Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna is an easy, hearty twist on traditional lasagna, perfect for busy weeknights. With layers of cheese-filled ravioli, flavorful marinara, and savory ground beef, this dish delivers all the comforting flavors of lasagna without the need for boiling noodles or intricate layering. It’s a true “set it and forget it” meal that turns out wonderfully rich and satisfying.
Using frozen ravioli as the base layer simplifies the process, and the seasoned ground beef with onions adds depth, especially when paired with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella. The slow cooker allows all the flavors to meld beautifully over 4 hours, creating a dish that’s tender, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Letting the lasagna rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the layers hold their shape when served.
Serve it alongside a garden salad and garlic bread for a complete, comforting Italian-inspired meal that the whole family will love. This recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love It:
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and no need to pre-boil the ravioli make this a hassle-free meal.
One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in the slow cooker, so there’s minimal cleanup afterward.
Kid-Friendly: The cheesy layers and mild flavors are always a hit with kids.
Great for Leftovers: This dish tastes just as delicious (or even better) the next day!
Key Ingredients:
Frozen Ravioli: Five-cheese ravioli adds a rich, cheesy layer to this lasagna. Feel free to use other flavors, like spinach or meat-stuffed ravioli, for a different twist.
Ground Beef: For added flavor, you can substitute half or all of the ground beef with mild Italian sausage.
Marinara Sauce: A high-quality marinara sauce, like Rao’s, brings depth of flavor to the dish. Homemade sauce also works well if you prefer.
Shredded Mozzarella: Mozzarella adds the perfect gooey, cheesy topping. You can mix in a bit of Parmesan or provolone for extra flavor if desired.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper add just the right amount of seasoning to the beef mixture, bringing classic Italian flavors to this easy lasagna.
Instructions:
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
Cook the Beef and Onion: Heat a medium-sized non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion.
Season and Brown: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are translucent. Ensure the meat is fully cooked. Leave a few tablespoons of juices in the skillet to keep the mixture moist for added flavor.
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Grease the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Layer the Ingredients:
First Layer: Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading evenly.
Second Layer: Arrange half of the frozen ravioli over the marinara sauce, covering it completely.
Third Layer: Spread all of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the ravioli.
Fourth Layer: Add the remaining ravioli on top of the beef mixture, covering it evenly.
Fifth Layer: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the ravioli, spreading it evenly.
Sixth Layer: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, covering the entire top layer.
Cooking:
Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set to cook on LOW for 4 hours. The slow cooking allows flavors to meld, creating a rich, hearty lasagna.
Serving:
Check for Doneness: After 4 hours, ensure the ravioli is tender and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Rest: Turn off the slow cooker and let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes. This helps set the layers for easier serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the marinara sauce and add an extra layer of flavor.
Salad: A simple green salad with Italian dressing pairs perfectly, balancing the richness of the lasagna.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This lasagna freezes well. Cool completely, portion, and place in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. If reheating a larger portion, you can warm it in the slow cooker on low until heated.
Variations:
Vegetarian Ravioli Lasagna: Substitute the ground beef with chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a veggie-packed version.
Cheese Lovers’ Lasagna: Mix additional cheeses like ricotta or provolone into the layers for extra cheesy goodness.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a touch of heat.
Italian Sausage Option: Use mild Italian sausage in place of ground beef for a spicier, more flavorful filling.
Herbed Ricotta Layer: Add a layer of ricotta mixed with Italian seasoning between the ravioli layers for a creamy surprise.
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together cheesy, saucy, and hearty flavors in a way that’s incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for those nights when you need something filling and satisfying with minimal prep time. Enjoy every gooey, savory bite of this family-friendly meal!
