Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna – The Easiest Cheesy Comfort Food!

If you’re craving lasagna but dreading the layers of prep, stovetop mess, and oven time, we’ve got the ultimate shortcut: Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna. This recipe is a lazy lasagna dream—just dump, layer, set, and forget. In a few hours, you’ll have a bubbling, melty, cheesy comfort food classic ready to feed the family.

Even better? This dish doesn’t skimp on flavor. With layers of frozen ravioli, meat sauce, and melted mozzarella, it delivers the same rich satisfaction as traditional lasagna—without turning on the oven. Whether you’re feeding kids, prepping for a potluck, or just looking to simplify dinner, this one’s a keeper.

Using a slow cooker ensures your meal is evenly cooked and hands-off. For safety and optimal results, always follow USDA slow cooker food safety guidelines when preparing meat-based dishes like this.

Worried about leftovers or meal prep? Good news: this recipe freezes beautifully. If you’re unsure about how to freeze layered pasta dishes, check out these freezing tips for casseroles from The Kitchn.

🧀 Why We Love Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

• It’s the ultimate dump-and-go dinner
• No boiling pasta or assembling lasagna sheets
• Versatile: use beef, sausage, or go meatless
• Comfort food vibes with minimal effort
• Great for leftovers or freezer meals

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (or beef)
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning, salt, pepper
• Fresh basil (optional garnish)
• Nonstick spray or crockpot liner

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Meat Sauce

• Brown your ground beef or sausage in a skillet.
• Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
• Drain excess grease and stir in the marinara sauce.

2. Prep the Crockpot

• Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray or use a liner for easy cleanup.

3. Layer the Lasagna

• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
• Add a layer of frozen ravioli (no need to thaw).
• Spoon dollops of ricotta or cottage cheese.
• Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and parmesan.
• Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.
• Finish with cheese on top.

4. Cook

• Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours.
• Ravioli should be tender, and cheese fully melted.

5. Serve

• Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with chopped basil or parsley.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use frozen ravioli – no need to thaw!
• Brown your meat thoroughly before adding to sauce.
• Don’t overcook; keep it moist by monitoring near the end.
• For added flavor, stir some garlic powder into the ricotta.

🔄 Tasty Variations

• Vegetarian: Use cheese ravioli and skip the meat. Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes.
• Gluten-Free: Use GF ravioli and double-check sauces and cheeses.
• Kid-Friendly: Go light on herbs, use plain tomato sauce, and mini ravioli.

🥡 Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Microwave with a splash of water or reheat in oven at 350°F until bubbly.

🥗 What to Serve With crockpot ravioli lasagna

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Caesar salad or green salad
• Steamed broccoli or zucchini
• Sweet tea, soda, or light red wine

🧮 Nutrition Info (Estimates Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 22g
• Tip: Use part-skim cheese or ground turkey for a lighter version.

❓FAQs

Can I put frozen ravioli directly in the crockpot?
Yes! That’s the beauty of it. No need to thaw—they’ll cook perfectly in the sauce.

Do I need to pre-cook the ravioli?
Nope. They cook right in the slow cooker, saving time and dishes.

What size crockpot works best?
A 6-quart crockpot is ideal. Smaller models may require halving the recipe.

Can I use homemade sauce?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s thick to avoid a watery lasagna.

How do I prevent the edges from burning?
Use a liner and make sure there’s sauce covering the bottom and sides.

📝 Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is everything we love about comfort food—warm, cheesy, hearty, and soul-satisfying. And with no layering of noodles, it’s as easy as it gets. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want something cozy on a weeknight, this dish brings big flavor with minimal effort.

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