Hearty Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

This Hearty Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna has become one of my favorite slow cooker meals. It captures the soul-warming comfort of classic lasagna but skips the fuss of boiling noodles or layering sheets of pasta. By using frozen cheese ravioli, flavorful pasta sauce, and layers of gooey cheese and savory ground beef, I can let the crockpot do all the hard work while I handle everything else life throws at me.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortless this recipe is to throw together. It only takes about ten minutes of prep, and then I just let it cook away while I go about my day. It’s a family favorite, especially when everyone’s schedule is busy. I’ve made it ahead on countless occasions, and the leftovers are just as satisfying. Best of all, there’s no layering lasagna noodles or worrying about tearing pasta—just simple stacking of ravioli and cheese.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Frozen cheese ravioli
• Ground beef, browned and drained
• Pasta sauce (jarred, high quality)
• Parmesan cheese, shredded
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

Prepare the Base:
I pour about half a cup of pasta sauce into the bottom of my crockpot to create a moist, nonstick surface.

Create Your First Layer:
Without thawing, I lay the frozen ravioli directly over the sauce, arranging them in a single layer. I try not to overlap them to make sure they cook evenly.

Add Meat and Cheese:
I scatter a layer of cooked ground beef over the ravioli, followed by a handful of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

Repeat Layers:
I continue layering sauce, ravioli, beef, and cheese until everything is used up. I always finish with a layer of sauce and a generous blanket of mozzarella on top.

Cook to Perfection:
I cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours, until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 hearty servings and takes 10 minutes to prep, with a cook time of 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high.

Variations

When I want to change it up, I sometimes use meat-filled or spinach ravioli. I’ve also swapped the ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for different flavors. For a vegetarian version, I sauté mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini as a substitute for the meat. Adding a dash of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the meat while browning gives a little extra depth and warmth.

storage/reheating

Leftovers go into an airtight container and keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or warm the lasagna in a covered dish in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. I also freeze portions by letting them cool first, wrapping tightly, and storing for up to 3 months. I always thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, I’ve used fresh ravioli when I had it on hand. It cooks a little faster, so I check for doneness sooner to avoid overcooking.

What kind of pasta sauce works best?

I stick with a quality jarred marinara or meat sauce that has visible herbs and no added sugar. It keeps the dish rich without being too sweet.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. I like replacing the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even lentils for a meatless version.

How do I prevent the ravioli from sticking?

I always pour a layer of sauce into the bottom of the crockpot before the first layer of ravioli. It acts like a buffer and prevents burning or sticking.

Can I double the ingredients for a larger crowd?

Yes, I’ve done this for gatherings. I make sure my crockpot is big enough to fit the extra layers and may add about 30–45 minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the definition of weeknight comfort. It gives me the flavors of lasagna with none of the stress. Whether I’m prepping ahead or needing something hands-off for a busy day, this recipe delivers every time. It’s hearty, cheesy, and always brings my family running to the table.

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