Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna

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Looking for a hearty, family-friendly dinner that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor? This Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna is your new weeknight go-to. With rich layers of meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and cheesy ravioli, it’s everything you love about lasagna—without all the effort

Why This Ravioli Lasagna Recipe Works

• Set it and forget it: Perfect for busy weeknights or low-effort weekends.

• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly: Crowd-pleasing and perfect for leftovers.

• Faster than traditional lasagna: No need to boil noodles or bake layers.

• Budget meal idea: Uses affordable ingredients that feed a crowd.

Ingredients Breakdown:

For the Meat Sauce:

• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing the aromatics.

• Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.

• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with rich, savory flavor.

• Ground Beef (1 lb): Hearty and satisfying protein base.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning (to taste, 1 tsp): Classic seasonings for balance and flavor.

• Marinara Sauce (24 oz): Binds everything together with tomatoey goodness.

For the Cheese Filling:

• Ricotta Cheese (15 oz): Creamy, rich layer for lasagna texture.

• Egg (1): Helps bind the ricotta filling.

• Chopped Parsley (2 tbsp + garnish): Adds freshness and color.

For the Lasagna Layers:

• Frozen Cheese Ravioli (25 oz): A clever lasagna noodle substitute—cheesy, tender, and no boiling required.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (3 cups): Melty, gooey topping that makes every bite irresistible.

• Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Adds nutty sharpness and depth.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ravioli Lasagna

• Use frozen ravioli for the best texture—they won’t overcook during the long simmer.

• Swap in sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor profile.

• Use a liner or spray your slow cooker to make cleanup easy.

• Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms for a veggie boost.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add roasted veggies or extra cheese.

• Spicy twist: Use spicy Italian sausage or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

• Cheese lovers: Add a layer of provolone or fontina for an extra gooey bite.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Microwave or bake until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the layers in your slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Start cooking when ready.

Do I need to thaw the ravioli first?

Nope! Frozen ravioli works perfectly and keeps the lasagna from getting mushy.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Absolutely. Cottage cheese is a great budget-friendly substitute.

Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: About 6 hours
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

Effortless comfort food! Layers of cheesy ravioli, rich beef marinara, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella—all made in your crockpot. No prep, no stress, just cozy deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 pound ground beef

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

• 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli

• 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Sauté the chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until soft, then add garlic.

• Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

• Cook until browned, then stir in marinara sauce. Remove from heat.

2. Mix the Ricotta Filling

• In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.

3. Layer the Lasagna in the Slow Cooker

• Step 1: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker.

• Step 2: Add a layer of frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw).

• Step 3: Spoon ricotta mixture evenly over ravioli.

• Step 4: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

• Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous cheese topping.

4. Cook Low and Slow

• Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours.

• The lasagna is ready when the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve and Garnish

• Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Notes

This Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food—with none of the layering stress or long oven times. Just prep, layer, slow cook, and serve. It’s the perfect lazy lasagna recipe that’ll quickly become a family favorite.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours (Low)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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