Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, but fresh ravioli cooks much faster, so reduce the slow cooker time to 2-3 hours on LOW to prevent overcooking.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or plant-based ground meat . You won’t miss the meat at all!

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! Cottage cheese works as a great substitute for ricotta. It’s slightly less creamy but still adds that rich, cheesy texture.

What’s the best marinara sauce to use?

Go for a high-quality store-bought sauce with simple, natural ingredients. Or make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil for a homemade touch.

Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna – 5-Ingredient Easy Comfort Food

Description

All the flavors of classic lasagna rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta but without the extra work! This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the easiest way to enjoy a comforting, cheesy lasagna with minimal effort. No boiling noodles, no tedious layering just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It’s the perfect hands-off meal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Lasagna:

1 (25-ounce) bag frozen cheese ravioli – No need to thaw.
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage – Adds hearty, meaty flavor.
1 small yellow onion, diced – Adds a slightly sweet, aromatic base.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the sauce with a rich, savory depth.
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce – Use high-quality store-bought or homemade sauce.
1 cup ricotta cheese – Adds a creamy, classic lasagna texture.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Creates that gooey, melty finish.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty bite to balance flavors.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs for authentic taste.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – A touch of heat for spice lovers.
¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped – A bright garnish to enhance flavor.

Instructions

Brown the Meat
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Layer the Ingredients
- Spread ½ cup marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add ⅓ of the frozen ravioli in a single layer.
- Spoon ⅓ of the cooked meat mixture over the ravioli.
- Dollop ⅓ of the ricotta cheese over the top, followed by ⅓ of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a final sprinkle of cheese on top.
Slow Cook the Lasagna
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let It Rest & Serve
Turn off the slow cooker and let the lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Use frozen ravioli for the best texture no need to thaw beforehand.
For a richer texture, mix the ricotta with an egg before layering.
Avoid overcooking, as ravioli can become too soft if left for too long.
Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor look for one with simple, natural ingredients.
For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours (on LOW) or 2-3 hours (on HIGH)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: crockpot lasagna, ravioli lasagna, slow cooker lasagna, easy lasagna recipe, crockpot pasta, lazy lasagna