Name: Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American

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The Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna brings together all the best parts of a classic Italian dinner, with a modern, set-it-and-forget-it twist that makes weeknight cooking a breeze. Imagine luscious layers of cheese-filled ravioli, hearty meat sauce, and a gooey medley of cheeses, all gently cooked to perfection with minimal effort. This is homemade comfort food at its coziest, delivering maximum flavor with just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep time. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or sharing a meal with friends, nothing brings “wow” to the table quite like Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna.

Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient shines, building both flavor and texture. From the creamy ricotta to the golden cheese crust, everything has a delicious purpose in creating that classic lasagna feeling—no pasta boiling required!

Frozen Cheese Ravioli: The star of the show! These little pillows make for effortless, perfectly layered “pasta” without boiling a single noodle.
Ground Beef: Adds hearty flavor and protein; you can easily swap for turkey or sausage as a tasty twist.
Marinara Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy tomato base that ties all the ingredients together—go for your favorite store-bought or homemade.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy dollops add that signature lasagna layer and melt beautifully as it cooks.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into luxurious gooey layers; it’s the ultimate cheese-pull component.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for extra umami and a golden finish.
Italian Seasoning: Brings in those herby, unmistakable Mediterranean notes.
Garlic Powder: A dash for depth and savory warmth—quick, easy, and no mincing required.
Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch of each keeps everything perfectly seasoned.
Chopped Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): For a fresh, eye-catching garnish that cuts the richness.
Nonstick Cooking Spray: A quick spritz ensures nothing sticks so every cheesy, saucy bit lifts right out of the slow cooker.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker

Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This tiny step might seem skippable, but trust me, it guarantees easy serving and cleanup—no cheesy bits left behind.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked, breaking it apart as you go. Once browned, drain off any extra grease (nobody likes oily lasagna), then stir in your marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a touch of salt and pepper. You’ll instantly smell those classic Italian aromas.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Spread a thin layer of your meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. This forms a tasty foundation and keeps the ravioli from sticking. Next, arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer. Spoon creamy dollops of ricotta over the top, then sprinkle with a generous cup of shredded mozzarella. It’s basically assemble-and-relax lasagna at this point.

Step 4: Repeat and Finish

Repeat the layering: another round of meat sauce, the rest of your ravioli, more ricotta, and the second cup of mozzarella. Pour the last of the meat sauce over everything and finish with a shower of grated Parmesan. That golden top is going to make you swoon!

Step 5: Cook and Rest

Set your slow cooker to low, cover, and cook for 4 to 5 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted into bubbly, saucy goodness. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving—this helps the layers set and makes for neater slices.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley instantly brightens every cheesy slice. The herbs add lovely color and a pop of freshness that balances the richness of the Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna.

Side Dishes

This dish is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread. For heartier appetites, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your inner entertainer shine by serving mini squares of Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna in ramekins for a fun twist, or plate it family-style and invite everyone to dig in. Bonus points if you offer a little extra marinara and grated cheese at the table for customizing those slices!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover lasagna come to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Each layered bite is just as fabulous reheated—maybe even better, as the flavors meld!

Freezing

Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna freezes like a dream. Once completely cooled, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and pop them in the freezer. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months, ready for those future cravings.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual slices gently in the microwave until piping hot, or warm larger amounts covered in a 350°F oven. Splash a little extra marinara over the top before reheating if you like it extra saucy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen in this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh ravioli works just as well in Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna, though you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly since they’ll soften faster. Keep an eye on them to avoid mushiness.

How do I prevent the lasagna from being too watery?

If your sauce is on the thinner side, let it simmer down a bit before assembling the lasagna. Draining excess fat from the beef also helps ensure your Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna turns out perfectly thick and cheesy.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or even bell peppers can be layered right in for extra nutrition, color, and flavor. Just cook off any extra liquid before adding so your layers stay luscious, not soggy.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can seamlessly make it vegetarian by omitting the ground beef—just swap in a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite plant-based meat substitute for a very satisfying Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna.

What size slow cooker works best?

A standard 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, providing enough space for perfect layering and even cooking. If yours is a bit smaller, halve the ingredients and watch the time to avoid overfilling.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat for busy weeknights and cozy gatherings alike. It’s a crowd-pleaser that promises big flavors with very little fuss—just what every home cook dreams of!

Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this comforting and easy Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna, a delicious twist on traditional lasagna that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. Layers of cheesy ravioli, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese come together in a slow cooker to create a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Frozen Cheese Ravioli:

1 (25 oz) bag

Ground Beef:

1 pound

Marinara Sauce:

1 (24 oz) jar

Ricotta Cheese:

1 cup

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:

2 cups

Grated Parmesan Cheese:

1/4 cup

Italian Seasoning:

1 teaspoon

Garlic Powder:

1/2 teaspoon

Salt and Pepper:

to taste

Chopped Fresh Basil or Parsley:

for garnish (optional)

Nonstick Cooking Spray:

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Spray the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Cook Ground Beef: Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
Prepare Meat Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Layer Ingredients: Spread meat sauce in the slow cooker, layer ravioli, ricotta, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
Finish and Cook: Top with remaining meat sauce and Parmesan. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Serve: Let rest before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.