If you are craving a comforting, cheesy meal without the hassle of layering noodles for hours, this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is an absolute game changer. Combining the convenience of frozen ravioli with hearty meat sauce and plenty of melty cheeses, it delivers all the deliciousness of traditional lasagna with so much less fuss. Just layer it up, set your slow cooker, and come back to a bubbling, satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, familiar ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table. From the juicy richness of the ground beef to the creamy texture of cheeses, every component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and comfort.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds savory depth and richness to your sauce, making the dish hearty and satisfying.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides a sweet, aromatic base when cooked with the meat.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a warm, fragrant kick that elevates the overall flavor.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: The perfect tomato foundation, bringing tangy sweetness and herbs.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained): Adds texture and a fresh burst of tomato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the sauce together beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (uncooked): The star ingredient that replaces traditional lasagna noodles, saving time and effort.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, irresistible layers of cheesy goodness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch to complement the mozzarella.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional): Offers creaminess and richness, adding another dimension to the texture.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Brings a fresh, herbaceous brightness to finish the dish perfectly.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat Sauce
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and browning your ground beef or Italian sausage along with diced onion. This ensures your base is packed with flavor right from the start. Once the meat is cooked through, toss in the minced garlic and cook just long enough to release its aroma—about 30 seconds. Drain any excess grease, then stir in your marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper, then let this delicious sauce mingle for a minute or two to deepen the flavors.
Step 2: Layer in the Crockpot
Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker to keep everything from sticking. Begin by spreading a thin layer of your meat sauce on the bottom. Next, add a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli—these will cook perfectly in the crockpot, absorbing all the sauce’s goodness. Spoon more meat sauce over the ravioli, dot with ricotta if you’re using it, and sprinkle a generous handful of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used, making sure to end with a final top layer of sauce and cheese. This creates a golden, bubbly crust that’s irresistible.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker tightly and set it to cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. Patience is key here, but the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting — as the ravioli cooks, it steeps in sauce and cheese, creating those signature lasagna layers without any fuss. When the timer’s up, let the dish rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This short wait lets the layers settle and the cheese firm up just enough for clean slices.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley don’t just add a pop of color; they bring a bright, fresh note that balances the richness of the lasagna perfectly. Sprinkle these just before serving to make your dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pairing this hearty lasagna with a crisp green salad or some garlicky roasted vegetables makes for a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe in individual ramekins or small slow cookers to serve personalized portions. You can also swap in different ravioli fillings or add layers of sautéed spinach or mushrooms to customize it for your family’s tastes and make it your own signature dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This lasagna keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor. When you want a quick meal, simply reheat a portion and enjoy all over again.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to avoid ice crystals. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping or saving for those days when you need dinner ready in a flash.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge and then reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If reheating from the fridge, microwave or oven works well—just keep an eye to prevent overcooking or drying out. Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating helps revive that fresh-from-the-crockpot charm.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the meat and boost flavor with extra vegetables like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. The marinara and cheese layers still provide plenty of richness and heartiness that everyone will love.
Do I have to use frozen ravioli?
Nope! You can also use refrigerated ravioli if you prefer—just reduce the cooking time slightly since these tend to cook faster. Frozen ravioli is ideal for convenience and texture, but either option works well.
How thick should the layers be?
Try to create even layers of sauce, ravioli, and cheese about one to two inches thick so everything cooks uniformly and stacks nicely. You want enough layers to get great flavor but not so thick that the ravioli stays undercooked.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna in your slow cooker insert, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add some extra cooking time if you start from cold.
What if my slow cooker runs hot or small?
If you have a smaller slow cooker, consider halving the recipe or using a wider, shallower slow cooker for even cooking. Every slow cooker heats differently, so it’s helpful to keep an eye on the dish the first time you make it.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe truly takes the hassle out of making a classic comfort meal without sacrificing any of the incredible flavors. It fits perfectly into busy lives and brings family and friends together with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Give it a go and watch it become your new favorite weeknight dinner that you’ll come back to again and again.
Print
Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This easy crockpot ravioli lasagna is a no-fuss, family-friendly dinner that layers frozen ravioli with rich marinara sauce, ground beef, and gooey melted cheese. It combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna with minimal effort—just layer the ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work! Ideal for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Lasagna Layers
- 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the meat sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Drain any excess grease, then stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Prepare slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer ingredients: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. Spoon more meat sauce on top, add dollops of ricotta cheese if using, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly. Repeat these layers (ravioli, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan) until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook: Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours until the lasagna is hot, bubbly, and the ravioli are cooked through.
- Rest and garnish: Let the lasagna rest inside the slow cooker for 10–15 minutes after cooking to set. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use ground beef, Italian sausage, or a mix for the meat layer based on your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, omit meat and add sautéed spinach or mushrooms instead.
- You can substitute frozen ravioli with refrigerated ravioli; if doing so, reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the cooked meat to keep the sauce from becoming too oily.
- This recipe works well for meal prep and leftovers reheat nicely.
