If you dream about the ease of a one-pot meal that captures the heart of Italian-American comfort food, then Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the answer you’ve been waiting for. This recipe layers frozen ravioli with a perfectly seasoned tomato sauce and a glorious amount of gooey cheese—all gently simmered in your slow cooker for effortless results and stress-free cleanup. Whether you use cheese, meat, or even spinach ravioli, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite, filling your kitchen with incredible aromas and your table with smiles. Let’s get into all the details that make Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna such a game-changer for weeknights and casual gatherings alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your pantry staples and a handful of fresh or frozen favorites—these simple ingredients meld together into a dish that’s so much more than the sum of its parts. Every addition plays an important role, contributing flavor, texture, or that irresistible cheesy pull.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz): Forms the rich, flavorful base of your lasagna layers, infusing each bite with comforting sauciness.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained (15 oz): Add juicy texture and bright flavor, making the sauce chunkier and more hearty.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of oregano, basil, and more—this delivers the classic herby aroma of lasagna to every layer.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Offers a subtle, mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle sweetness and depth that rounds out the tomato sauce beautifully.
- Salt (1/2 tsp, adjust to taste): Brings all the flavors into harmony; season as you go for the perfect balance.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Just enough to perk up the tomato sauce with a little warmth.
- Frozen ravioli (1 lb): The genius shortcut—no need to pre-cook! Use cheese or meat-filled ravioli for your own spin.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (2 cups): Melts into gooey, stringy perfection that holds everything together.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Lends a nutty, salty depth—don’t skip this, as it truly elevates the entire dish.
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh touch to finish the dish.
How to Make Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Base
Start by grabbing your slow cooker and stirring together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper right in the crock. This simple mix ensures every bite of your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is layered with balanced, herby flavor and robust tomato goodness.
Step 2: Layer the Ravioli
Scatter half of the frozen ravioli directly over the sauce in an even, single layer. No need to thaw—using them straight from the freezer keeps this step almost effortless and ensures they hold up beautifully while cooking.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Now for the best part—cheese! Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the ravioli. These cheeses melt together into rich, creamy layers that mimic that beloved lasagna texture, making this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna truly irresistible.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Layer on the remaining ravioli, then follow with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. This double-layer technique ensures every forkful is perfectly saucy and cheesy, with just the right ratio of pasta to filling.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the ravioli is tender and the cheese has turned bubbling and golden. If the edges start to brown a bit too much, add splash of water or flip your slow cooker to “warm.” Let it stand for five minutes before serving so that everything sets and slices neatly.
How to Serve Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving for a burst of color and a lift of fresh flavor. If you love a hint of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle background warmth without overwhelming the dish.
Side Dishes
While this meal stands strong on its own, a crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette brings balance and crunch. Serve with garlic bread or a basket of warm Italian rolls to help soak up every last bit of the savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna by serving individual portions in shallow bowls, topped with a generous spoonful of sauce and extra cheese. For family-style, let everyone scoop out their piece straight from the crock, or pack portions into lunchboxes—it reheats beautifully for meal prep.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely before packing into airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna keeps perfectly for up to 4 days, making weeknight lunches and quick dinners a breeze.
Freezing
Freeze individual portions or the entire batch in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. For best results, place a layer of parchment between the lasagna and lid to prevent freezer burn, and label your containers with the date.
Reheating
Warm refrigerated portions in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to keep things moist. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating the same way—don’t forget to cover with foil in the oven to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli works just as well, though you may want to reduce the cooking time by about 30 minutes to avoid overcooking—it’ll be equally delicious and tender.
What type Main Course
The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. Cheese, meat, or even spinach and ricotta ravioli all shine here, so go with your family’s favorites or whatever you have on hand for a customized experience.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes! Layer in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or even bite-sized meatballs between sauce and ravioli for extra protein and hearty flavor. Just make sure the meat is cooked before adding to the crockpot.
How do I prevent the lasagna from sticking to the crockpot?
For easy cleanup and to avoid sticking, lightly spray your slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray before you start layering. You could also use a liner for ultimate convenience.
Is it possible to prepare Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna ahead of time?
You can assemble everything in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, simply take it out and cook as directed, adding an extra 15-30 minutes to account for the chill.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that requires zero fuss and delivers gourmet flavor, look no further than Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna. It’s a true set-and-forget star that brings generous layers of comfort to your kitchen and table—give it a try soon, and see just how happy (and easy) dinner can be!
Print
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: About 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a simple, satisfying twist on traditional lasagna, made with layers of cheesy ravioli, savory tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s an effortless dish that cooks to perfection in the slow cooker, ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without much effort.
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 15 oz (425 g) can tomato sauce
- 15 oz (425 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Layers:
- 1 lb (450 g) frozen ravioli (cheese or meat)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: In the slow cooker, mix together tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Layer Ravioli: Place half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Repeat with the remaining ravioli and cheeses.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Adjust heat if needed.
- Serve: Let the lasagna stand for 5 minutes before serving to set.
Notes
- Experiment with different ravioli flavors such as spinach and ricotta or four-cheese.
- Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or meatballs between layers for extra flavor.
- For a creamier texture, mix in some heavy cream or ricotta cheese.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or red pepper flakes for added taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
