Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna recipe is a comforting, cheesy, and layered Italian-American dish that combines frozen cheese ravioli, rich pasta sauce, browned ground beef, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot. Perfect for a hands-off meal that yields tender pasta and bubbling cheese, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen cheese ravioli (about 20 oz)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained (use 2 lbs for extra meatiness if desired)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat thoroughly and set the beef aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the crockpot: Lightly grease the bottom and sides of your crockpot with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking during slow cooking.
- First layer – sauce: Spread a thin, even layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of the crockpot. This prevents the ravioli from sticking and provides a flavorful base.
- Second layer – ravioli: Place a layer of frozen cheese ravioli directly over the sauce, spreading them out evenly to cover the surface.
- Third layer – beef: Evenly sprinkle a portion of the browned and drained ground beef over the ravioli layer.
- Fourth layer – cheese: Add a generous layer of shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses on top of the beef to provide a creamy, cheesy element.
- Repeat layering: Continue building layers in the same sequence—pasta sauce, ravioli, ground beef, and cheeses—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cook the lasagna: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours. The ravioli should be tender, and the cheese melted and bubbly when done.
- Serve and garnish: Carefully scoop out portions to serve the hot, hearty lasagna. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Use no-boil frozen ravioli directly from the package; no prior thawing required.
- Adjust cooking time based on your crockpot’s heat strength; start checking for doneness at the lower end of cooking times.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
