Introduction
Transforming simple ingredients into a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal doesn’t have to be a time-consuming ordeal! This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna recipe is your secret weapon for busy weeknights. Forget hours of stovetop simmering and layering – this recipe delivers rich, cheesy lasagna flavor with minimal effort, maximizing your precious free time. Get ready for a taste of deliciousness that’s as easy as it is satisfying!
Why This Works
This recipe shines because it leverages the magic of the slow cooker to do most of the work for you. No pre-boiling noodles, no fussy layering – just toss everything in the crockpot and let it simmer to perfection. The result? A deeply flavorful lasagna that’s surprisingly light and comforting, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Key Ingredients
- 🍝 1 (25 ounce) package cheese ravioli
- 🍅 24 ounces pasta sauce
- 🧀 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🌿 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧅 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 🧀 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, parsley, garlic, and onion. Mix well.
2️⃣ Grease your slow cooker.
3️⃣ Layer half of the ravioli in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4️⃣ Pour half of the pasta sauce over the ravioli.
5️⃣ Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the sauce.
6️⃣ Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
7️⃣ Repeat layers: remaining ravioli, remaining sauce, remaining ricotta mixture, and remaining mozzarella cheese.
8️⃣ Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9️⃣ Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, use your favorite homemade pasta sauce.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, to the ricotta mixture.
Heat Control
The slow cooker’s low heat gently melts the cheese and cooks the ravioli, preventing burning and ensuring a perfectly creamy texture. The low and slow cooking method also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer, more intense taste.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on creamy, comforting textures, you can add a bit of crunch by topping with toasted breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions before serving.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use pre-minced garlic and chopped onion to save even more time.
- For a shortcut, use a jar of already-mixed ricotta and herb filling instead of making your own.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
Storage Tips
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This lasagna is perfect for gifting! Package individual portions in attractive disposable containers tied with a ribbon or bake it in a pretty casserole dish and cover with plastic wrap for an easy-to-transport dish.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Sausage: Add 1 pound of cooked Italian sausage to the ricotta mixture.
🌟 Vegetable Medley: Add a cup of your favorite roasted vegetables (e.g., zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant) to the layers.
🌟 Meat Lovers: Incorporate cooked ground beef or meatballs into the sauce layer.
🌟 Spinach & Artichoke: Add a can of drained and chopped artichoke hearts and 1 cup of fresh spinach to the ricotta mixture.
Troubleshooting
- Ravioli too dry: Add a little extra pasta sauce or a splash of water to the slow cooker during cooking.
- Cheese not melted: Make sure your slow cooker is set to the correct temperature (low) and cook for the full cooking time. If necessary, increase the cooking time by 30 minutes.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen ravioli? Yes, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Feel free to experiment! Provolone, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses would work well.
- Can I make this in advance? Assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook. Add about an hour to the cooking time if starting with a cold lasagna.
- Can I make this in a regular oven? Yes! Follow the instructions as listed, but bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Note that this will not be an entirely “no-fuss” method but will still be quicker than traditional lasagna methods.
- What size slow cooker should I use? A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
Conclusion
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a true weeknight lifesaver! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for busy cooks. Give it a try and share your culinary creation with your friends and family! Don’t forget to rate and review this recipe on our site. Happy cooking!
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna: Weeknight Dinner Done Right
A quick and easy lasagna made with ravioli, perfect for weeknight dinners in your crockpot.
Ingredients
- 1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sautu00e9 until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- In a bowl, mix the marinara sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta cheese, half of the sautu00e9ed onion and garlic mixture, and a third of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers: add another layer of sauce, ravioli, ricotta, onion and garlic, and another third of mozzarella. Top with the remaining sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and the remaining mozzarella.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the ravioli is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set. Serve warm.
Tips
- For added flavor, mix in some cooked ground beef or sausage with the onion and garlic.
- You can substitute the cheese ravioli with spinach or mushroom ravioli for a different twist.