Picture this: a warm, cozy evening spent indulging in the ultimate comfort food, our mouthwatering *Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli*. This hassle-free recipe transforms your favorite cheesy ravioli into a delectable lasagna, bursting with rich flavors of Italian seasoning and gooey mozzarella. It’s like giving yourself a giant culinary hug!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Delicious: Experience all the flavors of traditional lasagna with the convenience of using ready-made ravioli.
- Perfect for Busy Days: Let your slow cooker do all the work while you focus on life’s other demands.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a universal pleaser, with layers of tantalizing cheese and meat that everyone will enjoy.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe with your favorite veggies or change the cheese to alter the flavor profile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this *Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli* adds its own unique touch, from the melt-in-your-mouth cheese to the aromatic Italian herbs. Let’s dive into these must-have components.
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli: The heart of our recipe, providing that luscious cheese-filled bite.
- Olive Oil: Enhances the richness of the beef and keeps our sauce from sticking.
- Minced Garlic: Adds a fragrant aroma that infuses into every layer.
- Ground Beef: Offers a hearty base that complements the creamy cheese.
- Spaghetti Sauce: Choose your favorite jar to influence the savory note of the dish.
- Diced Tomatoes: These bring a sweet, tangy zing to the sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: A harmonious blend of herbs that delivers authentic Italian flavor.
- Ground Black Pepper: A touch of spice to balance the other flavors.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that irresistibly stringy, melty cheese layer.
Variations
Our *Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli* is incredibly versatile, and you can adapt it to fit your preferences. Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these easy variations!
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a plant-based twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in ricotta or parmesan cheese with the mozzarella for an extra cheesy experience.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli
Step 1: Brown the Garlic and Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and garlic. Allow the garlic to brown slightly, enriching the oil with its amazing aroma, then add the ground beef. Cook thoroughly until the beef is no longer pink, and drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
Combine your browned beef with spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and black pepper in the same skillet. Stir well to meld these ingredients into a fragrant, savory sauce that’s ready for layering.
Step 3: Layer It Up!
Begin by spreading a third of your sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer in half of the ravioli, sprinkle a cup of cheese, and repeat the process to build robust flavors and textures. Finish with the remaining sauce and cheese on top.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and set your slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours. As it cooks, the flavors will meld together beautifully, and the cheese will melt into a bubbly, golden triumph.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli
- Cheese Layering Magic: For an extra gooey top layer, be generous with the mozzarella on the final layer.
- Frozen Ravioli: Use them straight from the freezer. No need to thaw, as they will cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a saucier lasagna, add a bit more spaghetti sauce to the layers.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil or parsley during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an aromatic lift.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli
Garnishes
Top your *Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli* with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a flowery garnish of basil leaves for that lovely Italian touch.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich dish with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette and a side of garlic bread to mop up any leftover sauce, enhancing the meal with refreshing counterpoints.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your lasagna in colorful, individual serving bowls or rustic stoneware dishes to add a warm, homely vibe to your dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes lunch planning for the rest of the week a breeze!
Freezing
To freeze, place servings in freezer-safe containers, lasting up to three months. Just ensure they are completely cool before popping them into the freezer to maintain quality.
Reheating
Reheat in your oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave for quick individual portions, ensuring that every bite is just as delightful as the first time around.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli will also work beautifully, just keep an eye on the cooking time as they may cook faster than frozen ones.
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What if I have a smaller slow cooker?
You can halve the recipe for smaller slow cookers, ensuring each layer fits comfortably to cook evenly.
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Is it possible to make this recipe without meat?
Yes, simply omit the meat and consider adding vegetables or using a meat-substitute to keep the lasagna hearty and satisfying.
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Can I use a different type of cheese?
Feel free to experiment! Cheddar or a cheese mix can provide an entirely new flavor dimension.
Final Thoughts
Satisfy your cravings with our comforting *Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli* that brings joy with every bite. Gather your loved ones, share the warmth, and relish the ease of preparation. Don’t wait another day—give this delectable dish a try and add a touch of coziness to your table!
Print
Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli is a hearty, cheesy casserole that combines tender cheese ravioli with savory ground beef and rich tomato sauce, all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker for a delicious family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (25 oz) bag of frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic (minced)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (24 oz) jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the ground beef. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Make the sauce mixture: Add the spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients and allow flavors to meld for a couple of minutes.
- Layer in the slow cooker: Spread one-third of the sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ravioli. Repeat the layering with another third of the sauce, remaining ravioli, and another cup of cheese. Finish with the remaining sauce spread evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours until the ravioli are tender and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Notes
- Feel free to use your favorite type of frozen ravioli such as spinach-filled, mushroom, or traditional cheese.
- Ensure your slow cooker is at least 6-quart to accommodate the ingredients comfortably.
- You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before cooking.
- For a crispy top, you can broil the cheese for 2-3 minutes after finishing cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 1/8 of the recipe)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
