Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting, simple-to-make dinner that layers frozen cheese ravioli with savory ground beef, rich ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, and marinara sauce. Perfect for a hands-off slow cooker meal, it delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness of traditional lasagna without the fuss of noodles or oven baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Layer
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese Layers
- 1 (25-ounce) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Season the beef with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Layer the Crockpot: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the crockpot to prevent sticking.
- First Ravioli Layer: Place half of the frozen ravioli evenly over the sauce layer in the crockpot.
- First Beef and Cheese Layer: Spoon half of the cooked seasoned ground beef over the ravioli. Then, dollop half of the ricotta cheese in spoonfuls across the beef, and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of marinara sauce, then the remaining ravioli, followed by the remaining beef, the rest of the ricotta cheese, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Top It Off: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top layer and sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the ravioli are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley to add a fresh herbal note and brighten the dish.
Notes
- Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used instead of beef for different flavor variations.
- Adding a layer of spinach or sautéed vegetables can boost the nutritional value and add color.
- Using refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen will reduce cooking time by approximately 30 minutes.
- For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes to the ground beef while cooking.
- Make sure to layer ingredients carefully to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
