Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
- Total Time: Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (on High)
- Yield: 6-8
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner? This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the perfect solution! Made with frozen ravioli, savory ground beef, and plenty of melted cheese, this comforting dish requires minimal effort and time. Layered with your favorite pasta sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a twist on traditional lasagna that’s ready to enjoy in just a few hours. Whether you’re feeding a family or a crowd, this crockpot recipe is sure to satisfy everyone!
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 lb ground beef (browned and drained, or 2 lbs for more filling)
- 1 jar pasta sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Spread a small amount of pasta sauce at the bottom of your crockpot. Add a layer of frozen ravioli, followed by half of the ground beef, and a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the Layers: Add more sauce on top of the cheese and repeat the layering with ravioli, ground beef, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Ensure the top layer has sauce and a final layer of cheese.
- Cook: Cover and cook on High for 2 hours or Low for 4 hours, until ravioli is heated through and the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-packed lasagna.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy marinara sauce to give it a bit of heat.
- Cheesy Delight: For an extra creamy texture, add ricotta or provolone cheese to the layers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours on High or 4 hours on Low
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: No need for hours of prep—this dish is ready to go with minimal effort.
- Hearty and Filling: With layers of ravioli, ground beef, and cheese, it’s a complete meal that will satisfy even the hungriest appetites.
- Family-Friendly: The whole family will love this dish, and it’s a great way to get kids involved with helping layer the ingredients.
- Perfect for Busy Days: You can throw it together in the morning, and it’s ready to eat by dinner time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 package frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 lb ground beef (browned and drained, or 2 lbs for more filling)
- 1 jar pasta sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, drain any excess fat. Set aside.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Spread a small amount of pasta sauce at the bottom of your crockpot. Add a layer of frozen ravioli on top of the sauce. Next, add half of the ground beef and then a generous layer of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the Layers: Add more sauce on top of the cheese, then repeat the layering with more ravioli, ground beef, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Ensure the top layer is finished with sauce and a final layer of cheese.
- Cook: Cover and cook on High for 2 hours or Low for 4 hours. The ravioli should be fully heated through and the cheese melted.
- Serve: Once done, serve immediately and enjoy! This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours on High or 4 hours on Low
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (on High)
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a jar of spicy marinara sauce to give it a little heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Use ricotta cheese along with the mozzarella for a more traditional lasagna feel, or mix in some provolone for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual servings or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh ravioli, but keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly shorter, so check it after 1.5 hours on High or 3 hours on Low.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the layers the night before, then refrigerate them. Cook it the next day when you’re ready to eat.
Is it necessary to brown the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot?
Yes, browning the ground beef helps develop flavor and ensures the meat is fully cooked before serving.
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative to ground beef.
How do I know when the dish is done?
When the ravioli is heated through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly, the dish is ready. You can check with a fork to ensure the ravioli is tender.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While ravioli is the star of this dish, you can swap it out for other types of pasta, like penne or bowtie pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger crockpot. You may need to extend the cooking time slightly.
What should I serve with this dish?
This hearty dish pairs well with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Can I make this dish without cheese?
While cheese is a key component in this recipe, you could skip it for a dairy-free version and still enjoy the savory flavors from the beef and sauce.
Can I use homemade pasta sauce?
Yes! Homemade marinara or tomato sauce can be used in place of store-bought pasta sauce for a more personalized flavor.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a no-fuss, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy families. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for something simple or trying to please a hungry crowd, this recipe is a guaranteed winner!