🧡 Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hours (on low)
Total Time: 4 hours 10 mins
Serves: 6–8
🍅 Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes (for extra sauciness)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick)
Salt & pepper to taste
Layering:
1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
🔧 Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage with the diced onion until browned and no longer pink. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain any excess grease.
2. Make the Sauce
Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Build the Layers in Your Crockpot
Spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
Layer as follows:
A thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
A single layer of frozen ravioli.
Dollops of ricotta or cottage cheese.
A sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Repeat until everything is used up (usually 3 layers), ending with meat sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella on top.
4. Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours. The ravioli should be tender, and the cheese fully melted and bubbly.
5. Rest & Serve
Let the lasagna sit for 10–15 minutes before serving—it helps everything set and makes it easier to scoop.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
💡 Tips & Variations
Add veggies: Layer in some spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Make it meaty: Add crumbled cooked bacon or pepperoni slices between layers.
Spice it up: Use spicy Italian sausage or add chili flakes to the sauce.
Cheese swap: Try provolone, fontina, or gouda for a fun twist.
🧀 Why You'll Love It
No boiling pasta, no fussing with layering sheets, and no oven required. Just bold, saucy, cheesy lasagna flavor—with the tender, pillowy texture of ravioli. It’s the ultimate “dump and relax” dinner that the whole family (and your future self) will thank you for.