Lasagna is a classic comfort food that has been a dinnertime favorite for generations. But the thought of layering noodles, sauce, and cheese can sometimes feel daunting, especially on a busy weeknight. That’s where this crockpot lasagna with ravioli comes in – it takes all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna and simplifies the process, making it the perfect solution for a satisfying and stress-free meal.
This crockpot lasagna recipe is a game-changer, combining the convenience of your slow cooker with the rich, saucy goodness of homemade lasagna. By swapping out the traditional lasagna noodles for frozen ravioli, you can create a delectable dish with a fraction of the effort. The ravioli nestles between layers of a flavorful meat sauce and creamy cheese, resulting in a lasagna that’s as easy to prepare as it is to devour.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this crockpot lasagna with ravioli. First and foremost, the hands-off nature of the slow cooker makes it an absolute breeze to prepare. Simply layer the ingredients, set it and forget it – your work is done! The long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a lasagna that’s bursting with bold, comforting flavors.
But the convenience factor doesn’t stop there. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you prefer a heartier, meat-based sauce or a lighter, vegetarian option, the basic formula can be easily adapted. Plus, the make-ahead potential is off the charts – you can assemble the lasagna in advance and simply pop it in the crockpot when you’re ready to enjoy it.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Crockpot Lasagna with Ravioli ❓
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 package (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this crockpot lasagna with ravioli is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of ground beef or Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made lasagna recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Crockpot Lasagna with Ravioli Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the marinara sauce and tomato sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Step 3: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 4: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot. Arrange a layer of frozen ravioli on top, overlapping slightly. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the ravioli, then top with a layer of the remaining meat sauce.
• Step 5: Repeat the layers of ravioli, ricotta cheese, and meat sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
• Step 6: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 4-6 hours
• Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes – 6 hours 20 minutes
Compared to traditional baked lasagna, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this crockpot lasagna with ravioli saves you significant time while delivering similar flavors. The hands-off nature of the slow cooker method allows you to focus on other tasks while your dinner cooks to perfection.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 1,036mg
These crockpot lasagna with ravioli provide approximately 25% of your daily protein requirements and 12% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the traditional ravioli with low-carb or keto-friendly options, such as zucchini lasagna or eggplant rollatini.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses with plant-based alternatives, such as cashew-based ricotta and shredded dairy-free mozzarella.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked lentils or chickpeas to the meat sauce for an extra boost of protein.
• Boost vegetables: Layer in thinly sliced zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the crockpot lasagna with ravioli.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a slice of crusty garlic bread or garlic-parmesan breadsticks for dipping in the sauce.
• Complement the lasagna with a light, refreshing Italian-inspired soup, such as minestrone or tomato basil.
• For a heartier meal, serve the crockpot lasagna alongside a glass of red wine and a side of roasted vegetables.
• Create an impressive family-style platter by garnishing the lasagna with fresh basil, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and shaved Parmesan cheese.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skimping on the sauce: Make sure to use enough sauce to fully coat the layers of ravioli and prevent the dish from becoming dry. Adjust the sauce quantity as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
• Forgetting to grease the crockpot: Before assembling the lasagna, be sure to spray or grease the inside of the crockpot to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Overloading the layers: Be mindful not to overstuff the crockpot with too many layers, as this can lead to uneven cooking and difficult removal. Stick to 3-4 layers for best results.
• Skipping the cheese mixture: Don’t forget to prepare the creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese mixture, as it adds a delightful contrast to the hearty meat sauce.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These crockpot lasagna with ravioli retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Assemble the lasagna in the crockpot, but do not cook. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then cook as directed.
• Freezing baked: Let the cooked lasagna cool completely, then cut into individual portions and wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, unwrap and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 30-40 minutes.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until steaming hot, adding a splash of water or sauce to restore the perfect texture.
❓ FAQs
Can I assemble the crockpot lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! This crockpot lasagna is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply assemble the layers as directed, but do not cook. Cover the crockpot and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready to serve, cook on low for 4-6 hours as the recipe instructs.
Can I use fresh lasagna noodles instead of frozen ravioli?
Yes, you can certainly use fresh lasagna noodles in this recipe. Simply layer the noodles in the crockpot, alternating with the meat sauce and cheese mixture. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted, as fresh noodles tend to cook faster than frozen ravioli.
Is this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
To make this crockpot lasagna gluten-free, you can swap the traditional ravioli for gluten-free or grain-free options, such as zucchini lasagna noodles or eggplant rollatini. For a dairy-free version, replace the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses with plant-based alternatives, like cashew-based ricotta and shredded dairy-free mozzarella.
Why is my crockpot lasagna watery?
If your crockpot lasagna turns out watery, it’s likely due to excess moisture from the ingredients or overcooking. To prevent this, be sure to drain any excess fat from the ground meat, and avoid adding too much sauce or water. Additionally, keep an eye on the cooking time and don’t let the lasagna cook for longer than the recommended 4-6 hours on low.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This crockpot lasagna is highly versatile, and you can easily add your favorite vegetables to the mix. Try layering in thinly sliced zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender and the lasagna is cooked through.
Conclusion
These crockpot lasagna with ravioli represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting family dinner or a crowd-pleasing main course for a gathering, they’re sure to impress with their rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these crockpot lasagna demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the slow cooking process. So, gather your family, fire up the crockpot, and let the aroma of this delectable dish fill your home. It’s time to enjoy the ultimate in comfort food bliss!
Print
Crockpot Lasagna with Ravioli
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes – 6 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 package (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Step 2: Add the marinara sauce and tomato sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Step 3: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 4: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot. Arrange a layer of frozen ravioli on top, overlapping slightly. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the ravioli, then top with a layer of the remaining meat sauce.
• Step 5: Repeat the layers of ravioli, ricotta cheese, and meat sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
• Step 6: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Crockpot Lasagna with Ravioli
