Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

#### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Meat:**
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Set the sauce mixture aside.

2. **Prepare the Slow Cooker:**
Lightly grease the interior of your crockpot with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking. This will also make cleanup easier.

3. **Layer the Ingredients:**
Start by spreading a thin layer of the marinara sauce mixture at the bottom of the slow cooker. Place a layer of frozen ravioli on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary. Next, spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the ravioli. Then sprinkle a portion of the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta. Repeat these layers: sauce, ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, until all ingredients are used up. Finish with a layer of cheese on top.

4. **Cook the Lasagna:**
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 3-4 hours. Since the ravioli is already cooked, the slow cooker will only need enough time to heat the dish through, melt the cheeses, and allow the flavors to blend together. You’ll know the lasagna is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is hot.

5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Once the Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is cooked, serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. The lasagna can be served as is or with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

### Variations and Customizations

The beauty of Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is its versatility. Here are a few variations and ideas for customizing the dish to suit your preferences:

– **Vegetarian Version:** For a meatless option, use cheese or spinach ravioli and skip the ground meat. You can add extra vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach, for added flavor and nutrition.
– **Swap the Ravioli:** While cheese ravioli is traditional, you can experiment with other varieties like meat ravioli, mushroom ravioli, or even spinach and ricotta ravioli for a different twist.
– **Use Homemade Sauce:** If you have the time and inclination, you can make your own marinara sauce from scratch using tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, and fresh herbs. This will add even more depth of flavor to your dish.
– **Add More Cheese:** If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more layers of cheese. Try incorporating provolone, gouda, or even a bit of ricotta mixed with herbs for a unique flavor.
– **Add Sausage:** Italian sausage, either sweet or spicy, can be used in place of ground beef for an extra punch of flavor. You can also use half sausage and half ground beef for a more complex flavor profile.

### Tips for Success

– **Use Frozen Ravioli:** Frozen ravioli works best in this dish, as it holds up well to slow cooking and doesn’t become mushy like fresh pasta might.
– **Avoid Overcrowding the Crockpot:** Be sure to leave enough room for the dish to cook evenly. If necessary, use a larger slow cooker to accommodate the layers.
– **Don’t Overcook:** Since the ravioli is already cooked, the slow cooker only needs to heat through the ingredients and melt the cheese. Overcooking may cause the dish to dry out.
– **Meal Prep:** This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and cook it when you’re ready to eat. It also freezes well, so you can make a double batch and enjoy it later.

### Conclusion

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, combining the richness of traditional lasagna with the ease of slow cooking and the convenience of frozen ravioli. With minimal prep time and the ability to customize the recipe to suit your family’s tastes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a crowd-pleaser for a special occasion, this lasagna delivers all the flavor and satisfaction you crave—without the fuss.

So, gather your ingredients, set up your crockpot, and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!