ADVERTISEMENT
Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe: A Delicious Twist on Classic Lasagna
Lasagna is a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy, but making it from scratch can sometimes feel like a time-consuming task. What if you could enjoy all the delicious layers of lasagna without the hassle of boiling noodles or baking for hours? Enter the Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna—a game-changing recipe that’s as simple as it is delicious.
This hearty dish uses frozen ravioli instead of traditional lasagna noodles, making it quicker and easier to prepare while still delivering that familiar, mouthwatering lasagna flavor. With layers of cheesy goodness, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked ravioli, this crockpot recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Let’s dive into how you can make this incredibly easy yet satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (you can also use meat or spinach-filled ravioli)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried basil (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by cooking the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once the beef is browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat, and then stir in the marinara sauce. Let the sauce and beef mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once done, set it aside.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan cheese, and any optional herbs like basil and oregano. Mix everything until well combined. This will be the creamy filling layer of your lasagna.
3. Assemble the Lasagna in the Crockpot:
Now it’s time to layer everything in your crockpot! Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crockpot. Then, place a layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. Don’t worry about thawing them first; they will cook perfectly in the crockpot.
Next, spoon some of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli, spreading it evenly. Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers: sauce, ravioli, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Continue layering until you’ve used up all the ingredients, making sure to finish with a final layer of sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top.
4. Cook in the Crockpot:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The ravioli will cook through and become tender, and the cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a gooey, delicious lasagna. The key to success here is making sure the ravioli are fully covered with sauce and cheese, so they cook evenly.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the lasagna is done cooking, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows everything to set and makes it easier to scoop out individual portions. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired for a touch of color and flavor. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
