I never knew that the combination of pasta, cheese, and a slow cooker could lead to such culinary magic until I stumbled upon the wonders of crockpot ravioli lasagna. Picture this: layers of tender ravioli nestled between rich marinara sauce, gooey cheese, and a sprinkle of herbs that waft through your home like an Italian hug.
On particularly hectic weeknights, when cooking feels daunting, this dish brings joy and comfort without taking too much time or effort. The anticipation builds as it simmers away, filling your kitchen with savory aromas that promise an incredible flavor experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This crockpot ravioli lasagna is perfect for busy nights; just toss everything in and let it work its magic
- The flavor is a delightful fusion of cheesy goodness and zesty marinara
- Its eye-catching layers create a stunning presentation for family dinners or gatherings
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt with veggies or proteins you have on hand
I still remember the first time I made this dish—my friends couldn’t believe something so hearty came from my humble crockpot. They all declared me the “Crockpot Queen” for the evening!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Frozen Ravioli: Choose your favorite type; cheese or spinach-filled works best for this recipe.
Marinara Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade; look for one with no added sugars for a healthier option.
Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creamier texture and richer flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella adds a delightful stretchiness; avoid pre-shredded for better melting.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan lends a nutty flavor; don’t skimp on this!
Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme brings out those Italian flavors beautifully.
Fresh Basil (optional): Chopped fresh basil adds brightness; sprinkle it on top before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Crockpot: Start by lightly greasing your crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking. It’s like giving your pot a cozy little blanket!
Add Layers of Flavor: Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly at the bottom of your crockpot. This helps create a delicious base for your ravioli to rest on.
Layer in the Ravioli: Place half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce. Don’t worry about them being perfectly aligned; they’ll get cozy as they cook.
Cheesy Goodness Time!: Spoon half of the ricotta cheese over the ravioli layer and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. It’s like building cheesy clouds!
Season It Up!: Sprinkle some Italian seasoning over this delightful layer before repeating the process with remaining ingredients—more marinara, ravioli, ricotta, and mozzarella.
Cover & Cook: Put the lid on your crockpot and set it to low heat for about 4 hours or high heat for 2 hours. This is where the magic happens!
After patiently waiting (or pacing around), you’ll see glorious layers bubbling away, ready to be devoured.
Enjoy the ease and comfort that comes from knowing you’ve created something absolutely delicious with minimal effort!
You Must Know
- The amazing crockpot ravioli lasagna delivers layers of cheesy goodness effortlessly
- It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and you’ll love how it fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas
- Ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by layering the sauce, ravioli, and cheese in your crockpot. Allow it to cook on low for about four hours for optimal flavor infusion and gooey texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cheese or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a personal twist. Experimenting makes this recipe even more delightful.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover crockpot ravioli lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for maximum flavor; it really makes a difference
- Don’t rush cooking time; slow and steady lets flavors meld beautifully
- Layer cheese generously; everyone loves extra gooeyness!
There’s something special about sharing this dish with friends; they always ask for seconds and rave about its taste.
FAQ
How long does crockpot ravioli lasagna take to cook?
It takes about four hours on low heat to achieve perfect results.
Can I use frozen ravioli in this recipe?
Yes, frozen ravioli works wonderfully in this easy crockpot recipe.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or cream cheese can be great alternatives to ricotta.
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a delightful and effortless dish that brings layers of cheesy goodness and rich marinara sauce to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights, this slow cooker recipe combines frozen ravioli with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella, creating a comforting meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Just layer the ingredients, set your crockpot, and let it work its magic. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to impress!
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 24 oz frozen ravioli (cheese or spinach-filled)
- 24 oz marinara sauce (no added sugars)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably fresh)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce.
- Spoon half of the ricotta cheese over the ravioli and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Add Italian seasoning, then repeat with remaining ingredients (sauce, ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella).
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
