Description
Hearty crockpot ravioli lasagna combines classic Italian comfort with convenient slow-cooking techniques. Cheese-laden layers meld perfectly, creating a simple yet satisfying meal that delights hungry families with minimal preparation effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the meat mixture by sautéing ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and no pink remains. Carefully drain any accumulated fat.
- Incorporate marinara sauce into the cooked meat, stirring thoroughly to create a cohesive sauce mixture.
- Create the first foundational layer in the crockpot by spreading a thin coating of meat sauce across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange a uniform layer of frozen ravioli directly over the sauce, ensuring minimal gaps between pasta pieces.
- Distribute dollops of ricotta cheese evenly across the ravioli layer, covering the surface with gentle, consistent spread.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the ricotta, creating a rich dairy coverage.
- Repeat the layering sequence: meat sauce, ravioli, ricotta, and cheese blends until all ingredients are utilized, ensuring the final top layer is abundant with mozzarella.
- Secure the crockpot lid and cook on LOW temperature for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until ravioli becomes tender and cheese develops a golden, bubbling surface.
- Once cooking completes, let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes to set and stabilize.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and serve while warm for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free ravioli to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
- Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to help layers set and make serving easier without falling apart.
- Choose low-sodium marinara sauce to control salt intake while keeping the dish deliciously saucy and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg