If you’re looking for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe. It brilliantly combines the cheesy, saucy goodness of traditional lasagna with the ease of frozen ravioli and the magic of slow cooking. Each bite delivers layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese that will have everyone begging for seconds, and best of all, it practically makes itself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack a serious punch in flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the savory ground beef or Italian sausage adding heartiness, to the blend of cheeses bringing that irresistible creaminess, and the herbs and tomatoes giving it that authentic Italian flair.
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli: Using frozen ravioli makes this dish incredibly easy and saves time without sacrificing flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds deep, savory richness and a satisfying meaty texture.
- 1 small onion, diced: Gives a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with classic Italian aroma and depth.
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce: A convenient base that provides bold tomato flavor.
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Adds fresh tang and texture contrast to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs that tie the whole dish together.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the richness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to creamy, stretchy perfection that’s pure comfort food.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a luscious, delicate creaminess to every bite.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Finishes the dish with a salty, nutty burst of flavor.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh and colorful touch to brighten the plate.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by browning your ground beef or Italian sausage along with diced onion in a skillet over medium heat. This step builds flavor and caramelizes the onions perfectly. Once the meat has browned, add minced garlic and sauté for one minute—that little burst of garlic aroma is pure magic. Drain any excess grease, then stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for about five minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and deepen beautifully.
Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray to keep things tidy. Spread a thin layer of your meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking and to kick off the layers with flavor. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer—no need to thaw, saving you precious time. Next, spoon a third of the remaining sauce over the ravioli, dollop ricotta cheese in spoonfuls, and sprinkle mozzarella generously. Repeat this layering with the rest of the ravioli, sauce, and cheeses. Finish by topping everything with the remaining mozzarella and a shower of Parmesan cheese for that irresistible golden crust once cooked.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low for 4 to 5 hours. The slow, gentle heat cooks the ravioli to tender perfection while the cheeses melt into a luscious, bubbly dream. Once done, turn off the heat and let the dish sit uncovered for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time settles the layers and makes it easier to serve without the cheese running everywhere.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish. It’s optional, but trust me, the way it brightens the plate and the flavors is worth the extra step.
Side Dishes
This hearty Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add texture and balance. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also fantastic for mopping up every last bit of that glorious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming baked presentation. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top for something a little extra special when entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this meal ahead, freeze it fully assembled before cooking or freeze leftovers after cooling. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers and it will keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through and bubbly. Cover loosely with foil if reheating in the oven to prevent the top from drying out, uncover for the last few minutes to crisp the cheese if desired.
FAQs
Can I use meatless ravioli for this Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Using spinach or cheese ravioli makes this dish vegetarian-friendly and just as delicious. You might want to swap the meat for vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra texture.
Do I need to thaw the ravioli before adding it to the slow cooker?
Nope! One of the conveniences of this recipe is using frozen ravioli straight from the bag. It cooks perfectly in the sauce and slow cooker environment.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
It’s best cooked on low for 4 to 5 hours to allow flavors to develop and the ravioli to become tender. Cooking on high might not allow enough time for the sauce to meld or could result in uneven cooking.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme to replicate Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs work well too if you have them on hand for an even brighter flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Substitute the cheeses with your favorite dairy-free alternatives. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor, and plant-based ricotta and mozzarella options are widely available these days.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want comfort without fuss. The blend of hearty meat sauce, delicate cheeses, and tender ravioli slow-cooked to perfection hits all the right notes. I promise you’ll find yourself making this again and again, sharing it with loved ones, and basking in all the compliments coming your way!
Print
Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian (if using meatless sauce)
Description
This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna is an easy, comforting Italian-American dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring layers of frozen cheese ravioli, savory meat sauce, and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, it cooks low and slow to yield tender pasta and melted cheese with minimal hands-on time. Garnished with fresh basil or parsley, it’s a flavorful family-friendly meal that reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with the diced onion for about 6–8 minutes until fully cooked. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, then drain any excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Spread a thin layer of the cooked meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker, creating the base layer for the lasagna.
- Layer the Ravioli and Cheese: Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon one-third of the remaining meat sauce over the ravioli, then add dollops of ricotta cheese and sprinkle with a handful of shredded mozzarella. Repeat this layering process with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and cheeses. Finish the top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Slow Cook the Lasagna: Cover the slow cooker and cook the lasagna on low heat for 4–5 hours. The ravioli should become tender and the cheese melted and bubbly. Avoid removing the lid frequently to maintain heat and cooking time consistency.
- Rest and Garnish: Once cooking is complete, turn off the heat and let the lasagna sit uncovered in the slow cooker for 10–15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers set. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired to add a fresh, herbal note.
Notes
- No need to thaw the frozen ravioli before layering in the slow cooker.
- Feel free to substitute spinach or meat-filled ravioli to diversify the flavors.
- This dish is excellent for meal prep and reheats well for leftovers.
- Use lean ground beef or Italian sausage to reduce fat content if desired.
