Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Crockpot ravioli lasagna is an easy comfort-food dinner that combines the flavors of classic lasagna with the convenience of frozen ravioli. Layers of cheesy ravioli, hearty meat sauce, and melted cheese cook slowly into a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
- LOW: 4–5 hours
- HIGH: 2–3 hours
Servings
6–8
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jars (24 ounces each) marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef or Italian sausage with the chopped onion until browned and fully cooked, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.
Drain excess grease if needed. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, basil, and a little salt and pepper.
2. Layer the Crockpot
Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker.
Add a thin layer of marinara sauce to the bottom.
Layer ingredients in this order:
- Frozen ravioli
- Meat sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook until the ravioli are tender and the cheese is melted:
- LOW: 4–5 hours
- HIGH: 2–3 hours
Avoid stirring too much during cooking, as it can break apart the ravioli.
4. Rest Before Serving
Turn off the slow cooker and let the ravioli lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set slightly.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Roasted broccoli
- A simple green salad
Variations
Meatless Ravioli Lasagna
Skip the meat and add:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Spinach
- Zucchini
- Extra vegetables
Extra Cheesy Version
Add:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese between layers
- Extra mozzarella on top
Creamy Version
Mix a little Alfredo sauce with the marinara for a richer, creamier flavor.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use frozen ravioli straight from the freezer to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Don’t add extra water—the sauce provides the moisture needed for cooking.
- Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
- Let the dish rest before serving so the cheese and sauce thicken.
