A meal that takes minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor is every busy home chef’s dream, especially on a chaotic weeknight. Think gooey cheese, savory meat, and comforting pasta—all simmered to perfection in your trusty crockpot. Trust me, with this delicious and easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna, you’ll have dinner ready without a massive cleanup or hours of slaving over a hot stove.
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A simple and comforting Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna packed with gooey cheese and savory meat, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (24 oz) pasta sauce
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until crumbly. Drain excess fat and return to the skillet.
- Stir in pasta sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning; simmer for about five minutes.
- In a greased slow cooker, spread a layer of beef and sauce mixture on the bottom.
- Layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce.
- Top with half of the remaining beef sauce and half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Repeat with the remaining ravioli, remaining beef sauce, and top with the remaining cheeses.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, until cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or try a splash of red wine in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Why This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Never Fails
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and consistency. Unlike traditional lasagna, which often requires layers of meticulous noodle-building, this dish utilizes frozen ravioli. The result? A delectable, hearty meal that you can whip up with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Let’s dive in so you can impress your family without breaking a sweat!
Your Ingredient Lineup
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (24 oz) pasta sauce
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Gathering these ingredients will ensure you’ve got everything you need to deliver a cozy, comforting dish everyone will enjoy. No fancy ingredients, just classic flavors that please the crowd!
Cooking Method Made Simple
Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until it’s nice and crumbly. Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet. Stir in the pasta sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, letting it simmer for about five minutes to blend those flavors beautifully.
In a greased slow cooker, spread a thin layer of the beef and sauce mixture on the bottom. Layer half of the frozen ravioli over this sauce, just like you’re laying bricks in a foundation.
Top with half of the remaining beef sauce, sprinkling half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over everything because, let’s be honest, cheese makes everything better.
Repeat the layers: start with the remaining ravioli, followed by the rest of the meat sauce. Finish it off with the remaining cheeses, giving it that glorious topping you crave.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. When you lift that lid, the aroma will have everyone in the house rushing to the table. Serve it hot and watch those plates get emptied!
Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the dish
- Calories: Approximately 540
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
Balanced, filling, and comforting, this dish gives you all the satisfaction without weighing you down. Perfect for a company dinner or a cozy family meal, it checks all the boxes.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
You can serve this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna for dinner, of course, but it also makes a great lunch reheated the next day. Pair it with a fresh green salad or a warm, crusty garlic bread for that classic Italian feel. Interested in keeping it seasonal? A side of roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze pairs beautifully during the autumn months.
Storage & Reheat Tips
Storing this delicious dish is a breeze! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions. Just make sure to label them with the date.
To reheat, a microwave is your friend—just add a splash of water to keep things from drying out. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm. Or, for an even better texture, pop it back into the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes if you have the time.
Smart Tips
- Double the sauce: If you like it extra saucy, feel free to add more pasta sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for your favorite veggie sausage or mushrooms for a meatless version.
- Add spinach or zucchini: Sneak in some veggies to boost the nutrition and color—layer them in with the ravioli!
- Bump up the flavors: A splash of red wine in the sauce mix amplifies the depth.
Creative Flavor Twists
- Fall Flavor Addition: Toss in some pumpkin puree into the sauce for a sweet, nutty hint that’s perfect for fall.
- Spicy Version: Spice it up by adding red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a kick of heat.
- Mexican Twist: Use cheese ravioli and sprinkle taco seasoning into your meat sauce for a fun twist—think ravioli meets lasagna meets taco night.
Quick Questions, Straight Answers
Can you use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just adjust cooking time; fresh ravioli cooks faster and doesn’t need as long in the crockpot.
Is it ok to prepare this the night before?
Yes, just layer everything in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, plug it in and go about your day!
Can you substitute ground beef with chicken or turkey?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken creates a lighter dish while still being protein-rich.
How do I make this gluten-free?
You can find gluten-free ravioli in many stores. Just ensure the pasta sauce is also gluten-free.
Jump right into this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna adventure, and impress your family with your culinary prowess. With so little hassle and so much flavor, this recipe stands out as a quintessential weeknight meal that delivers comfort and satisfaction—making dinner a whole lot easier!
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