Description
Crockpot ravioli lasagna merges classic Italian comfort with modern convenience, creating a mouthwatering fusion of cheesy goodness. Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this dish perfect for busy families seeking a delicious weeknight dinner that satisfies hungry appetites.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 package (25 ounces) frozen cheese or meat ravioli
Cheeses:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Thoroughly brown the ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring no pink remains. Carefully drain excess grease to prevent a greasy texture.
- Prepare the crockpot by creating a thin base layer of marinara sauce to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Construct alternating layers of frozen ravioli, creating a strategic arrangement to maximize coverage and ensure even cooking.
- Distribute the seasoned browned meat evenly across the ravioli layer, creating a rich and substantial protein foundation.
- Gently spread ricotta cheese in dollops across the meat, providing creamy pockets of flavor throughout the dish.
- Sprinkle generous amounts of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over each layer, ensuring complete coverage and ultimate cheesiness.
- Repeat the layering process, building height and complexity with each additional tier of ingredients.
- Complete the final layer with an abundant topping of cheese, creating an appetizing golden-brown surface.
- Securely cover the crockpot and set to low temperature for 4-6 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and ravioli to become tender.
- After cooking, let the lasagna rest for several minutes to stabilize and make serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to enhance visual appeal and flavor profile.
- Slice and serve this comforting meal, enjoying the harmonious blend of pasta, meat, and melted cheese.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version that maintains rich flavor.
- Prevent soggy bottom layers by lightly patting frozen ravioli with paper towels to remove excess moisture before layering.
- Customize cheese blend by mixing different varieties like fontina or provolone to create unique depth and complexity in taste.
- Elevate dish’s nutrition by adding chopped spinach or zucchini between layers for extra vegetables without compromising comfort food feel.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg