Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting and cheesy Italian-American dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Layered with frozen cheese ravioli, savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it delivers all the flavors of classic lasagna without the fuss. Perfect for a hands-off weeknight dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 (25-ounce) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
Cheeses and Seasonings
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Others
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully browned, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease, then season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse it with flavor.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of a 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the crockpot to create a flavorful base layer.
- Layer the Ingredients: Begin layering by placing half of the frozen cheese ravioli on top of the sauce, followed by half of the cooked meat mixture. Sprinkle about ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat. Repeat these layers with the remaining ravioli, meat mixture, and marinara sauce, then top with the remaining mozzarella.
- Add the Final Cheese and Cook: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the assembled layers. Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a deliciously cheesy lasagna texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooking is complete, garnish the crockpot lasagna with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm for a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Add a layer of baby spinach between the layers for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Make sure to spray the crockpot well to avoid sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Use a 6-quart crockpot to ensure ample space for layering without overcrowding.
