best for this recipe?
A standard 6-quart crockpot is ideal for the Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe, but you can make it in a slightly smaller or larger model—just adjust the layers as needed so nothing overflows.
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough about how this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe makes dinner feel special with so little effort. If you love layers of saucy, cheesy goodness but crave a shortcut, you have to try it! In one pot you get major flavor and comforting, Italian-inspired nostalgia—what’s not to love? Give it a try this week and watch it become a new family favorite!
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Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is a simple and delicious twist on classic lasagna, made with layers of cheese ravioli, seasoned meat sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese. Perfect for a fuss-free family dinner!
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Layers:
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage with onion until browned. Add garlic, then stir in pasta sauce and Italian seasoning.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Spray crockpot with cooking spray. Start with a layer of meat sauce, then ravioli, more meat sauce, and a sprinkle of cheeses. Repeat layers, finishing with a generous cheese topping.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2–2.5 hours until ravioli is tender. Let it rest before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley.
Notes
- You can use spinach or beef ravioli for variety.
- For a creamy twist, add a dollop of ricotta or cream cheese in one of the sauce layers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2.5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
