Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe That Cooks While You Relax

Whipping up a comforting crockpot ravioli lasagna takes minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.

Layers of cheesy goodness come together effortlessly in this slow cooker marvel.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how simple ingredients create such a satisfying meal.

Melted cheese and tender ravioli form a delightful fusion that feels both familiar and exciting.

Rich marinara sauce weaves through each bite, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Busy individuals can rejoice in this hands-off cooking method that produces restaurant-quality results.

Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can create this crowd-pleasing dinner that everyone will devour.

What Goes With Ravioli Lasagna

Savor Perfect Pasta Companions

• Crisp Italian White Wine: Pour a chilled Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to cut through the rich, cheesy lasagna and refresh your palate with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Zesty Green Salad Sidekick: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty, meaty dish and add a refreshing crunch.
• Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread: Serve warm, crusty focaccia to soak up extra sauce and complement the lasagna's robust flavors with its herbal, olive oil-infused goodness.
• Bold Red Wine Alternative: Uncork a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese to match the tomato sauce's acidity and enhance the beef's deep, savory profile.

Ravioli Lasagna Crockpot Versions

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a protein-packed meatless alternative that maintains rich flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cheese ravioli and verify all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute traditional ravioli with zucchini sheets or cauliflower-based ravioli to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the classic lasagna structure and comfort food appeal.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, swap some herbs for oregano and za'atar, and include crumbled feta cheese to create a Mediterranean-inspired version with bold, zesty flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen ravioli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen ravioli directly without thawing. Just ensure they are spaced evenly and slightly overlapped in the slow cooker.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with plant-based meat alternatives or extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.

• What type of ravioli works best for this recipe?

Cheese or meat-filled ravioli are ideal. Cheese ravioli provides a classic taste, while meat-filled options add extra protein and flavor complexity.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, place it directly in the slow cooker and start cooking.

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna That Makes Dinner Effortless

• Convenient Family Meal: Create a hearty, satisfying dinner that feeds multiple people with minimal preparation, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Swap ground beef for sausage, adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, or experiment with different cheese combinations to suit personal taste preferences.
• Slow Cooker Magic: Leverage the crockpot's ability to develop rich, deep flavors while keeping the ravioli tender and cheese perfectly melted without constant monitoring.

What Layers into Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

• Ground Beef: Classic protein base for rich, hearty flavor, choose lean ground beef for less grease, great for adding substance to the dish.
• Italian Sausage: Optional meat alternative with robust seasonings, provides extra depth of flavor.

• Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy layers that create luxurious texture, full-fat versions offer best melting and taste, fresh cheeses recommended for optimal flavor.

• Frozen Ravioli: Convenient pasta base that saves preparation time, cheese or meat-filled varieties work well, no pre-cooking required.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Foundation for classic Italian sauce, provides rich, deep tomato flavor, balanced acidic profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders, add depth and complexity to the sauce, fresh ingredients preferred.

• Oregano, Basil, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Traditional Italian herb blend, enhances overall taste profile, adjust spice levels to preference.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright finishing touch, adds color and fresh herbal note to the final dish.

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Cooking Method

Step 1: Transform Ground Beef

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Break up the meat with a wooden spoon until it’s nicely crumbled.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 2: Wake Up the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the skillet.

Sauté until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Craft the Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Build the Foundation

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker.

Step 5: Arrange the First Ravioli Layer

Carefully place ravioli across the sauce, slightly overlapping if needed.

Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, blend ricotta and Parmesan cheeses until smooth.

Step 7: Create the First Cheese Layer

Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli.

Step 8: Sprinkle First Cheese Topping

Scatter one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.

Step 9: Repeat the Layering Magic

• Meat sauce
• Ravioli
• Remaining ricotta mixture
• Another third of mozzarella

Step 10: Final Touches

Top with the remaining meat sauce and the last of the mozzarella cheese.

Step 11: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: 4-6 hours
• High setting: 2-3 hours

Cook until ravioli becomes tender and cheese melts into bubbly goodness.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Lasagna Tips For Easy Ravioli Layers

• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still delivers rich flavor.
• Drain tomato products thoroughly to prevent excess liquid, ensuring your lasagna stays thick and not watery during slow cooking.
• Mix different Italian cheeses like provolone or fontina with mozzarella for a more complex and robust cheese profile.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for brighter, more vibrant flavors – fresh basil and oregano can elevate the entire dish's taste.
• Lightly spray the crockpot with cooking spray before layering ingredients to guarantee easy serving and cleanup.

Ravioli Lasagna from Crockpot That Heats Up Perfectly

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, lasting up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Place refrigerated lasagna in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through, preventing dryness.
• For quick reheating, place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until steaming hot.

Robust Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this crockpot ravioli lasagna, a delightful fusion of classic Italian flavors. Cheesy layers meld perfectly, creating a hearty meal that welcomes you home with warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef (or Italian sausage)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables, Herbs, and Sauce:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce/794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6-ounce/170 grams) can tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 (16-ounce/454 grams) package frozen or fresh ravioli (cheese, meat, or vegetable filled)
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare ground meat in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles and eliminating excess fat.
2. Incorporate onions and garlic into the skillet, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Develop sauce by blending crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste with aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer mixture for approximately 10 minutes.
4. Create initial foundation in crockpot by spreading thin layer of meat sauce across bottom of cooking vessel.
5. Arrange frozen ravioli across sauce layer, allowing slight overlapping to ensure complete coverage.
6. Mix ricotta and Parmesan cheeses thoroughly in separate mixing bowl, creating creamy cheese blend.
7. Distribute half of cheese mixture evenly across ravioli layer, ensuring uniform coverage.
8. Sprinkle initial portion of mozzarella cheese over ricotta layer.
9. Repeat layering process: add sauce, place additional ravioli, spread remaining cheese mixture, and apply another portion of mozzarella.
10. Complete dish with final sauce layer and remaining mozzarella cheese topping.
11. Cover crockpot and slow cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours until ravioli becomes tender and cheese melts completely.
12. Allow lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to stabilize structure and enhance flavor profile.
13. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for added visual appeal and herbal brightness.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein option that keeps the dish nutritious and delicious.
• Use frozen or fresh ravioli depending on convenience, ensuring they’re fully thawed before layering to maintain optimal texture and prevent uneven cooking.
• For gluten-sensitive diets, select gluten-free cheese and replace traditional ravioli with gluten-free pasta varieties to make the recipe completely allergen-friendly.
• Cheese lovers can enhance creaminess by mixing different cheeses like provolone or fontina with mozzarella, creating a more complex and rich flavor profile in each bite.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg