crockpot ravioli lasagna : there’s nothing more comforting than a dish loaded with gooey cheese, rich meat sauce, and soft pasta. But what if we told you that you could enjoy all of that without boiling noodles, layering trays, or turning on the oven? Meet your new favorite weeknight savior: Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna.

This easy slow cooker recipe combines the classic flavors of traditional lasagna with the convenience of frozen ravioli and a set-it-and-forget-it method. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish hits the mark on every level.

Unlike baked lasagna that demands a watchful eye and lots of steps, this version lets the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. In fact, it’s so simple and safe that it’s ideal even for beginner cooks. Just make sure your meat is cooked to safe internal temperatures to avoid foodborne illness. Plus, thanks to frozen ravioli, you’ll save time and eliminate the need for multiple cheese layers—the ravioli does double duty as pasta and filling!

Before you get started, take a moment to review these FDA slow cooker safety tips to ensure your crockpot cooking experience stays both delicious and safe.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Minimal prep: 15 minutes or less
No boiling: Use ravioli straight from the freezer
Hands-off cooking: Set it and forget it
Ultimate comfort food: Layers of cheese, meat, and sauce
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly

Why Use Ravioli Instead of Lasagna Noodles?

Swapping traditional lasagna noodles for frozen cheese ravioli simplifies this recipe in the best way:

Eliminates boiling and cooling steps
Automatically adds a cheese layer to every bite
Holds its shape beautifully in the crockpot
Available in meat, spinach, or four-cheese varieties

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this cheesy slow cooker lasagna shine:

1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
1 lb Italian sausage or ground beef
(you can also use ground turkey or chicken)
1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
(go for high-quality jarred or homemade)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ tablespoon all-purpose seasoning
1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Meat

In a skillet, brown your Italian sausage or ground beef until fully cooked
Drain excess grease
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
Stir in the marinara sauce, and let simmer for 5–10 minutes

Tip: Using sausage links? Cook, then let cool slightly and slice into 1-inch rounds.

2. Layer in the Crockpot

Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray or use a liner
Start with a layer of meat sauce
Add a single layer of frozen ravioli
Dot spoonfuls of ricotta cheese
Sprinkle on mozzarella and Parmesan
Repeat layers until ingredients are used up
Finish with a final layer of sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top

3. Cook and Serve

Cover and cook on:
- Low for 4–5 hours
- High for 2–3 hours
Check that the ravioli is tender and cheese is fully melted
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to set

Customization Ideas

Make this recipe your own with creative twists:

Vegetarian Version: Use spinach or mushroom ravioli, add sautéed veggies
Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and add red chili flakes
White Lasagna: Substitute marinara with Alfredo sauce
Extra Creamy: Add a layer of béchamel sauce
Low-Carb: Use zucchini or eggplant slices instead of ravioli (not frozen)

What to Serve With Ravioli Lasagna

Pair this cheesy dish with:

Garlic bread or breadsticks
Caesar or garden salad
Roasted green beans or broccoli
A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon

Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or even a dollop of pesto for a burst of color and flavor.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months
Reheat in the microwave or bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly
Add a splash of marinara sauce if it seems dry

Pro Tip: Always allow the lasagna to cool before refrigerating or freezing to avoid condensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to thaw the ravioli first?

Nope! Layer the ravioli into the slow cooker frozen for the best texture.

What if my lasagna is watery?

Some moisture is normal. Let it rest uncovered for a few minutes to thicken up.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day as directed.

Can I use homemade marinara?

Yes, and it’s a great way to boost freshness and flavor.

Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)

Calories: 185
Protein: 13g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 11g
Sodium: 1027mg
Calcium: 319mg

Pro Tips for Perfect Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Brown the meat first – boosts flavor depth
Don’t overfill the slow cooker – ravioli expands
Always start and end with sauce and cheese for best texture
Let it rest before serving – this helps it slice more cleanly
Use a liner for mess-free cleanup

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
Zucchini Lasagna (low carb)
Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Bake

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend dinner or an easy meal to throw together midweek, Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a game-changer. It delivers all the melty, cheesy, saucy goodness of traditional lasagna with half the effort and none of the stress. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your mood or pantry.

So plug in your slow cooker and grab that bag of ravioli—it’s time for dinner to make itself.