ADVERTISEMENT
### **Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna**
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble the Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna. The great thing about this recipe is that it’s incredibly simple, and there’s very little prep involved. Here’s how to make it:
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce**
1. **Cook the Ground Meat**: If you’re using ground beef or sausage, heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. **Sauté Aromatics**: Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat and cook for about 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. **Add Marinara Sauce**: Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine with the meat and aromatics. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
#### **Step 2: Layer the Lasagna**
1. **Prepare the Crockpot**: Lightly grease your crockpot with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. **First Layer of Sauce**: Spoon a small amount of the meat sauce into the bottom of the crockpot, spreading it evenly.
3. **Add Ravioli**: Layer frozen ravioli on top of the sauce. Don’t worry about thawing the ravioli; just place them in the crockpot directly from the freezer. Arrange them in a single layer, but it’s okay if some overlap slightly.
4. **Add Ricotta Cheese**: Spoon a generous amount of ricotta cheese on top of the ravioli, spreading it out evenly.
5. **Add Mozzarella and Parmesan**: Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta.
6. **Repeat the Layers**: Continue layering in the same order—sauce, ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—until you’ve used up all the ingredients, ending with a top layer of sauce and mozzarella cheese.
#### **Step 3: Cook in the Crockpot**
1. **Cover and Cook**: Cover the crockpot and cook on **low heat** for 4 to 5 hours or on **high heat** for 2 to 3 hours. The ravioli should be tender, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. The longer you cook it, the more the flavors will develop.
2. **Check for Doneness**: When the lasagna is done, the sauce should be thickened, and the ravioli should be fully cooked through. You can check by inserting a fork into the lasagna to see if the ravioli is tender.
#### **Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**
Once your Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is ready, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to cut into portions. Serve with a side of garlic bread, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
### **Tips for Perfect Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna**
– **Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce**: Since marinara sauce is a major component of this dish, make sure to use a sauce that you love. If you have extra time, try making your own sauce with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
– **Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot**: While it’s tempting to load up the crockpot, be sure to leave some space for heat to circulate. Overcrowding may lead to uneven cooking.
– **Add Veggies for Extra Nutrition**: You can sneak in extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers between the layers. These will add flavor and nutrients without altering the overall dish too much.
– **Make it Ahead of Time**: If you’re short on time, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just pop it into the crockpot when you’re ready to cook it.
– **Top with Fresh Basil**: For an extra pop of flavor, top the lasagna with fresh basil before serving.
### **Why Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a Must-Try Recipe**
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is one of those recipes that combines simplicity, convenience, and mouthwatering flavor all in one dish. Whether you’re craving the comfort of a cheesy lasagna but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, or you need a meal that can feed a crowd without much fuss, this recipe has you covered.
The beauty of the slow cooker is that it takes a hands-off approach to cooking, allowing you to go about your day while it does the work. By using frozen ravioli, you save time and effort, while still enjoying the same comforting, cheesy layers that make lasagna so irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even as a meal prep dish, this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation.
With its easy prep, savory flavors, and cheesy goodness, Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is bound to hit the spot for everyone in your family. Enjoy!
