Description
This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna is an easy and comforting one-pot meal combining layers of frozen cheese ravioli, savory meat sauce, and melted cheeses. Perfect for busy days, it simmers low and slow to deliver tender pasta and rich flavors without the fuss of traditional lasagna layering.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Lasagna Layers
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and marinara sauce. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then simmer briefly to combine flavors.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking. Spread a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce evenly on the bottom to act as the base.
- Layer Ingredients: Add a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. Spoon more meat sauce on top of the ravioli, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers—ravioli, sauce, then cheese—until all the ravioli and sauce are used, finishing with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or on high heat for 2.5 to 3 hours. The ravioli should be tender and fully cooked through by the end of this period.
- Let it Set: Once cooking is complete, turn off the slow cooker and allow the lasagna to sit covered for 10 to 15 minutes. This rest time helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this effortless twist on traditional lasagna.
Notes
- You can swap the cheese ravioli for meat-filled or spinach ravioli to change up the flavor profile.
- Adding a layer of ricotta cheese between the ravioli layers will make the dish extra creamy.
- This ravioli lasagna reheats well and is freezer-friendly after cooking, making it perfect for meal prep.
