If you’ve ever dreamed of a lasagna that’s fuss-free yet irresistibly comforting, you’re going to love this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe. This dish takes the classic lasagna flavors you adore and simplifies the process by layering frozen cheese ravioli, savory meat sauce, and gooey Italian cheese all in the slow cooker. The result is a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends without standing over the stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the hearty ground beef to the rich pasta sauce and melty cheese, every element elevates the dish into something spectacular.
- Ground round (1 lb): Provides a hearty, savory base with a satisfying meaty texture; swap with MorningStar Farms Grillers Recipe Crumbles for a vegetarian twist.
- Chopped onions (1 cup): Adds a natural sweetness and slight crunch, building depth into the meat mixture.
- Garlic cloves (2-4, minced): Infuses the sauce with that classic aromatic punch we all love in Italian dishes.
- Pasta sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): The rich tomato base that wraps everything in a comforting, flavorful hug.
- Frozen cheese-filled ravioli (1 package, 25 oz): This is the clever shortcut that mimics lasagna noodles but with an ooey, gooey cheese surprise inside.
- Shredded Italian blend cheese (8 oz): A melty, cheesy crowning glory, combining mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan for ultimate indulgence.
How to Make Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat Mixture
Begin by browning your ground round or veggie crumble with the chopped onions and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step develops a deliciously savory base and lets the aromatics pop. Make sure the meat is cooked through and no longer pink. If there’s excess liquid or grease, drain it for a cleaner-flavored layer later.
Step 2: Start Layering with Sauce and Ravioli
Lightly grease the bottom of your crockpot and spoon 3/4 cup of pasta sauce evenly across it. This creates a flavorful, moist foundation and prevents sticking. Next, add half of your frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer right on top — no need to thaw them, which saves time and keeps things simple.
Step 3: Add Half the Meat Mixture
Spread half of your cooked ground meat mixture evenly over the ravioli. This layer infuses savory goodness and ensures every bite has that classic meat sauce flavor.
Step 4: Sprinkle with Cheese
Top the meat layer with 1 cup of the shredded Italian blend cheese. This gooey layer will melt into a creamy, cheesy blanket that’s integral to any great lasagna.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Repeat your layering sequence starting again with 3/4 cup of pasta sauce, the remaining ravioli, the rest of the meat mixture, and finish with the last 1 cup of shredded cheese. This repetition builds those beautiful, distinct layers that make this dish feel truly lasagna-like.
Step 6: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. The pasta will soften into tender perfection while the flavors meld together beautifully. Keep an eye starting at 4 hours, as crockpots vary; mine was perfectly done at 4.5 hours. This slow-cooking allows the cheesy ravioli and rich meat sauce to blend into an effortlessly delicious meal.
How to Serve Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
To add a final sprinkle of freshness and vibrancy, garnish your lasagna with chopped fresh basil or parsley. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate each serving into an elegant plate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or simple garlic bread to mop up every last bite of sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also add a nutritious, colorful contrast to this rich comfort food.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual ramekins straight from the crockpot for a rustic charm or use colorful plates to complement the lasagna’s hearty reds and golden cheese. You could also turn leftovers into easy handheld ravioli lasagna sliders for a fun twist at casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making your next meal equally enjoyable and convenient, perfect for busy days.
Freezing
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or oven until warmed through and bubbly. Adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese before heating can bring back that irresistible gooey texture, making it almost as good as freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ravioli for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheese-filled ravioli gives that classic lasagna flavor, you can experiment with meat or spinach ravioli depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Is it necessary to brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot?
Yes, browning develops flavor by caramelizing the meat and sautéing the onions and garlic, which adds a richer, more complex taste to the final dish.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles like MorningStar Farms Grillers, as suggested, or use lentils for a protein-packed alternative. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
What if my crockpot size is different; how should I adjust cooking time?
Cooking times might vary depending on your slow cooker’s size and heat distribution. Start checking tenderness at 4 hours and adjust accordingly to avoid overcooking the ravioli texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free pasta sauce and select gluten-free ravioli to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone craving classic comfort food without the usual hassle. Its simple ingredients and slow-cooked magic combine to deliver a warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal that feels like a labor of love, even when time is tight. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation — your family and friends will thank you for it!
Print
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting, layered casserole that combines the ease of slow cooking with the flavors of classic lasagna. Featuring cheese-filled ravioli, seasoned ground beef, savory pasta sauce, and melted Italian blend cheese, this recipe delivers a hearty and delicious meal with minimal prep and fuss. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm homemade dinner waiting for you.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground round (or MorningStar Farms Grillers Recipe Crumbles for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2–4 garlic cloves, minced
Sauces & Cheese
- 1 (24 oz) jar of pasta sauce
- 1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese-filled ravioli (do not thaw)
- 1 (8 oz) package shredded Italian blend cheese
Instructions
- Cook Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground round (or vegetarian crumble), chopped onions, and minced garlic until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed, then set aside.
- Prepare Crockpot Base: Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot. Spoon 3/4 cup of the pasta sauce evenly across the bottom to form the base layer.
- Layer Ravioli: Place half of the frozen cheese-filled ravioli in a single layer over the sauce in the crockpot.
- Add Meat Mixture: Evenly spread half of the cooked meat mixture over the ravioli layer.
- Layer Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Italian blend cheese over the meat mixture.
- Repeat Layers: Add another 3/4 cup of pasta sauce on top of the cheese, followed by the remaining ravioli layer, the remaining meat mixture, and finish with the last 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or until the ravioli is tender. Check around 4.5 hours as cooking times may vary by crockpot model.
Notes
- You can substitute ground round with vegetarian crumbles for a meatless version.
- Do not thaw the ravioli before layering to maintain texture and cooking consistency.
- Adjust cooking time depending on your crockpot; some models cook faster.
- Use Italian blend cheese for best flavor, but mozzarella or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan can also work.
- For a deeper flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or fresh basil to the meat mixture.
