The Lazy Chef’s Dream: Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Crafting a delightful crockpot ravioli lasagna feels like unlocking a secret kitchen magic that will make dinner absolutely unforgettable.

Layers of cheesy goodness promise comfort in every single bite.

Pasta lovers understand how simple ingredients can create something spectacular.

Minimal prep work means you can spend more time enjoying conversation instead of standing over a hot stove.

Cheese, sauce, and tender ravioli merge into a mouthwatering masterpiece that practically cooks itself.

Weeknight meals never looked so impressive or tasted so incredible.

Grab a fork and get ready to wow everyone at the table.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Fresh ravioli can become mushy in the crockpot. Frozen ravioli holds its shape better and provides the ideal texture for this recipe.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

No, traditional ravioli contains wheat flour. To make it gluten-free, you’ll need to use gluten-free ravioli made from alternative flour like rice or corn.

• Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat work perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding to the sauce.

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Comfort Meal

• Conquer Kitchen Complexity: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe transforms a complicated lasagna into a simple, stress-free meal that anyone can master.
• Maximize Minimal Effort: Frozen ravioli and a crockpot eliminate extensive prep work, allowing you to create a hearty, restaurant-quality dish with minimal hands-on cooking time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with cheesy goodness and rich meat sauce, this one-pot wonder satisfies picky eaters and delivers classic Italian flavors that bring the whole family together around the dinner table.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different dietary preferences by swapping ground meats or using vegetarian alternatives.

Ingredients to Make Ravioli Lasagna

• Ground Beef or Turkey: The main protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the lasagna.

• Frozen Cheese Ravioli: Convenient and quick-cooking pasta that serves as the core structure of the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that provides a smooth and rich texture to the layers.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a stretchy, gooey cheese layer.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish to the top of the lasagna.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that forms the base of the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds extra texture and freshness to the sauce.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Enhances the overall depth of flavor in the dish.

• Basil: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the sauce.
• Oregano: Contributes a traditional Italian herb flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

How to Prepare Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Break the meat into small crumbly pieces while cooking.

Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet.

Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their amazing flavors.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Basil
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes to blend all the delicious flavors together.

Step 4: Prepare Slow Cooker

Coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of sauce mixture across the bottom to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.

Step 5: First Layer of Ravioli

Arrange a layer of frozen cheese ravioli directly on top of the sauce.

Step 6: Add Cheese Layer

• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Step 7: Repeat Layering

Repeat the previous two steps with remaining sauce, ravioli, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses.

Step 8: Top with Parmesan

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer for a delicious crusty finish.

Step 9: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

The dish is ready when ravioli becomes tender and cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Tips for Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Success

• Spray crockpot with cooking spray before adding ingredients to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Spread thin sauce layer first to prevent ravioli from sticking to bottom and create delicious flavor foundation.
• Let meat sauce simmer before adding to crockpot to reduce excess liquid and concentrate flavors.
• Spread ricotta and mozzarella evenly across layers for consistent taste and texture in every bite.
• Use frozen ravioli directly from package to maintain structural integrity and prevent overcooking during slow cooking process.

Variations to Change Up Ravioli Lasagna

• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Replace ground meat with sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a hearty plant-based version packed with nutrients and flavor.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and swap marinara for spicy salsa to create a zesty Mexican-inspired lasagna with a kick.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired take on the classic crockpot recipe.
• Alfredo Adventure: Use creamy Alfredo sauce instead of marinara, and mix in roasted chicken for a rich and indulgent white sauce variation that feels luxurious.

Pairings That Complement Ravioli Lasagna

• Uncork a Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Italian Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty tomato sauce and cuts through the creamy cheese layers.
• Crisp Green Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding fresh herbs like basil and a sprinkle of parmesan to balance the hearty lasagna.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Prepare crusty, herb-infused garlic bread to soak up the savory sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast to the soft, cheesy ravioli.

Storage Tips for Ravioli Lasagna

• Transfer cooled leftovers into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Pack the lasagna in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy crockpot ravioli lasagna brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort. Layers of cheese-filled pasta, rich marinara, and melted mozzarella create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey

Pasta and Cheese:

• 1 package (25 ounces / 709 grams) frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 (24 ounces / 680 grams) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Brown ground meat in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling into small pieces and draining excess fat.
2. Sauté diced onion and garlic in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
3. Combine marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper in the skillet, simmering for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors.
4. Thoroughly coat the crockpot interior with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Create a thin sauce base layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
6. Arrange a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli directly over the sauce.
7. Spread half the ricotta cheese evenly across the ravioli layer.
8. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
9. Repeat sauce, ravioli, ricotta, and mozzarella layers to create a second complete level.
10. Generously top the final layer with grated Parmesan cheese.
11. Cover crockpot and slow cook on low temperature for 4-5 hours until ravioli becomes tender and cheese melts completely.

Notes

• Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter, lower-fat version that’s still packed with protein and flavor.
• Spraying the crockpot with cooking spray prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy, saving you time and hassle.
• Replace meat with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms to create a delicious meatless alternative that’s equally satisfying.
• Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone or fontina to customize the dish’s taste and texture to your preference.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (or 5 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 457 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg