Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting, hassle-free Italian-inspired dish perfect for busy days. Layers of frozen cheese ravioli, rich marinara sauce with seasoned ground beef or Italian sausage, and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot create a melty, hearty lasagna alternative with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Combine with Sauce: Add the marinara sauce to the cooked meat in the skillet and stir well to combine the flavors, then add Italian seasoning and garlic powder to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Spread a thin, even layer of the meat and sauce mixture on the bottom of the crockpot to prevent sticking and form the first flavorful base.
- Add Ravioli Layer: Place a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce, ensuring that the ravioli are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
- Spread Ricotta Cheese: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese evenly over the ravioli layer to add creaminess.
- Sprinkle Mozzarella and Parmesan: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the ricotta, adding richness and a lovely cheesy crust later.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering the meat sauce, ravioli, ricotta, and cheeses until all ingredients are used. End with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella on top for a bubbly, golden finish.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. The ravioli should be tender and the cheese melted and bubbly when done.
- Serve: Garnish the cooked lasagna with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or a mixture of both based on your flavor preference.
- Using frozen ravioli straight from the freezer saves prep time, but make sure to layer evenly for best cooking results.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and increase the sauce and cheese quantity slightly.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful color as a garnish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
