Let’s talk comfort food that’s also ridiculously easy. This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is perfect for those nights when you want lasagna but without the hassle. It’s got all the good stuff—cheesy ravioli, hearty beef, and layers of melty goodness—all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. The best part? It only takes minutes to prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Who doesn’t love throwing everything in a slow cooker and letting it do the work for you?
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish. It’s cheesy, hearty, and oh-so-comforting.
- Lasagna Shortcut: You get all the flavors of traditional lasagna, but without the hassle of boiling noodles or layering everything perfectly.
Ingredients
- 10 oz bag of frozen ravioli – I like cheese ravioli, but you can use meat or spinach-filled too!
- 1 lb ground beef – For that rich, meaty goodness.
- 1 yellow onion, diced – Adds flavor and texture.
- 24 oz jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce – Pick one you love because it’s the base of all that flavor.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – Because everything’s better with melty cheese on top!
Variations
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu or extra veggies like zucchini and mushrooms.
- Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for extra heat.
- Cheese Overload: Mix some ricotta cheese in with the beef layer for that extra creamy lasagna vibe.
How to Make the Recipe
1. Prep the Slow Cooker
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the cheese from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
2. Cook the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. If you prefer, drain the excess fat. Then, toss in the diced onion and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Layer It Up
Now, we build those delicious layers:
- Spread about a third of the spaghetti sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add half of the frozen ravioli in an even layer on top of the sauce.
- Top with half of the cooked beef and onion mixture, followed by another layer of sauce.
- Repeat with another layer of ravioli, beef, and sauce.
4. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. I like to be generous here because melty cheese makes everything better!
5. Cook
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until everything is heated through, the cheese is melted, and the ravioli is tender.
How to Serve
- Classic Lasagna Style: Serve this ravioli lasagna hot with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad.
- Add Some Veggies: Throw some steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach on the side for a little green goodness.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, so save some for tomorrow’s lunch!
Makeover
- Add Extra Layers: If you’re feeling fancy, you can add a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese between the ravioli and meat layers for an extra creamy lasagna.
- Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different twist on flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just keep an eye on the cooking time. Fresh ravioli will cook faster, so check it around the 2-hour mark.
Do I need to cook the ravioli first?
Nope! The beauty of this recipe is that you can toss the frozen ravioli right into the slow cooker—no pre-cooking required.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven and enjoy!
There you have it—easy, cheesy, and comforting Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna that’ll make dinner feel like a breeze. Dig in and enjoy the ooey-gooey deliciousness!
PrintCrockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This easy crockpot lasagna recipe uses frozen ravioli for a simple, cheesy, and hearty dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, combining all the delicious flavors of lasagna with minimal prep!
Ingredients
- 10 oz bag of frozen ravioli
- 1 lb ground beef
- 24 oz jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 yellow onion, diced
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
-
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain the fat if desired. Add the diced onion and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
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Layer the Ingredients: Spread a third of the spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. Add half of the frozen ravioli in an even layer on top of the sauce. Then, top with half of the meat mixture and half of the remaining sauce.
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Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of ravioli, followed by the remaining meat mixture and sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
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Cook the Lasagna: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2 ½ to 3 hours, until the ravioli is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.
Notes
Variations:
- Do not thaw the ravioli before adding it to the crockpot, as this will change the cooking time.
- Try different cheeses like ricotta, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for a cheesier lasagna.
- For a meatier lasagna, consider adding Italian sausage or frozen meatballs. You can also use beef-stuffed ravioli for extra flavor.
- Replace the spaghetti sauce with crushed tomatoes for a different flavor, or use Ro-Tel tomatoes if you like a bit of heat.
Tips:
- To make cleanup easier, spray the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray before layering the ingredients.
- If you struggle with food sticking to the pot, fill it with hot water and add a dryer sheet after cooking. Let it sit for 2-12 hours to help loosen any stuck-on food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 Hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg