Imagine coming home after a long day to the comforting aroma of lasagna, but without all the layering and baking fuss! Forget slaving over a hot stove – with this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna recipe, you can have a hearty, cheesy, and utterly delicious dinner practically waiting for you. This is weeknight magic, my friend, and I’m here to show you how to make it happen. Get ready for a family favorite!
Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward!
For the Ravioli Lasagna Base:
- 1 (25-ounce) jar marinara sauce: Use your favorite brand!
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese: Full-fat is best for that creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always a plus!
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of freshness.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!
- 1 (20-25 ounce) package frozen ravioli: Cheese or meat-filled, your choice!
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible cheese pull.
Step-by-Step to Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Bliss
Alright, let’s get this show on the road! This is so simple, you’ll be amazed.
Preparing the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and egg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is nicely combined. Don’t overmix!
Layering the Goodness:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your slow cooker. This prevents sticking.
- Arrange a layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. You can slightly overlap them if needed.
- Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli. Try to spread it as evenly as possible.
- Sprinkle about 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
- Pour another layer of marinara sauce over the mozzarella.
- Repeat layers: ravioli, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, marinara sauce, until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
Slow Cooking to Perfection:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours, or until the ravioli are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it!
Serving and Savoring:
- Once cooked, let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it to set up a bit.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
The Secret to the Best Ravioli Lasagna Ever
Okay, I’m going to let you in on a few tips and tricks that will take your crockpot ravioli lasagna from good to absolutely amazing!
Don’t Thaw the Ravioli
Seriously! Using frozen ravioli is key to preventing them from getting mushy during the slow cooking process. Trust me on this one.
Choose Your Sauce Wisely
The quality of your marinara sauce really matters. I recommend using a high-quality sauce that you love the taste of on its own. It’ll make all the difference! If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even use a homemade sauce, or try my SLOW COOKER RAGU recipe!
Customize Your Cheese
Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to experiment! Provolone, Fontina, or even a little bit of Gruyere would be delicious. You can also mix different cheeses together for a more complex flavor.
Variations to Spice Things Up
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great base for customization. Let’s explore some fun variations!
Add Some Veggies
Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would all be delicious additions to this lasagna. Just sauté them before layering them in the slow cooker.
Spice It Up
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture or to the marinara sauce for a little bit of heat.
Meat Lovers’ Delight
Brown some ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey sausage and add it to the layers for a heartier lasagna. Crumble it up and layer it with the other ingredients. You could also consider a GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN variation, using shredded chicken!
White Sauce Wonder
Instead of marinara, try using a creamy Alfredo sauce. It’ll create a completely different flavor profile that’s equally delicious. You might even consider a CHICKEN LASAGNA SOUP inspired white sauce version!
Troubleshooting Like a Pro
Even the simplest recipes can sometimes have little hiccups. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them.
Lasagna is Too Watery
This can happen if your slow cooker lid doesn’t fit tightly, allowing condensation to drip back into the lasagna. To prevent this, place a paper towel under the lid to absorb excess moisture. Also, make sure you’re not overfilling the slow cooker. If it’s already cooked and too watery, you can carefully drain off some of the excess liquid before serving.
Ravioli are Undercooked
This usually means the lasagna wasn’t cooked long enough. Add another 30-60 minutes to the cooking time, checking periodically to see if the ravioli are tender.
Cheese is Burning
If the cheese is browning too quickly, you can tent the slow cooker with foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Why This Recipe is a Lifesaver
Seriously, this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Minimal Effort: Just layer everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Perfect for when you have other things to do.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves lasagna, and this version is always a hit.
- Easy to Customize: Make it your own with different sauces, cheeses, and veggies.
- Makes Great Leftovers: The flavors meld together even more overnight!
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
To make this crockpot ravioli lasagna a complete and satisfying meal, consider serving it with:
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping.
- Steamed green beans or broccoli.
- A glass of wine (red or white, your choice!).
More Comfort Food Favorites
If you love this easy crockpot recipe, be sure to check out some of my other comfort food favorites! You might also enjoy my CHICKEN PARM or LASAGNA SOUP recipe for more cozy and delicious meals. And for a sweet treat on a cold evening, definitely try my HOT CHOCOLATE.
There you have it! Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort. I know you’re going to absolutely love this recipe. Go ahead, give it a try and let me know what you think! Happy cooking, my friend!
Can I use thawed ravioli in this recipe?
No, it’s best to use frozen ravioli. Using frozen ravioli prevents them from becoming mushy during the slow cooking process.
How long do I cook the ravioli lasagna in the slow cooker?
You can cook it on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, or until the ravioli are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker.
What can I do if my lasagna comes out too watery?
Place a paper towel under the slow cooker lid to absorb excess moisture. Also, avoid overfilling the slow cooker. If it’s already cooked and too watery, carefully drain off some of the excess liquid before serving.
What are some ways I can customize this ravioli lasagna?
You can add sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or brown ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey sausage for a heartier lasagna. Alternatively, you can use a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of marinara.
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and egg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is nicely combined.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your slow cooker to prevent sticking.
- Arrange a layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. You can slightly overlap them if needed.
- Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli. Try to spread it as evenly as possible.
- Sprinkle about 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
- Pour another layer of marinara sauce over the mozzarella.
- Repeat layers: ravioli, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, marinara sauce, until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours, or until the ravioli are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it!
- Once cooked, let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it to set up a bit.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
