Name: Slow Cooker Lasagna With Ravioli
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h 20 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 25 oz. frozen ravioli – do not thaw, (i use 5 cheese); 1 lb. ground beef, (can use mild sausage); 1 cup white onion, diced; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/4 tsp. pepper; 1/4 tsp. garlic powder; 1/2 tsp. dried leaf oregano, (not ground); 24 oz. marinara sauce, (i use rao's); 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese, (2 cups)

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Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, combining gooey cheese, rich meat, and tender ravioli, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. You’ll love how easy this dish comes together, creating a cozy meal that fills your home with delicious aromas. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures: the soft pasta, savory beef, and melted cheese meld into an indulgent experience that warms the soul.

The magic of this slow cooker recipe lies not just in its flavor but also in its simplicity. With just one pot and minimal prep, you can set it and forget it! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this lasagna is crowd-pleasing and budget-friendly. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a comforting dish to share with friends, this slow cooker lasagna recipe is sure to win hearts. Trust me—you’re going to want to make this again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 20 minutes of prep, then let your slow cooker do the work for about 4 hours.
Irresistible Flavor: The layers of cheese, beef, and savory marinara create a flavor explosion in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful layers make this dish visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests.
Flexible Serving: Great for a cozy dinner, potluck, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
Diet-Friendly Options: Swap ground beef for sausage or try gluten-free ravioli for a delicious alternative.

Ingredients You’ll Need

25 oz. frozen ravioli – Use 5 cheese ravioli for creamy flavor; there’s no need to thaw beforehand.
1 lb. ground beef – Provides a hearty base; feel free to substitute with mild sausage if you prefer.
1 cup white onion, diced – Adds depth and sweetness; you can use yellow onion in a pinch.
1/2 tsp. salt – Enhances overall flavor; adjust according to your taste.
1/4 tsp. pepper – Brings a gentle heat; fresh ground is best for maximum flavor.
1/4 tsp. garlic powder – Infuses a warm, savory profile; fresh garlic could be substituted if desired.
1/2 tsp. dried leaf oregano – This adds an aromatic touch; using fresh oregano can amp up the flavor.
24 oz. marinara sauce – Rao’s is my favorite for its rich taste; any quality brand will work well.
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese – Use freshly shredded for rich melting; pre-shredded works too but may contain anti-caking agents.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe With Ravioli

Brown the Meat and Onions: In a medium-sized non-stick skillet set to medium-high heat, add the ground beef and 1 cup diced white onion. Sprinkle in 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, 1/4 tsp. garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp. dried leaf oregano. Cook until the meat is browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t drain all the liquid off; leaving a few tablespoons will keep it moist and flavorful.
Prep the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Layer the Ingredients: Start by pouring half of the 24 oz. marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, add half of the frozen ravioli, spreading it out evenly.
Add the Meat Mixture: Layer all of the cooked ground beef mixture over the ravioli, ensuring an even distribution.
More Ravioli: Add the remaining ravioli over the meat mixture for the next layer.
Top with Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, smoothing it out so every ravioli is covered.
Cheese It Up: Sprinkle 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, making it nice and cheesy.
Cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when everything is bubbling and the cheese is gooey.
Serve and Enjoy: Once it’s ready, dig in! Serve this deliciousness with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a full meal.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna, let it cool completely at room temperature for about an hour. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, this dish can freeze well; just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. It should last for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave or warm it up in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture. Keep in mind that while the flavor will remain delicious, the texture may be slightly different after freezing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When browning the beef, ensure it gets nice and browned for the best flavor; don’t rush this step.
Layering tightly is key; overlapping the ravioli ensures every piece gets coated in sauce.
If you’re short on time, consider using store-bought marinara to simplify the process.
Don’t skip the cheese topping! It adds that satisfying creamy finish that ties the dish together.
If you prefer a healthier version, opt for leaner ground beef or turkey.

As you experiment with this recipe, feel free to make it your own! You can add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or try different cheeses like ricotta for a creamy touch. The options are endless!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh ravioli will work beautifully in this recipe. You might need to slightly reduce the cooking time, so check for doneness after about 3 hours.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You could also add lentils for extra protein!

What can I serve with this lasagna?

This lasagna pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It also stands alone as a hearty meal, making leftovers perfect for lunch!

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the lasagna in the slow cooker a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 30-45 minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to cook as it will be cold initially.

Try out this Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe With Ravioli soon! With its hearty flavor and comforting texture, I’m confident it will find a beloved spot on your table. Enjoy the process and savor every delightful bite!