This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying meal. By layering frozen cheese ravioli, hearty ground beef, and lots of cheese in your crockpot, you can create a delicious lasagna-like dish without the hassle of boiling noodles or spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s sure to become a favorite for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen cheese ravioli
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 jar (24 oz) of your favorite pasta sauce
- 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained (use 2 lbs for extra meatiness if desired)
Instructions
Step 1:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 2:
Lightly grease the bottom and sides of your crockpot with a cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
Step 3:
Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of the crockpot. This prevents the ravioli from sticking and ensures that every bite is flavorful.
Step 4:
Place a layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce, making sure to cover the bottom of the crockpot evenly.
Step 5:
Sprinkle a portion of the browned ground beef over the ravioli layer, ensuring the beef is distributed evenly.
Step 6:
Add a layer of shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the beef. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, flavorful layer in your lasagna.
Step 7:
Repeat the layering process, starting with another layer of pasta sauce, followed by more ravioli, ground beef, and cheese. Continue until all the ingredients are used, making sure to end with a final layer of cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
Step 8:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook the lasagna on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, depending on your time preference. The ravioli should be tender, and the cheese should be fully melted and bubbly when the lasagna is ready.
Step 9:
Once cooked, serve the lasagna hot. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor.
Variations
- Meat Lovers’ Option: Use 2 pounds of ground beef or mix in Italian sausage for a heartier dish.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and add a mix of sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a vegetarian take on this recipe.
- Cheese Alternatives: Add other cheeses like provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for even more cheesiness.
Cooking Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic and Italian seasoning to the browned ground beef.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or beef mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread. The fresh, crisp salad contrasts nicely with the richness of the lasagna, while garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. Add a glass of your favorite red wine, and you’ve got an easy, comforting meal ready to enjoy!
Tips
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the layers in the crockpot ahead of time, refrigerate overnight, and then cook the next day. Just add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
- Freezing Option: This dish can be frozen before or after cooking. To freeze before cooking, assemble the layers in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking as directed.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
4-5 hours on low, 2-3 hours on high
Total Time:
4-5 hours (or 2-3 hours on high)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 850mg
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh ravioli can be used, but you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly since fresh ravioli cooks faster than frozen.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover ravioli lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply use the microwave or oven until heated through.
3. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can layer in vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté the vegetables before layering them in the crockpot for the best results.
4. Can I make this dish without meat?
Yes! You can easily make this lasagna vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding extra veggies or cheese. You could also use a plant-based meat substitute if preferred.
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna without the hassle of traditional layering and baking. With frozen ravioli and your crockpot doing most of the work, you can have a comforting, cheesy lasagna on the table with minimal effort!
Print
Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 4-5 hours (or 2-3 hours on high)
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen cheese ravioli
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 jar (24 oz) of your favorite pasta sauce
- 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained (use 2 lbs for extra meatiness if desired)
Instructions
Instructions
Step 1:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 2:
Lightly grease the bottom and sides of your crockpot with a cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
Step 3:
Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of the crockpot. This prevents the ravioli from sticking and ensures that every bite is flavorful.
Step 4:
Place a layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce, making sure to cover the bottom of the crockpot evenly.
Step 5:
Sprinkle a portion of the browned ground beef over the ravioli layer, ensuring the beef is distributed evenly.
Step 6:
Add a layer of shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the beef. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, flavorful layer in your lasagna.
Step 7:
Repeat the layering process, starting with another layer of pasta sauce, followed by more ravioli, ground beef, and cheese. Continue until all the ingredients are used, making sure to end with a final layer of cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
Step 8:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook the lasagna on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, depending on your time preference. The ravioli should be tender, and the cheese should be fully melted and bubbly when the lasagna is ready.
Step 9:
Once cooked, serve the lasagna hot. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic and Italian seasoning to the browned ground beef.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or beef mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low, 2-3 hours on high
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 850mg
- Protein: 30g