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
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Set it and forget it: Perfect for busy weeknights or low-effort weekends.
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Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly: Crowd-pleasing and perfect for leftovers.
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Faster than traditional lasagna: No need to boil noodles or bake layers.
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Budget meal idea: Uses affordable ingredients that feed a crowd.
Ingredients Breakdown:
For the Meat Sauce:
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Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing the aromatics.
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Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
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Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with rich, savory flavor.
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Ground Beef (1 lb): Hearty and satisfying protein base.
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Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning (to taste, 1 tsp): Classic seasonings for balance and flavor.
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Marinara Sauce (24 oz): Binds everything together with tomatoey goodness.
For the Cheese Filling:
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Ricotta Cheese (15 oz): Creamy, rich layer for lasagna texture.
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Egg (1): Helps bind the ricotta filling.
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Chopped Parsley (2 tbsp + garnish): Adds freshness and color.
For the Lasagna Layers:
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Frozen Cheese Ravioli (25 oz): A clever lasagna noodle substitute—cheesy, tender, and no boiling required.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (3 cups): Melty, gooey topping that makes every bite irresistible.
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Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Adds nutty sharpness and depth.
Pro Tips for Perfect Ravioli Lasagna
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Use frozen ravioli for the best texture—they won’t overcook during the long simmer.
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Swap in sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
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Use a liner or spray your slow cooker to make cleanup easy.
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Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms for a veggie boost.
Variations and Substitutions
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Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add roasted veggies or extra cheese.
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Spicy twist: Use spicy Italian sausage or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Cheese lovers: Add a layer of provolone or fontina for an extra gooey bite.
Storage and Reheating Tips
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
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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.