🛍️ Ingredients: What You’ll Need
🥩 For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef — The savory base for the sauce.
- 1 small onion, diced — Adds flavor and depth.
🍅 For the Layers:
- 1 (24 oz) jar pasta sauce — Choose your favorite flavor (marinara, tomato basil, etc.).
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli — No need to thaw, making this a breeze.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese — Melts into creamy, gooey deliciousness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese — Adds richness and a savory bite.
🔥 For Prepping:
- Cooking spray — To prevent sticking.
👩🍳 Step‑by‑Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2️⃣ Prep the Crockpot:
Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray. This will make cleanup a breeze later.
3️⃣ Layer the Sauce:
Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce across the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a delicious base and prevents the ravioli from sticking.
4️⃣ Add the Ravioli:
Place a single layer of the frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce. The fact that you don’t have to boil it first saves precious time and creates a deliciously tender result.
5️⃣ Add the Meat:
Spoon some of the cooked beef and onions over the ravioli. Spread it out evenly so every bite has that savory meat flavor.
6️⃣ Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and a bit of parmesan on top. The mozzarella melts into creamy, gooey perfection, and the parmesan adds a savory kick.
7️⃣ Repeat the Layers:
Continue repeating the layers — sauce, ravioli, meat, and cheese — until you’ve used all your ingredients. Finish with a final layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese for that beautifully baked top.
8️⃣ Cook in the Crockpot:
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until the dish is fully heated and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
9️⃣ Rest and Serve:
Turn off the crockpot and let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to serve. Dig in and enjoy every savory bite!
🌟 Why You Will LOVE This Recipe
✅ Easy to Make: No fancy equipment, no pre‑boiling noodles — just layer and slow cook.
✅ Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Let the crockpot do the work while you focus on your evening routine.
✅ Family‑Friendly: Everyone loves a cheesy, savory pasta dish. Even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds.
✅ Makes Great Leftovers: This lasagna reheats beautifully and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
✅ Budget‑Friendly: Ground beef, a bag of ravioli, sauce, and some shredded cheese — a delicious, affordable way to feed a family.
🌟 Tips for Making the BEST Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
💡 Add Veggies: Sneak in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a bit of added nutrition and flavor.
💡 Try Italian Sausage: Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage for a bolder, spicier taste.
💡 Make It Spicy: Use a spicy marinara sauce or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
💡 Use Fresh Ravioli: You can also use fresh or refrigerated ravioli — just adjust the cooking time slightly (check after 3–3.5 hours).
💡 Double the Recipe: Hosting a party or feeding a crowd? Double the ingredients for an easy, big‑batch dinner.
🍴 What to Serve with Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Here are some ideas to make your dinner complete:
- 🥗 Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp, colorful salad balances the richness of the lasagna.
- 🥖 Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up sauce and making sure no bite goes to waste.
- 🍷 A Glass of Red Wine: A delicious pairing for an Italian‑inspired dinner.
- 🥕 Steamed Veggies: Keep it simple with a side of steamed broccoli or carrots.
🌟 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to brown the meat first?
A: Yes, you should always brown the beef first for the best flavor and texture.
Q: Can I use a different sauce?
A: Absolutely! Use any pasta sauce you like — marinara, arrabbiata, vodka sauce, or tomato basil.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the layers in the slow cooker the night before and store it in the fridge. The next morning, set it to cook.
Q: What can I substitute for ground beef?
A: Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or ground chicken all work well in this recipe.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Let the lasagna cool completely, then portion it into freezer‑safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
🥗 Nutrition Info (Approximate per serving)
(Makes about 6–8 servings)
- Calories: ~410 kcal
- Protein: ~22 g
- Fat: ~18 g
- Carbs: ~40 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Sugar: ~3 g
(Nutrition may vary based on brand and ingredient choices.)
👩🍳 Final Thoughts — A New Family Favorite
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the perfect example of comfort food done right. It’s savory, cheesy, and rich, yet simple enough for even the busiest of nights. The best part? The slow cooker does almost all the work for you.
It’s ideal for families, gatherings, or making a big batch for leftovers later in the week. Pair it with a crisp salad or a side of garlic bread, and you’ve got an easy, delicious dinner that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Try it tonight, and watch this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna become a regular on your menu!