🥘 Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jar (24–28 oz) marinara sauce

• 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 bag (20–25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional but recommended)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

🔪 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Meat

• In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onion.

• Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

• Drain excess grease.

• Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

• Simmer for 5 minutes.

2️⃣ Layer in the Crockpot

Lightly spray crockpot with cooking spray.

Layer in this order:

1. Thin layer of meat sauce

2. Layer of frozen ravioli (single layer)

3. Ricotta (spoonfuls)

4. Mozzarella + Parmesan

5. Meat sauce

Repeat layers until ingredients are used. Finish with cheese on top.

3️⃣ Cook

• Low: 4–5 hours
  OR

• High: 2–3 hours

Cook until ravioli are tender and cheese is melted.

4️⃣ Rest & Serve

Let sit 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

❓ Q & A

❓ Do I need to thaw the ravioli?

No. Use frozen ravioli directly — they cook perfectly in the sauce.

❓ Can I use fresh ravioli?

Yes! Reduce cook time by about 30–45 minutes and check for doneness.

❓ Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the meat and:

• Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach

• Or use plant-based crumbles

❓ Can I use sausage instead of beef?

Yes! Italian sausage adds great flavor — mild or spicy.

❓ How do I prevent it from getting watery?

• Drain meat well

• Avoid adding extra liquid

• Use thick marinara

• Let it rest before serving

❓ Can I prep this ahead?

Yes! Assemble in the crockpot insert the night before, refrigerate, then cook the next day.

❓ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Store in airtight container up to 3 months. Reheat covered in oven or microwave.

❓ What sides go well with it?

• Garlic bread

• Caesar salad

• Roasted vegetables