Crock Pot Ravioli Lasagna is the ultimate lazy lasagna hack that turns a traditional multi-layered bake into a dump‑and‑go slow cooker meal with big flavors and minimal effort. In just 4 hours in the crock pot, you’ll develop rich, cheesy layers that satisfy just like classic lasagna—without boiling noodles or mixing ricotta. This recipe blends frozen ravioli, hearty meat sauce, and melted cheese into one easy dish. Ready to discover why this recipe is a game‑changer? Let’s jump in!
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Ravioli Lasagna
- Effortless prep: No boiling noodles or cutting layers—just brown, layer, and cook.
- All‑in‑one comfort: Frozen ravioli with cheese filling replaces sauce, noodles, and ricotta in one simple step.
- Hands-off convenience: Ideal for hectic evenings—just a few minutes of prep, and dinner practically makes itself.
- Customizable: Experiment with different sauces, meats, cheeses, or dietary tweaks (like vegetarian or gluten‑free).
Ingredients
Here’s a refined version of the ingredients list, adjusted for clarity and readability:
- 1 medium-large onion, diced
- 16 oz (1 pound) ground beef (or alternative meat)
- 25 oz frozen cheese ravioli
- 1/3 cup beef broth (optional for extra moisture)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 24 oz jar spaghetti or marinara sauce
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Crock Pot Ravioli Lasagna
- Brown the beef with diced onion in a skillet over medium‑high heat, stirring and breaking up the meat until browned. Drain off excess fat.
- Season and saucify: Add oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and beef broth (if using); pour in the sauce and stir to combine.
- Begin with sauce: Spread a third of the meat mixture evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add ravioli: Layer half the frozen ravioli over the meat sauce.
- Repeat: Add another third of the meat sauce and the remaining ravioli.
- Top with sauce: Finish with the remaining meat sauce.
- Top with cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the final layer.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours.
- Time to serve: Let it sit a few minutes before dishing out warm, saucy, cheesy portions.
Helpful Tips
- Avoid sticking: For a cleaner release, start with a base layer of sauce rather than cooking spray.
- Keep it juicy: Don’t drain all fat from the meat—leave a little to maintain moisture.
- Perfect ravioli: Do not thaw ravioli—frozen works best and ensures proper texture.
- Ensure doneness: Cook until the ravioli are tender and internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
Substitutions And Variations
- Sauce twists: Swap spaghetti sauce with Alfredo for a creamy version, or use salsa for a taco‑flavored spin.
- Protein alternatives: Swap in ground turkey, chicken, spicy Italian sausage, or even pre-cooked frozen meatballs for variety.
- Go vegetarian: Layer in spinach, zucchini, or your favorite vegetables for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian option.
- Gluten‑free: Substitute with gluten‑free ravioli, now easier to find in many stores.
- Cheese blend: Stir in Parmesan or blend mozzarella with pizza cheese for richer flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4–5 days, making them ideal for easy lunches or dinners.
To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for longer storage. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutritional Information
Based on popular variants:
- Approximately 674 calories per serving
- ~50% fat, 21% carbs, 29% protein
- Modify with lean meat or low-fat cheese for a lighter dish
Serving Suggestions
- Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed green salad perfectly balances the rich lasagna.
- Bread sides: Warm, buttery garlic bread or crusty French bread complements each cheesy bite.
- Veggie boost: Pair with steamed green beans or a roasted veggie side for a more balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Ravioli Lasagna
1. Can I cook it on high instead of low?
Absolutely! You can speed things up by cooking on high for 2–3 hours instead of the standard 4 hours on low.
2. Can I use refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time by about an hour to avoid overcooking the pasta.
3. Is it okay to add more cheese?
Definitely! A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds an extra savory finish.
4. How can I make this vegetarian?
Layer in spinach, zucchini, or your favorite vegetables for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian option.
5. What’s the best way to avoid sticking in the crock pot?
For a cleaner release, start with a base layer of sauce rather than cooking spray.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for checking out this Crock Pot Ravioli Lasagna recipe—I genuinely hope you’ll find it as effortless and delicious as I do! This dish perfectly blends ease with comfort: the creamy ravioli, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese all come together with minimal prep for maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a hungry family on the weekend, this cozy, set‑and‑forget‑it meal is a lifesaver. Enjoy every cheesy bite, and welcome to our warm, food‑loving community. Happy cooking, and stay delicious!
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Crock Pot Ravioli Lasagna
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crock Pot Ravioli Lasagna is a family favorite slow cooker meal with cheesy ravioli, hearty beef sauce, and zero fuss. Just layer, cook, and serve!
Ingredients
1 medium-large onion, diced
16 oz ground beef
25 oz frozen cheese ravioli
1/3 cup beef broth (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
24 oz jar of spaghetti or marinara sauce
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef with diced onion in a skillet over medium‑high heat, stirring and breaking up the meat until browned. Drain off excess fat.
- Season and saucify: Add oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and beef broth (if using); pour in the sauce and stir to combine.
- Begin with sauce: Spread a third of the meat mixture evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add ravioli: Layer half the frozen ravioli over the meat sauce.
- Repeat: Add another third of the meat sauce and the remaining ravioli.
- Top with sauce: Finish with the remaining meat sauce.
- Top with cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the final layer.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours.
- Time to serve: Let it sit a few minutes before dishing out warm, saucy, cheesy portions.
Notes
No need to thaw ravioli.
You can cook on high for 2–3 hours if short on time.
Optional: sprinkle Parmesan on top for extra flavor.
Try with turkey or sausage instead of beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 674
- Sugar: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 40g