Description
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting and hearty Italian-American dish that layers frozen cheese ravioli, seasoned ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. Perfect for a hands-off slow cooker dinner, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or family meals, delivering classic lasagna flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Cheese
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 (25-ounce) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Season the beef with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for a depth of flavor.
- Prepare the Crockpot Base: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the crockpot to prevent sticking and infuse flavor from the bottom up.
- Layer Ingredients: Add a layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce, then half of the cooked, seasoned beef. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese evenly over the beef, then sprinkle a portion of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process by adding another layer of marinara sauce, ravioli, the remaining beef, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. This layering builds the classic lasagna texture.
- Top and Cook: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top layer and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese to create a flavorful crust. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours until the ravioli are tender and the dish is hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh herby notes to enhance the presentation and taste.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef to vary the protein or reduce fat.
- For an extra kick of flavor, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce before layering.
- If using refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen, reduce cooking time by approximately 30 minutes as they will cook faster.
- Drain excess fat from beef thoroughly to avoid greasiness in the final dish.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
