Description

This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, using frozen ravioli in place of lasagna noodles for a cheesy, flavorful meal with minimal effort. With layers of tender ravioli, rich marinara sauce, and perfectly seasoned ground beef or sausage, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or lazy weekend dinner. The slow cooker does all the work, making it a fuss-free way to enjoy comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 25 oz. frozen ravioli (I use 5-cheese ravioli) – Do not thaw
• 1 lb. ground beef (or mild sausage)
• 1 cup diced white onion
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves
• 24 oz. marinara sauce (I use Rao’s)
• 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups)

Preparation Method

Cook the Ground Beef:

In a medium-sized non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef (or sausage) and diced onion.
Season the meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
Cook the meat until it's browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Leave a few tablespoons of the liquid in the pan to keep the meat moist.
Assemble the Ravioli Lasagna in the Slow Cooker:

In the bottom of the slow cooker, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce to prevent sticking.
Place a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce, making sure to cover the bottom of the slow cooker.
Spoon half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the ravioli.
Pour a layer of marinara sauce over the meat and sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Repeat the Layers:

Add another layer of ravioli, followed by the remaining ground beef mixture.
Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the meat, spreading it evenly.
Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Cook:

Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The ravioli should be tender, and the cheese will be melted and bubbly.
Serve:

Once the ravioli lasagna is done, turn off the slow cooker and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to set.
Serve warm, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips and Conclusion

Customize your layers: Feel free to add more vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers between the layers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Add more cheese: If you're a cheese lover, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese in between the layers or add more mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Sauce variation: For a spicier twist, use a spicy marinara sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.
Freeze leftovers: This recipe freezes well. Simply portion out leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick meal.

This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food with layers of cheesy goodness, savory meat, and rich marinara sauce. The convenience of using frozen ravioli and the slow cooker means you can have a delicious, hearty meal without all the work of traditional lasagna. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a casual dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone around the table!