Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

If you dream of a cheesy, saucy, layered comfort meal that basically cooks itself, Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. This dish takes everything you love about classic lasagna — rich meat sauce, tender pasta, and plenty of creamy cheese — but tucks it all into your slow cooker for maximum ease and flavor. With minimal prep required and no need to boil noodles, this recipe lets you create luscious Italian-American goodness without breaking a sweat. It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Once you try Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna, you’ll want it on your regular dinner rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is that it stars familiar kitchen staples, each bringing its own special touch. From savory ground meat and zesty sauce to gooey cheese and pillowy frozen ravioli, these simple ingredients work together in perfect harmony for a dish that’s big on flavor and short on fuss.

• Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds hearty depth and savory richness to every bite; choose your favorite or mix both!
• Onion: Sautéed onion brings sweetness and a lovely aroma to the meat sauce layer.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with that irresistible, classic Italian flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: A jar of good-quality marinara keeps things speedy while providing a saucy, tomato base.
• Italian Seasoning: Just a teaspoon threads familiar herb flavor throughout the lasagna.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to round out and enhance all the flavors.
• Frozen Cheese Ravioli: No boiling required—straight from the freezer, these create perfect, tender pasta layers.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for those indulgent, stretchy cheese pulls.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish on every layer, especially the top.
• Ricotta Cheese (Optional): For extra creamy layers, dollop ricotta between pasta sheets.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light flavor at the end.

How to Make Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef or Italian sausage along with the diced onion. Brown the meat, breaking it up as you go, and let the onion get soft and fragrant — this takes about 7 to 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute or two more, until the kitchen smells absolutely incredible. Drain any excess fat so your sauce isn’t greasy and you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Make the Saucy Base

Pour in the marinara sauce straight from the jar, then stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything mingle for a minute on the stove as you prep your crockpot. This simple meat sauce forms the backbone of your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna, making every layer rich and flavorful.

Step 3: Layer the Lasagna in Your Crockpot

Lightly grease the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker to make serving (and clean-up) easy. Start with a thin spread of meat sauce on the bottom, followed by a layer of frozen cheese ravioli, spaced evenly. If you want an extra-luxurious, creamy bite, add dollops of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle with plenty of mozzarella and a dusting of Parmesan. Continue layering — sauce, ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan — repeating until you’ve used all your ingredients. Make sure the final layer is mozzarella and Parmesan so it gets golden and bubbly on top.

Step 4: Let the Crockpot Work Its Magic

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is done when it’s hot, melty, and irresistibly bubbly, with those signature cheese edges pulling away from the sides. The ravioli should be perfectly tender, and the aroma will make it hard to wait!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once your lasagna is cooked through, sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh parsley over the top to add a burst of color and fresh flavor. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing, so every portion comes out layered and beautiful. Scoop onto plates and enjoy — dinner is served!

How to Serve Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Garnishes

For an inviting finish, nothing beats a flurry of fresh parsley or extra shaved Parmesan sprinkled over the top right before serving. If you love a burst of brightness, consider adding a few ribbons of fresh basil. The freshness really wakes up all the flavors and makes every plate look restaurant-ready.

Side Dishes

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a simple salad of mixed greens tossed in balsamic vinaigrette really balances things out. For an extra-special touch, serve with warm garlic bread or a rustic Italian loaf for mopping up that incredible sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini make lovely, colorful companions, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna feel fancy? Try serving each portion in individual ramekins, or nestle slices atop a shallow bed of arugula for a modern twist. For family get-togethers, let guests dig into the lasagna right from the crock and offer a toppings bar with extra cheese, herbs, or even a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil for each serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna keeps beautifully and often tastes even better the next day. Let any extras cool to room temperature before snapping on a lid or wrapping your slow cooker insert with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days — just be sure to cover it well to keep all that cheesy goodness moist and fresh.

Freezing

This recipe is a freezer champion! After cooling, portion the lasagna into airtight containers or wrap individual servings tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Pop into the freezer and it will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re planning ahead, this makes Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat from the fridge, simply microwave a serving on medium power until hot, or warm gently in a covered baking dish at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results before heating. Adding a splash of extra marinara can restore moisture if you like your lasagna extra saucy.

FAQs

Can I use meatless alternatives in Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian spin, just leave out the ground meat and sauté mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead. You’ll still get loads of flavor and a hearty result.

Will the frozen ravioli cook all the way through in the slow cooker?

Yes, the beauty of this recipe is you can layer the ravioli straight from the freezer. The moist sauce and slow, gentle heat ensure the pasta cooks perfectly without any risk of turning mushy.

Can I assemble Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna ahead of time?

You sure can. Assemble the layers up to a day in advance and refrigerate the crock insert, then simply pop it into the cooker and let it heat when you’re ready. Great for meal prepping or entertaining!

Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you’re not a ricotta fan, you can skip it or use small curd cottage cheese, which offers a similar creamy texture. Omitting ricotta won’t affect the overall outcome or taste too much — it’s plenty delicious either way.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

If you have a large slow cooker (8 quarts or more), doubling works well, but watch your layers and cook time. If layering too high, add an extra 30 minutes of cooking so everything heats through and the cheese melts beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is one of those magical recipes you’ll turn to again and again for easy, family-pleasing comfort. The hands-off cooking, big Italian flavors, and gooey, cheesy layers make it a true weeknight winner. Give it a try and experience just how fun and delicious slow cooker dinners can be—you may never go back to oven-baked lasagna again!

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