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If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s effortless to prepare yet bursting with flavor, this Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine layers of tender frozen ravioli, savory browned ground beef, flavorful marinara, and melted mozzarella all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s like having classic lasagna but with way less fuss and way more love, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, accessible ingredients is the first step toward making this dish a winner. Each one plays an important role, whether it’s bringing wonderful seasoning or creamy, gooey texture to your slow cooker creation.
- 25 oz. frozen ravioli: Use five-cheese ravioli straight from the freezer to maintain perfect texture and prevent mushiness.
- 1 lb. ground beef: Adds hearty protein and richness; you can swap for mild sausage if preferred for a different flavor profile.
- 1 cup white onion, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and sharpness to balance the tomato sauce.
- 1/2 tsp. salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures every bite is well-seasoned.
- 1/4 tsp. pepper: Adds just a touch of heat and depth to the meat mixture.
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder: Provides a layer of savory warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 tsp. dried leaf oregano: Delivers classic Italian herb aroma and flavor; be sure it’s leaf and not ground for best texture.
- 24 oz. marinara sauce: A good quality sauce like Rao’s will shine, providing rich tomato flavor and natural sweetness.
- 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese: Two cups of shredded mozzarella create that irresistible ooey-gooey topping we all love on lasagna.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Onions
Start by heating a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions together. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Let everything cook until the meat is browned and flavorful, taking care to leave a few tablespoons of the rendered juices in the pan for moisture and taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray. This step prevents the lasagna from sticking and makes cleanup that much easier. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 3: Layer the Lasagna
Begin by spooning half of the marinara sauce evenly onto the slow cooker bottom. Next, add half the frozen ravioli, distributing them in a single layer. Spoon the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the ravioli, then top with the remaining ravioli. Finally, pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the entire layered dish.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top of the layered saucy ravioli. This cheese layer is going to melt into a bubbly, golden crust that’s pure comfort food heaven.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to LOW. Let your Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe cook gently for 4 hours. This slow, steady simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the ravioli to become tender but not mushy.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Once done, your kitchen will be filled with an incredible aroma. Scoop out generous portions and dig in—this dish serves about five and a half, perfect for family dinners or leftovers!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or some cracked black pepper on top adds a fresh, vibrant pop that complements the rich layers. For a little extra indulgence, a dollop of ricotta or a grating of Parmesan goes a long way.
Side Dishes
This hearty Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad dressed in light vinaigrette, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy main dish. Garlic bread or warm focaccia rounds out the meal perfectly with some added crunch and buttery goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve this lasagna in individual casserole dishes or small skillets. Dress each serving with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few chili flakes for a touch of personality. Even plating on a rustic wooden board with fresh herb sprigs adds a cozy, homemade feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more enjoyable the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Cover with foil if reheating in the oven to prevent drying. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating can refresh the gooey goodness perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Fresh ravioli can work but be careful not to overcook since fresh pasta cooks faster. The texture might become too soft in the slow cooker. Frozen ravioli holds up better during the longer cooking time.
Is it necessary to brown the meat first?
Yes, browning the meat and sautéing onions first builds a richer flavor base and prevents the meat from becoming gray and bland in the slow cooker.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based crumbles. Use vegetable marinara sauce to keep the vegetarian spirit alive.
What size slow cooker should I use?
A 4- to 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe to give enough room for the layers without overcrowding, ensuring even cooking.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
You can double it but be mindful of your slow cooker’s size. It might affect cooking time; you’ll want to check doneness and possibly extend the cooking time by an hour or so.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves rich, cheesy lasagna without the hassle of layer-by-layer prep. It’s approachable, delicious, and perfect for comfortable, relaxed dinners with family or friends. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your recipe rotation—you won’t regret it!
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Print
Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 5.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and easy Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna recipe featuring layers of frozen ravioli, seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This no-fuss dish combines the flavors of classic lasagna with the convenience of slow cooking, perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb. ground beef (can use mild sausage)
- 1 cup white onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. dried leaf oregano (not ground)
Slow Cooker Layers
- 25 oz. frozen ravioli (5 cheese recommended), DO NOT THAW
- 24 oz. marinara sauce (Rao’s recommended)
- 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Onions: In a medium-sized non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried leaf oregano. Cook until the meat is browned, leaving a few tablespoons of liquid in the pan to keep the mixture moist.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Layer Ingredients: Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce. Top with the entire ground beef mixture. Add the remaining ravioli on top of the meat. Finally, pour over the remaining marinara sauce evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the cheese to melt.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve warm and enjoy this simple, hearty slow cooker ravioli lasagna.
Notes
- Do not thaw the frozen ravioli before adding to the slow cooker to prevent mushiness.
- Keeping some liquid in the browned meat helps maintain moisture in the dish.
- You can substitute ground beef with mild sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Using high-quality marinara sauce like Rao’s enhances the overall taste.
- Slow cooking on LOW ensures the ravioli cooks through without overcooking the cheese.
