If you thought lasagna was a labor of love reserved only for weekends, the Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. This comforting dish captures all the hearty, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna but skips the assembly line of noodles and ricotta for the brilliant shortcut of frozen cheese ravioli. Layered with a rich meat sauce and plenty of gooey mozzarella, it emerges from the slow cooker bubbling and irresistible, perfect for feeding a hungry family or a crew of guests—no oven required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient pulls its weight to create layers of deep flavor and perfect texture. With a handful of everyday kitchen staples, you’ll craft a meal that tastes like you spent hours, but actually requires minimal hands-on time.
- Frozen cheese ravioli: These little pillows offer shortcut goodness, so grab a 25-ounce bag—no thawing needed!
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: One pound, browned and crumbled, to bring heartiness and classic lasagna flavor.
- Marinara or pasta sauce: A 24-ounce jar to envelop your layers in robust, tomatoey richness.
- Italian seasoning: One teaspoon for that familiar herby, aromatic Italian undertone.
- Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon for a subtle garlicky warmth without mincing fresh garlic.
- Onion powder: Half a teaspoon, delivering savory background notes that complement the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste—don’t skip! These are essential for balancing and lifting the whole dish.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Two cups for decadent melt and that irresistible cheese pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A half-cup for sharp, nutty flavor that crowns the top.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Snipped over the finished dish, these herbs add a pop of freshness and color.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Once there’s no pink left, drain off any extra fat—this keeps the final dish richer in flavor, not grease!
Step 2: Mix in the Sauce and Seasonings
With your meat still in the pan, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well, letting all those cozy spices cling to the meat, then pour in the marinara or pasta sauce. Add salt and black pepper to taste, and let it bubble for a minute or two so the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Prep the Slow Cooker
It’s time to get your slow cooker ready! Lightly coat the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray or a bit of olive oil. This small step will make serving so much easier when the cheese is perfectly melted later on.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Now for the fun part! Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce mixture at the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking. Arrange a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce—don’t worry about gaps, they’ll fill as everything cooks. Spoon another layer of sauce over the ravioli, sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella, then repeat: ravioli, sauce, cheese until all ingredients are used. Finish with a heaping layer of mozzarella plus all the grated Parmesan on top.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours. The Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe transforms as steam gently cooks the ravioli until tender and all those cheesy, herby layers melt together. It’s hands-off magic—perfect dinner with barely any effort!
Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Garnish
When the cheese is bubbly and golden, turn off the heat and let your lasagna sit in the cooker for 10–15 minutes. This resting time helps everything set so you get beautiful, sliceable layers. Top with fresh basil or parsley, if using, for a flash of color and a fresh aroma that brings the whole dish together.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley is a classic touch, lending a vibrant note and an appealing color contrast to the gooey cheese. If you’re feeling fancy, an extra dusting of Parmesan or even red pepper flakes can brighten each slice.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think crisp garlic bread for mopping up extra sauce, a green salad tossed with vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables for breezy, balanced fare that rounds out the meal with minimal fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve the lasagna in individual ramekins for guests, or cut it into squares and layer onto a platter with staggered slices for a rustic, family-style vibe. Even a sprinkle of colorful microgreens or blistered cherry tomatoes can elevate the look (and flavor) for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making each slice just as satisfying (if not more!) than the first night.
Freezing
Yes, it’s totally freezer-friendly! Cool the lasagna completely, then cut into portions and wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights when you crave homemade comfort.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual pieces until bubbling hot, or warm larger portions in the oven at 350°F, covered, until heated through. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for bonus gooeyness if you like!
FAQs
Can I use meat-filled or spinach ravioli instead of cheese?
Absolutely! The Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is endlessly adaptable. Meat-filled or spinach ravioli both add their unique character to each layer—choose whatever your family loves, or mix half-and-half for a true Italian feast.
Do the ravioli need to be thawed before layering?
No need to thaw! Place the frozen ravioli right in the slow cooker. The slow, steady heat ensures they cook perfectly without any extra prep, saving you even more time.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the ground beef or sausage for a meatless crumble, or skip the meat entirely and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach to the sauce. The Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is deliciously flexible for any table.
Can I assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate before cooking?
You sure can! Layer everything in your slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When ready, pop the insert into the cooker and follow the slow-cook instructions—just add 20 or 30 extra minutes to the cook time if starting cold.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning around the edges?
Be sure to layer enough sauce around the outside edges and avoid letting cheese stick directly to the slow cooker’s sides. A quick spritz of nonstick spray and keeping the lid tight during cooking will help guarantee irresistible, melty cheeses without burnt bits.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is pure comfort—the kind of cozy, foolproof dinner you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, and everything in between. Take a leap, try it soon, and savor layers of Italian-inspired magic in every effortless, cheesy bite!
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Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of traditional lasagna with the convenience of a slow cooker. Layers of frozen cheese ravioli, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese are slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Frozen Cheese Ravioli:
1 (25 oz) bag
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage:
1 lb
Marinara or Pasta Sauce:
1 (24 oz) jar
Italian Seasoning:
1 teaspoon
Garlic Powder:
1/2 teaspoon
Onion Powder:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt and Black Pepper:
to taste
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
2 cups
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup
Optional:
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet, brown and fully cook the ground beef or sausage. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and pasta sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer in Slow Cooker: Grease slow cooker, layer meat sauce, ravioli, mozzarella; repeat layers. Finish with cheese on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours until ravioli are tender.
- Rest and Garnish: Let sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can use different types of ravioli for variety.
- Add ricotta for extra creaminess.
- This dish freezes and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
