Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

When it comes to comfort food, lasagna is a classic favorite. But making traditional lasagna from scratch can be time-consuming and requires multiple steps, from boiling noodles to carefully layering ingredients. That’s where Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna comes in—a genius shortcut that delivers all the deliciousness of homemade lasagna without the hassle.

This slow-cooker recipe is perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who loves a hearty, cheesy meal with minimal effort. Instead of using traditional lasagna noodles, this dish substitutes store-bought ravioli, which eliminates the need for pre-boiling pasta and adds an extra burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you prefer cheese ravioli, meat-filled ravioli, or even spinach and ricotta, this recipe is endlessly customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Effortless Cooking – Simply layer ingredients in your crockpot, set it, and forget it.
✅ Minimal Prep – No need to pre-cook noodles or sauce—just assemble and let the slow cooker do the work.
✅ Rich & Cheesy – Packed with gooey melted cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and flavorful ravioli.
✅ Customizable – Easily adapt the recipe for vegetarian, gluten-free, or high-protein variations.
✅ Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days!

If you’ve never tried making lasagna in a crockpot before, prepare to be amazed at how easy and delicious it is. Let’s dive into the details of how to make the best Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna!

Ingredients & Substitutions

One of the best things about Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is that it requires only a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you may already have in your kitchen. Below is a list of essential ingredients, along with some substitutions to accommodate different dietary preferences.

Essential Ingredients

To make a classic Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna, you’ll need:

• Frozen or Fresh Ravioli (24 oz.) Cheese ravioli is the most common choice, but you can also use beef, spinach and ricotta, or even mushroom ravioli for a unique twist.
• Ground Beef or Italian Sausage (1 lb.) – Adds rich, meaty flavor to the dish. You can use a mix of both for extra taste.
• Marinara Sauce (24 oz.) – Choose your favorite store-bought pasta sauce, or make a homemade version for an extra touch of freshness.
• Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded) – The key to a gooey, cheesy lasagna.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated) – Adds a nutty, salty finish.
• Ricotta Cheese (1 cup, optional) – For a creamier texture, layer in ricotta cheese between the ravioli.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tbsp.) – A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary enhances the overall flavor.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic adds depth and aroma to the dish.
• Onion (1 small, diced) – Adds a bit of sweetness and texture.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp.) – Used for browning the meat before layering.
• Salt & Pepper (to taste) – Essential for seasoning the sauce and meat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, here are some simple swaps:

✅ For a Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use extra ricotta cheese or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor. You can also use vegetarian ravioli with spinach, mushroom, or cheese filling.

✅ For a Lighter Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also opt for part-skim mozzarella and ricotta to reduce fat content.

✅ For a Spicier Twist: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef, or add red pepper flakes for heat.

✅ For a Gluten-Free Version: Choose gluten-free ravioli, which is available at many grocery stores. Ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.

✅ For Extra Protein: Mix in cottage cheese with ricotta, or add a layer of baby spinach and chopped mushrooms for added nutrients.

These ingredients and substitutions allow you to customize your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the simple steps to make Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna. This recipe is incredibly easy—just layer, cook, and enjoy!

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot

Before you start layering your ingredients, it’s important to prepare your slow cooker properly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

✅ Grease the Crockpot – Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil. This helps prevent the cheese from sticking to the sides.
✅ Preheat (Optional) – If you have time, set your slow cooker to low while you prepare the ingredients. This helps speed up the cooking process.

Step 2: Cook the Meat (Optional, But Recommended)

If you’re using ground beef or Italian sausage, cooking it first adds extra flavor and ensures it’s fully cooked.

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
3. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
5. Drain excess grease and set the cooked meat aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Just like traditional lasagna, this dish is all about layering. Follow this order for the perfect texture:

1. Layer 1: Sauce – Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Layer 2: Ravioli – Place a single layer of frozen or fresh ravioli on top of the sauce. No need to pre-cook them!
3. Layer 3: Meat & Ricotta (if using) – Spread half of the cooked ground meat and dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the ravioli.
4. Layer 4: Mozzarella & Parmesan – Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top.
5. Repeat – Continue layering until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of sauce and cheese on top.

Step 4: Cook the Lasagna

Now, let the crockpot work its magic!

• Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours OR
• Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours

Tip: Avoid opening the lid frequently, as it releases heat and may increase the cooking time.

Step 5: Let It Rest & Serve

Once the lasagna is fully cooked:

✅ Turn off the heat and let it sit for about 10 minutes to set before serving.
✅ Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.
✅ Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad on the side.

This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is now ready to enjoy—cheesy, saucy, and absolutely delicious

I couldn’t find highly relevant internal linking opportunities from MiMa Recipes for Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna. However, if you’re interested in more easy and delicious meal ideas, check out this Walking Tacos recipe, which is perfect for a quick and fun dinner!

FAQ

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes! Reduce the cooking time to about 2-3 hours on LOW since fresh ravioli cooks faster.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.