Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines the best of lasagna and ravioli in one hearty meal. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Layered with ground beef, savory tomato sauce, cheese-filled ravioli, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook the meat: In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Prepare the sauce: Stir in the spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Layer the casserole: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray. Spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crockpot. Add a layer of frozen ravioli, then top with more sauce, followed by a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted.
5. Serve: Once cooked, serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4-6 hours
• Total Time: 4-6 hours 15 minutes

Variations

1. Vegetarian version: Use a vegetable-based pasta (such as spinach ravioli) and substitute the ground beef with mushrooms, zucchini, or other vegetables.
2. Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce to give it a bit of heat.
3. Add more cheese: For extra cheesy lasagna, add additional ricotta or provolone cheese to the layers.
4. Chicken alternative: Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of this dish.
5. Use fresh ravioli: If you prefer, you can use fresh ravioli instead of frozen—just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, you can use other pasta types like tortellini, or even uncooked lasagna noodles for a twist on the classic.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble everything the night before and store it in the refrigerator, then just place it in the crockpot to cook the next day.
3. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
   Yes, fresh ravioli can be used, but you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then cook as directed.
5. How can I make this gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free ravioli and make sure the spaghetti sauce and seasonings are gluten-free.
6. Can I add extra vegetables?
   Yes, feel free to add in vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost the flavor and nutrition.
7. Can I use a slow cooker on high heat?
   Yes, you can cook this on high for 2-3 hours, but keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
8. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce instead of spaghetti sauce?
   Yes, marinara sauce works just fine as a substitute for spaghetti sauce in this recipe.
9. Do I need to thaw the ravioli before cooking?
   No, frozen ravioli can go directly into the slow cooker without thawing.
10. Can I substitute the ground beef for a different meat?
    Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can be used as alternatives to ground beef.

Conclusion

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a simple and delicious dish that delivers all the comfort of traditional lasagna with the ease of a slow cooker. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty meal with little effort. The combination of rich meat sauce, ravioli, and melted cheese makes this dish a surefire winner with your family.

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