Looking for an easy, delicious, and comforting dinner? Look no further than this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna. With minimal prep and a slow cooker that does all the work, you can enjoy the comforting layers of lasagna with a twist – using frozen cheese ravioli instead of traditional noodles! This savory, cheesy dish is perfect for a weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained (use 2 lbs for extra meatiness if desired)
Directions:
Brown the Beef: Start by cooking the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meat and drain any excess fat. Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease the bottom and sides of your crockpot. This ensures easy removal and cleanup after cooking.
Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce at the bottom of the crockpot. Then, layer the frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce. Add a portion of the browned ground beef, followed by a layer of shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process with sauce, ravioli, beef, and cheese, finishing with a generous topping of cheese.
Cook the Lasagna: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Once the lasagna is cooked, serve it hot with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if you like. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion!
Serving Tips:
Garnish for Extra Flavor: Top your lasagna with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as basil or parsley to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Additional grated Parmesan cheese also makes a delicious finishing touch.
Side Dishes: Serve your lasagna with simple sides like garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
Portion Control: This recipe serves 6-8 people, but you can easily adjust portion sizes based on your needs. If you’re serving a crowd, consider making extra garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables to complement the meal.
Pair with a Drink: Pair this hearty lasagna with a glass of red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling water or iced tea.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Allow the leftover lasagna to cool completely before storing it. Place the lasagna in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! To freeze, allow the lasagna to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Reheating: To reheat individual servings, place the lasagna in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. If reheating a larger portion, cover it with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Storing Leftovers: Leftover lasagna is perfect for meal prep! Store single portions in small containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Related Recipes:
- CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings
- Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna
- No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna
FAQs:
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh ravioli in place of frozen. However, keep in mind that fresh ravioli may cook faster than frozen, so you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on it while cooking to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the layers of the lasagna ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply place it in the crockpot and follow the cooking instructions as usual.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this lasagna vegetarian, simply swap the ground beef for your favorite vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers are great options for a hearty, flavorful meatless version.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe for a larger crowd. Just make sure to use a larger crockpot, as you’ll need extra space for all the ingredients. You may also need to adjust the cooking time slightly, but keep an eye on the lasagna to ensure it’s cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Conclusion:
Make this Crockpot ravioli lasagna for your next dinner and enjoy the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. You won’t regret it!
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (on low)
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a delicious, stress-free twist on traditional lasagna. Made with layers of frozen cheese ravioli, savory ground beef, pasta sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this slow-cooker recipe offers all the flavors of classic lasagna with less effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy-to-make lasagna is a family favorite everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients
1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained (use 2 lbs for extra meatiness if desired)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease the bottom and sides of your crockpot.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce at the bottom of the crockpot. Place a layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce. Add a portion of the browned ground beef, followed by a layer of shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers of pasta sauce, ravioli, ground beef, and cheese, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
- Cook the Lasagna: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Extra Meat: For a more meat-heavy lasagna, increase the ground beef to 2 lbs.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to add ricotta cheese for a more traditional lasagna texture, or swap mozzarella for provolone or cheddar.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables for a meatless version.
- Freezing: This recipe freezes well. Let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal
