Savory Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe: Hands-Free Comfort Food

My latest culinary adventure with crockpot ravioli lasagna promises pure comfort without complicated kitchen gymnastics.

Layers of cheesy goodness stack effortlessly inside a slow cooker.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor potential.

Weeknight dinners just became significantly more delicious and stress-free.

Cheese lovers will adore this simple yet spectacular meal.

Melted mozzarella and rich marinara create magic in every single bite.

Why Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Is So Convenient

• Simplify Cooking: Dump ingredients into a crockpot and let it do the magic, transforming complex lasagna into a hassle-free meal that saves precious kitchen time.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved flavors like cheesy ravioli and savory sausage, this dish brings everyone together for a delicious, comforting dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Swap Italian sausage for ground beef, add extra vegetables, or experiment with different cheese blends to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Brown sausage, combine sauce ingredients, layer in crockpot – no complicated techniques required, just straightforward cooking that delivers rich, satisfying results.

Ingredients for Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the lasagna.

• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy cheese that provides a smooth and soft texture to the dish.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that creates a gooey and stretchy layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard cheese that adds a sharp and salty finish to the top of the lasagna.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that serves as the primary liquid component.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes that add texture and extra tomato flavor to the sauce.
• Onion: A aromatic vegetable that provides a savory base for the sauce.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Basil, Oregano: Herbs that bring a fresh and traditional Italian seasoning to the dish.

• Frozen Ravioli: A convenient pasta that forms the base layers of the lasagna.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Optional herbs for garnishing and adding a fresh touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Cook Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it turns a rich golden brown. Drain away any excess grease and transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Cook until the vegetables become soft and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Marinara sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Dried oregano

Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Build the First Sauce Layer

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce mixture across the bottom of the crockpot.

Step 5: Create First Cheese and Pasta Layer

• Frozen ravioli
• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Step 6: Repeat Layering Magic

Continue building layers of sauce, ravioli, and cheeses. Finish with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on low setting for 4-6 hours. The dish is ready when ravioli becomes tender and cheese turns melty and golden.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

• Prevent Soggy Layers: Use frozen ravioli directly from the freezer to maintain structural integrity and avoid mushy textures during slow cooking.
• Reduce Fat Content: Select lean Italian sausage or substitute with ground turkey for a healthier protein option without compromising flavor.
• Boost Cheese Flavor: Mix different cheese varieties like provolone or fontina with mozzarella to create a more complex and rich cheese profile.
• Enhance Herb Freshness: Chop fresh basil or parsley right before serving to add vibrant flavor and bright green color to the finished dish.
• Control Sauce Consistency: If sauce seems too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to help thicken and concentrate flavors.

Variation Ideas for Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

• Vegetarian Ravioli Lasagna: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu. Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for nutrition and texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free frozen ravioli and ensure marinara sauce contains no wheat ingredients. Check all cheese labels to confirm gluten-free status.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Lasagna: Swap Italian sausage for ground beef. Add taco seasoning, replace marinara with salsa, and use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. Top with cilantro and jalapeños.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute ravioli with thin zucchini slices or cauliflower. Use less cheese and add more protein-rich meat for a keto-friendly option.

Pairing Suggestions for Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

• Savor Rustic Red Wine Pairing: A bold Chianti or Sangiovese complements the rich, meaty tomato sauce, enhancing the Italian sausage's robust flavors and cutting through the creamy cheese layers.
• Refresh with Crisp Salad Side: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty lasagna, adding a zesty contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Elevate with Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce, providing a perfect textural crunch and additional herbal notes to the meal.

Storage Advice for Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

• Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with a lid to prevent moisture loss and protect from other food odors.
• Portion the lasagna into individual servings, wrap securely in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.

FAQs About Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

• Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Fresh ravioli can work, but reduce cooking time to 2-3 hours to prevent overcooking and maintain texture.

• Is it okay to substitute ground beef for Italian sausage?

Yes, ground beef is an excellent alternative. Brown it similarly and follow the same recipe steps for a delicious result.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace meat with plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable marinara sauce to create a meatless version.

• Do I need to thaw the frozen ravioli before adding to the crockpot?

No, you can add frozen ravioli directly into the crockpot. The slow cooking process will perfectly cook the pasta.

Filling Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot ravioli lasagna blends Italian comfort classics into one delightful slow-cooker masterpiece. Creamy cheese layers and rich marinara create a simple, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound Italian sausage

Main Cheeses:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/414 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Pasta:

• 1 package (25 ounces/709 grams) frozen cheese ravioli

Seasoning:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh basil or parsley

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Instructions

1. Brown Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, removing excess grease and transferring to a separate plate.
2. Use the same skillet to sauté onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Incorporate marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and dried herbs into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Create a thin foundational layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the crockpot to prevent sticking.
5. Arrange a single stratum of frozen ravioli directly over the sauce base, ensuring minimal gaps between pasta pieces.
6. Generously spread ricotta cheese across the ravioli layer, creating a creamy intermediate section.
7. Sprinkle a robust coating of shredded mozzarella cheese to enhance moisture and richness.
8. Repeat layering sequence, alternating sauce, ravioli, ricotta, and mozzarella until ingredients are exhausted.
9. Culminate the layers with a final generous sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a golden, crispy top.
10. Secure crockpot lid and slow cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours until pasta becomes tender and cheese melts completely.
11. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added aromatic freshness before serving.

Notes

• Make sure to drain excess fat from the sausage to prevent the dish from becoming greasy and maintain a cleaner flavor profile.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for Italian sausage and use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
• Avoid overcooking the ravioli by checking tenderness around the 4-hour mark to prevent mushy texture.
• Add extra herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary to enhance the depth of flavor and create a more complex taste experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 474 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg