Easy Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna: The Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food
Imagine coming home after a long day to the warm, inviting aroma of a hearty Italian dinner, without having spent hours slaving over a hot stove. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, with this incredible Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna recipe, that dream becomes a delicious reality! This comforting dish layers tender, cheesy ravioli with a rich, meaty sauce and plenty of gooey mozzarella, all cooked together slowly until perfectly warm and melty. It’s the ultimate “set-it-and-forget-it” meal, making it an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights. One bite of its crispy edges and an ooey-gooey center, and your entire family will be lining up for seconds, guaranteed!
This recipe takes all the beloved flavors and textures of traditional lasagna and transforms them into an unbelievably simple slow cooker masterpiece. Forget boiling noodles, preparing multiple cheese mixtures, or spending precious time on intricate layering. Our shortcut version uses frozen ravioli as the pasta base, allowing you to achieve that authentic layered lasagna experience with minimal fuss. It’s a true dump-and-go dinner that promises maximum flavor with minimum effort. You’ll wonder why you ever made lasagna any other way!
Why This is the Easiest Ravioli Lasagna You’ll Ever Make
Let’s be honest, traditional lasagna, while undeniably delicious, can be quite the undertaking. It often involves multiple pots, extensive layering, and a significant time commitment. This is precisely why our slow cooker ravioli lasagna recipe is such a revelation. We’ve streamlined the entire process without sacrificing any of the comforting, cheesy, meaty goodness you crave. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minutes of active prep time, you can create a hearty, satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours.
The secret lies in two key components: **frozen cheese ravioli** and your favorite **jarred pasta sauce**. These readily available pantry staples eliminate the need for making homemade sauce from scratch, boiling lasagna noodles, or even mixing a ricotta cheese filling. The frozen ravioli serves as both the pasta and the cheese layer, absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce as it slowly cooks to perfection in your crockpot. It’s a truly revolutionary approach to homemade lasagna, perfect for those evenings when time is short but you still want a wholesome, home-cooked meal.
This isn’t just an easy recipe; it’s a “dump-and-go” dream dinner that effortlessly feeds a crowd or provides delicious leftovers for days. The slow cooker handles the long, gentle cooking process, infusing every bite with deep, rich flavor while you go about your day. Come home to a house filled with the inviting aroma of Italian cuisine, and a ready-to-eat feast that tastes like a labor of love.
Explore More Lasagna-Inspired Delights
If you’re a devoted fan of lasagna, then you’ll undoubtedly appreciate these other creative takes on the classic. Each offers a unique spin while retaining the comforting essence of this beloved Italian-American dish:
- Skillet Lasagna (pictured below): For a quick one-pan meal, this stovetop version brings you all the flavor without the oven time.
- Weeknight Lasagna Toss: A deconstructed lasagna that’s perfect for a fast, satisfying dinner.
- Lasagna Soup: All the incredible flavors of lasagna transformed into a comforting, warming soup.
Simple Ingredients for Your Lazy Lasagna
One of the true beauties of this slow cooker ravioli lasagna is its minimal ingredient list. You don’t need fancy components or an extensive grocery run. Just five simple, accessible items are all it takes to create this crowd-pleasing dish. You’ll find the complete list with precise measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is our go-to for a hearty meat sauce. For an extra kick of Italian flavor, consider swapping it out for ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference) or even a combination of both. Brown it well to develop deep, savory notes.
- Jar of Pasta Sauce: This is where the “lazy” part truly shines! Pick your absolute favorite brand and variety. Marinara sauce is a classic choice, offering a bright tomato base, but a robust meat sauce, tomato basil, or even a spicy arrabiata would work beautifully. Using a quality jarred sauce ensures consistent flavor and saves considerable time. Of course, if you have a cherished homemade marinara sauce recipe, feel free to use that!
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli: The star of our show and the ultimate shortcut! Frozen ravioli eliminates the need for boiling separate lasagna noodles and provides a delightful cheesy filling within each pasta pocket. While cheese ravioli is traditional, feel free to use meat ravioli if you want to elevate the protein content and add another layer of savory goodness. Just ensure they are frozen, as they will cook perfectly in the slow cooker without becoming mushy.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: What’s lasagna without generous amounts of melted cheese? Mozzarella provides that classic stringy, gooey texture and mild, milky flavor. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, for the best melt and flavor, we always recommend taking a few extra minutes to shred your own cheese from a block. The difference is noticeable! For an even richer, more complex flavor profile, sprinkle in some shredded Parmesan cheese between layers.
- Italian Seasoning: This aromatic blend of herbs is essential for imparting that classic Italian-American taste. Store-bought Italian seasoning is perfectly fine and convenient, or if you’re feeling ambitious, you can easily make your own blend from dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. It adds a wonderful depth to the ground beef mixture.
That’s truly it! Notice what’s missing? No need for ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, or boiling traditional lasagna noodles. The frozen ravioli seamlessly acts as the noodle and a cheesy layer, soaking up the savory meaty sauce and baking into tender, flavorful pockets. This simplicity is what makes it so appealing for quick family dinners.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna
Get ready for a ridiculously easy dinner! The prep time for this meal is incredibly short, making it an ideal choice for even the busiest evenings. Follow these simple steps to assemble your delicious slow cooker ravioli lasagna:
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown your ground beef with a generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Cook until no pink remains, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned, carefully drain any excess grease to prevent your lasagna from becoming oily. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the interior of your slow cooker with cooking spray. This simple step will make cleanup significantly easier later on, preventing the sauce and cheese from sticking.
- First Sauce Layer: Pour approximately half of your jarred pasta sauce over the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread it evenly to create a foundation for your first layer of ravioli.
- First Lasagna Layer: Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Don’t worry if they overlap slightly; they will soften and meld together during cooking. Spoon half of the browned ground beef mixture over the ravioli, distributing it evenly. Finally, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat layer.
- Second Lasagna Layer: Repeat the layering process: add the remaining half of the sauce, followed by the rest of the frozen ravioli, the remaining ground beef mixture, and finally, the last of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Ensure everything is spread as evenly as possible.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook on HIGH for 2 hours or on LOW for 4 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker model, so keep an eye on it. The lasagna is ready when the ravioli are tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden.
It’s truly that easy! The key to success with this crockpot lasagna recipe is ensuring you brown the beef for maximum flavor development and avoid overfilling your slow cooker, which can lead to uneven cooking. About half a bag of ravioli per layer typically works perfectly for most standard slow cookers. Once cooked, let it stand for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set slightly, making for easier portioning.
Storage and Meal Prepping Tips
This slow cooker ravioli lasagna is fantastic for leftovers and meal prepping. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully! Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave for individual servings or in the oven for a larger portion until warmed through.
Love it? Pin It!
Don’t let this incredible lazy crock pot lasagna recipe get lost in the digital shuffle! Make sure you can easily find it later by pinning it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights and a guaranteed family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!
Alternate Cooking Methods: Instant Pot and Oven
While the slow cooker is ideal for a hands-off approach, you can absolutely adapt this versatile ravioli lasagna recipe for other cooking methods if you prefer a quicker cook time or an oven-baked finish.
How to Make Instant Pot Ravioli Lasagna
For those times when you need this cheesy goodness on the table even faster, your Instant Pot comes to the rescue! Here’s how to convert this recipe for your pressure cooker:
- Start by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Add the ground beef and Italian seasoning, browning it thoroughly until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the entire jar of pasta sauce and add one cup of water to the pot. This extra liquid is essential for pressure cooking and preventing a “burn” notice.
- Carefully mix the frozen ravioli into the meat and sauce mixture. Ensure the ravioli are submerged as much as possible, but don’t worry about perfect layering here.
- Secure the lid and set your Instant Pot to the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on HIGH pressure for just 2 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a careful quick release of the pressure. Be cautious of the steam!
- Remove the lid, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese (and any optional Parmesan) into the hot pasta and sauce, allowing it to melt into a creamy, dreamy consistency before serving.
Make this Ravioli Lasagna in the Oven
If you prefer the traditional oven-baked lasagna experience with slightly crisper edges and a bubbling, golden-brown top, this recipe can easily be made in a conventional oven. It’s still much faster than a traditional lasagna!
- Follow the initial steps for browning the ground beef and draining the grease.
- Layer the ingredients – sauce, ravioli, ground beef mixture, and mozzarella cheese – into a 2-quart casserole dish, just as you would for the slow cooker version. Repeat for two layers.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. This initial covered baking allows the ravioli to cook through and become tender in the sauce.
- Remove the lid or foil and continue to bake for about 5-10 minutes more, or until the cheese on top is beautifully browned and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna stand for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle and make it easier to cut and serve.
Expert Tips for the Best Dump Ravioli Lasagna
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few extra tips can elevate your slow cooker ravioli lasagna from great to absolutely unforgettable:
- Non-Stick Spray is Your Friend: Always spray the crockpot generously with non-stick cooking spray before layering. This is a game-changer for easy cleanup, preventing any stubborn baked-on cheese or sauce.
- Boost Creaminess with Ricotta or Cottage Cheese: For those who love the creamy texture of traditional lasagna, consider mixing about half a cup of ricotta cheese or cottage cheese into your browned beef mixture before layering. This adds another layer of richness and moisture.
- Sneak in Some Veggies: Want to add more nutrition? Stir in a cup of fresh spinach (it will wilt down), finely chopped mushrooms, or sliced black olives to the beef mixture. These additions blend seamlessly into the sauce and boost flavor and nutrients.
- Parmesan Power: Don’t limit yourself to just mozzarella! Sprinkle each layer with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or an Italian blend cheese. Its sharp, salty notes complement the mild mozzarella beautifully.
- Make it Meatless: This recipe is incredibly versatile. To transform it into a delicious meatless meal, simply omit the ground beef. Ensure you’re using cheese ravioli, and perhaps add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more substance. You can also brown some plant-based ground meat substitute for a similar texture.
- Fresh Herb Finish: A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley just before serving adds a vibrant color and aromatic freshness that brightens the entire dish.
- Don’t Peek Too Often: Resist the urge to lift the slow cooker lid frequently during cooking. Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes, and it can add up to 20-30 minutes to your total cooking time.
This crockpot ravioli lasagna is also a fantastic option for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday, and portion out servings for convenient, easy reheating throughout the busy work week. Any extra can be frozen for up to three months, making future dinner dilemmas a thing of the past.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna
Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master this delicious and easy lasagna recipe:
- What type of ravioli works best for this recipe? Both meat-filled and cheese-filled frozen ravioli are absolutely delicious in this dish. It truly comes down to personal preference. Cheese ravioli offers a classic, creamy interior, while meat ravioli adds an extra layer of savory depth. Choose your favorite!
- Do I need to boil the ravioli first before adding it to the slow cooker? No, and that’s one of the best shortcuts of this recipe! The frozen ravioli cooks perfectly right in the slow cooker, absorbing the delicious sauce and becoming tender without any prior boiling. Just ensure they are truly frozen when you add them.
- What jarred sauce is recommended? Can I use homemade sauce? Any tomato-based pasta sauce will work wonderfully. Marinara sauce is a popular choice for its balanced flavor, but tomato basil, traditional spaghetti sauce, or even a robust chunky garden vegetable sauce would be excellent. Absolutely, if you have your own Homemade Spaghetti Sauce recipe, it will make this dish even more special!
- Can I assemble this the night before and cook it the next day? Yes, you can! This is a fantastic time-saving strategy for busy mornings. Assemble all the layers in your slow cooker, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to cook, place the cold slow cooker insert into the base and add an extra 30-60 minutes to the total cooking time to account for the initial chill.
- What side dishes pair well with this lasagna? This hearty lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple sides can elevate the experience. Serve it with a refreshing side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. And of course, no Italian meal is complete without some crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce! Try garlic bread, classic garlic breadsticks, or my yummy garlic focaccia bread recipe!
Another Creative Way to Use Frozen Ravioli!
If you’ve got extra frozen ravioli and are looking for another fantastic way to enjoy them, you absolutely have to try this Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli Recipe. It’s a crispy, cheesy appetizer that’s incredibly addictive – YUM!
More Irresistible Pasta Recipes to Love
Are you, like us, a massive fan of pasta in all its glorious forms? Good news! We’ve got a treasure trove of delightful pasta recipes that range from quick weeknight wonders to comforting classics. Dive into these other fantastic dishes:
- Italian Wonderpot Pasta (pictured above): A true one-pot wonder that cooks everything from pasta to sauce in a single pan for minimal cleanup.
- Ground Beef Ragout: A slow-simmered, rich, and deeply flavorful meat sauce perfect over any pasta.
- Chicken Mushroom Florentine Pasta: A creamy, elegant pasta dish featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach.
- Chicken Parmesan Soup: All the classic flavors of chicken parmesan in a comforting, slurpable soup form.
- Cacio e Pepe for Two: A simple yet sophisticated Roman pasta dish, elevated with tender mushrooms, perfect for a romantic dinner.
- Easy Weeknight Chicken Parmesan: A fuss-free baked version of the beloved Italian-American classic.
For even more culinary inspiration, explore our full collections: See ALL of my Pasta Recipes | See ALL of my Slow Cooker Recipes
A New Family Favorite Awaits!
This slow cooker recipe is truly a brilliant twist on traditional lasagna, offering all the beloved flavors and comfort with a fraction of the effort. It’s designed for busy lives but crafted for maximum satisfaction, promising rave reviews from everyone at your table. This easy ravioli lasagna will become a staple in your meal rotation, bringing smiles and full bellies to your home. We’re confident it will earn its place as a cherished family favorite.
So, why wait? Gather your simple ingredients, let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting, and prepare to indulge in the easiest, most delicious lasagna you’ve ever made. Be sure to let me know if you make it – I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations!
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Print Recipe
Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna
Equipment
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Meat Chopper, 5 Curve Blades Ground Beef Chopper
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
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Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 24-ounce jar of spaghetti sauce
- 1 22-ounce package of frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Brown the ground beef in a skillet with Italian seasoning until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease.
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Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray.
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Spread half of the jar sauce over the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Layer half of the ravioli, half the ground beef mixture, and half the cheese.
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Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make a second layer.
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Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
Notes
Make in the Instant Pot: If you would like to make this recipe in your pressure cooker, begin by setting your instant pot to the saute setting and brown ground beef with the seasoning until cooked through. Stir in the jar of sauce, plus a cup of water. Mix frozen ravioli into the meat mixture, then set the instant pot to the manual setting and cook for 2 minutes, do a careful quick release of the pressure and stir the cheese into the hot pasta before serving.
Make in the Oven: Follow the same process, but layer the ingredients into a 2-quart casserole dish. Cover with the lid or foil and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F. Remove the foil and bake for about 5 minutes more to brown up the topping just a little bit. Let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
adapted recipe source