Slow-Cooked Ravioli Lasagna

This crockpot ravioli lasagna dinner transforms the classic Italian dish into a fuss-free weeknight solution without sacrificing that comforting layered goodness. I created this recipe when my daughter had soccer practice on Tuesdays and we needed dinner ready when we walked in the door hungry and tired.

I first made this dish during a particularly hectic week of after-school activities and it quickly became our Wednesday night tradition. The smell that greets you when you walk through the door after a long day makes all the difference between a good evening and a great one.

Ingredients

• Frozen cheese ravioli the star of this dish saves you from boiling pasta and creates perfect tender layers
• Parmesan cheese shredded adds nutty depth and sharp flavor that complements the other cheeses
• Mozzarella cheese creates that classic stretchy pull when serving and forms a beautiful golden top
• 1 jar of pasta sauce choose a high quality sauce with herbs for the best flavor base
• 1 lb ground beef browned and drained adds protein and hearty texture use 85/15 for best flavor

How To Make Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Prepare the crockpot:

Add a thin layer of pasta sauce to coat the bottom of your crockpot. This creates a non stick surface and prevents the ravioli from burning during the slow cooking process. Make sure the entire bottom is covered with a thin even layer.

Create the first layer:

Place frozen ravioli in a single layer covering the sauce. No need to defrost them as they will cook perfectly from frozen. Try to avoid overlapping too much for even cooking throughout.

Add meat and cheese:

Sprinkle a layer of your browned ground beef followed by a generous helping of both Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. The beef should be fully cooked and well drained before adding to prevent excess grease in your final dish.

Continue layering:

Add another layer of pasta sauce then repeat the layering process with ravioli beef and cheeses until all ingredients are used up. Aim for at least three complete layers for that true lasagna experience.

Finish with cheese:

Top the final layer with remaining sauce and a generous amount of both cheeses. This creates that beautiful bubbly golden top that everyone fights over.

Cook to perfection:

Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours. The ravioli should be tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese completely melted with some golden spots on top. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to set up properly.

My absolute favorite part of this dish is the corner pieces where the cheese gets extra caramelized against the side of the crockpot. My family knows those crispy cheese bits are reserved for the cook a small reward for minimal effort.

Vegetarian Option

This recipe converts beautifully to a vegetarian dish by simply omitting the ground beef. You can add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers sautéed mushrooms or spinach between the layers for additional nutrition and flavor. I particularly love adding a layer of well drained frozen spinach mixed with a bit of ricotta for a more traditional lasagna feel. The cooking time remains the same and you still get that wonderful comfort food experience without the meat.

Make Ahead Preparation

This lasagna can be fully prepared and refrigerated unbaked for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply assemble all layers in the crockpot insert cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook allow the insert to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the crockpot base. This prevents thermal shock to your ceramic insert. You may need to add an additional 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from refrigerated. This make ahead option is perfect for when you have guests coming and want to enjoy their company rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheeses. Garlic bread is another classic accompaniment that works beautifully for soaking up any extra sauce. For a complete family meal I often serve this with roasted broccoli or asparagus that I can quickly prepare while the lasagna rests for those final 10 minutes before serving. A glass of medium bodied red wine like a Chianti or Sangiovese completes the meal perfectly for the adults at the table.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh ravioli, but you'll need to reduce the cooking time by approximately 30-45 minutes as fresh pasta cooks more quickly than frozen. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and consider adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and texture. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives if desired.

→ What type of pasta sauce works best?

Any jarred pasta sauce works well in this dish. Traditional marinara is classic, but you can experiment with flavored varieties like garlic, basil, or even a spicy arrabbiata for different taste profiles.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can assemble all the layers in the crockpot insert the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and start cooking it the next day. You may need to add about 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

→ How do I prevent my ravioli from getting too soft?

To maintain the best texture, avoid cooking longer than the recommended time. If your crockpot runs hot, check for doneness at the minimum suggested cooking time. Using a larger ravioli size can also help maintain better texture.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent complements to this hearty main dish. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, consider serving with antipasto or bruschetta as starters.