If you’re craving all the cozy comfort of classic lasagna without any of the fuss, this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is about to be your new best friend! It has all the layered goodness you love—rich meat sauce, cheesy ravioli, gooey mozzarella—just with a fraction of the work. With frozen ravioli and a slow cooker, you get hearty, bubbling, saucy lasagna with almost zero effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual dinner, this dish brings all the flavor and warmth of an Italian-American favorite, with a fun, weeknight-friendly twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is short and sweet, but every item plays an important part in building those big, bold flavors and luscious cheesy layers. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll love each one:
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds hearty, savory depth to the sauce—Italian sausage brings extra spice and richness if you want to mix it up!
- Onion: Diced onion gives a touch of sweetness and balance to the meat sauce.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the entire dish with classic Italian aroma and flavor.
- Marinara or pasta sauce: Using your favorite jarred sauce keeps things easy and ensures every bite is saucy and satisfying.
- Diced tomatoes: These give the sauce a little extra texture and a hint of bright, fresh flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon brings all the herby, fragrant notes you expect in lasagna.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out the best in all your other ingredients.
- Frozen cheese ravioli: The real game-changer—no boiling required, just layer them in frozen for tender, cheesy pasta pockets in every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stringy perfection between every layer.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that screams “lasagna.”
- Fresh basil or parsley: A sprinkle on top adds beautiful color and a pop of fresh flavor when serving.
How to Make Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding your ground beef or Italian sausage along with the diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat and stirring occasionally, until everything is browned and the onions are soft—about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute more, letting that irresistible garlic aroma bloom. If there’s extra fat in the pan, drain it off so your sauce isn’t greasy.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
To your browned meat and onion mixture, stir in the jar of marinara sauce, the can of diced tomatoes (including their juices), the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then let the sauce simmer together for about 5 minutes. This quick simmer helps all the flavors meld and gives you a rich, hearty sauce—the perfect base for your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna.
Step 3: Layer in the Crockpot
Grease the bottom of your slow cooker to prevent sticking. Spread a thin layer of your meat sauce on the bottom—this keeps the ravioli from burning or sticking. Next, arrange a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli right on top (no need to thaw!). Spoon another generous layer of meat sauce over the ravioli, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Continue layering: ravioli, sauce, cheese, repeating until everything is used up, finishing with an extra hearty layer of sauce and a final blanket of cheese on top.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low. Let your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna cook for 4 to 5 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the ravioli are tender and everything is bubbling and perfectly melty. Once it’s ready, turn off the slow cooker and let the lasagna rest, covered, for about 10 minutes—this helps it set up for easier serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top. Not only does this add a beautiful burst of color, but it brightens up the dish with a little fresh flavor. Now you’re ready to scoop out hearty, cheesy, saucy portions—get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Garnishes
Finish your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna with a shower of fresh basil or parsley for color and a pop of herbal brightness. For an extra-special touch, add a dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top is delicious, too!
Side Dishes
This dish is super hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in Italian vinaigrette, or a classic Caesar salad for crunch and freshness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread on the side is a must—perfect for soaking up every bit of that savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna into a party centerpiece by serving it family-style in the slow cooker, letting everyone help themselves. Or, for a cozy dinner party, scoop portions into individual gratin dishes, top with a little extra cheese, and broil for 2 minutes for a bubbly, golden finish. You can even cut cooled leftovers into squares and pack them for a delicious, portable lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna keeps beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then transfer slices or scoops to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as they meld together, making for crave-worthy leftovers.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap portions tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual portions until hot, or cover and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through. If the lasagna looks a little dry, add a spoonful of marinara or a sprinkle of cheese before reheating to bring it back to life.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli will cook a little faster, so check for doneness after about 3 hours on low. Just be careful not to overcook, as fresh pasta is more delicate.
What’s the best way to prevent the lasagna from sticking to the crockpot?
Greasing the slow cooker insert generously with nonstick spray or olive oil before layering ensures easy serving and cleanup, and that first scoop will come out perfectly!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely—just skip the meat and sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil, then add your favorite plant-based meat or extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach for a satisfying vegetarian version.
What kind of ravioli works best?
Cheese ravioli is classic, but you can use spinach, beef, or even mushroom ravioli for a fun twist. Choose a variety your family loves to make this dish your own.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
If your slow cooker is large enough, you can double the ingredients and add more layers. Just be sure to add a little extra cooking time and check that the center is hot and the ravioli are tender before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, simple, and guaranteed to please a crowd, Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the answer. It’s comfort food at its easiest, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever made lasagna any other way. Give it a go—you just might find yourself reaching for the slow cooker every time a lasagna craving strikes!
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Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a delicious and easy-to-make slow cooker dish that layers frozen cheese ravioli with a hearty meat sauce and melted cheeses. Perfect for busy days, this comforting Italian-American meal requires minimal prep and offers rich, cheesy flavors with tender ravioli cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce on the bottom of a greased slow cooker. Add a single layer of frozen ravioli, then spoon more meat sauce on top, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until the ravioli is tender and heated through.
- Rest and Serve: Turn off the crockpot and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for added flavor and color.
Notes
- Use spinach or beef ravioli as an alternative to cheese ravioli for variations in flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
