Description
An easy, cheesy, and satisfying twist on traditional lasagna using frozen ravioli and a slow cooker for minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bag (20-25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 lb ground beef or beef Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step: Brown ground beef or beef Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, drain excess grease, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Step: In a bowl, combine marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Step: Spray crockpot with cooking spray and spread 1/3 of the sauce mixture on the bottom.
- Step: Layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce.
- Step: Add half of the cooked meat, dollops of ricotta cheese, 1/3 of mozzarella, some Parmesan, and another 1/3 of sauce.
- Step: Repeat layers with remaining ravioli, meat, ricotta, 1/3 mozzarella, Parmesan, and remaining sauce, ensuring top ravioli are covered.
- Step: Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Step: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until cheese is bubbly and ravioli are tender.
- Step: Turn off crockpot and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving; garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Always use frozen ravioli to maintain structure and prevent mushiness. Ensure the top layer of ravioli is fully covered with sauce to avoid drying. Let the dish rest before serving for cleaner slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg