Description
This Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli is a comforting and easy-to-make meal that combines cheesy frozen ravioli with rich meat sauce, layered with mozzarella, and slow-cooked to perfection. A time-saving twist on traditional lasagna, it’s perfect for busy days or a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 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
Lasagna Layers
- 1 (25 oz) bag of frozen cheese ravioli
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Garlic and Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, then drain off any excess fat.
- Make the Sauce: To the browned beef in the skillet, add the spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Pour one-third of the meat sauce into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat this layering once more with remaining ravioli and another cup of cheese.
- Add the Finishing Sauce and Cheese: Spread the remaining meat sauce evenly over the top of the layered ravioli and cheese. Then sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cook the Lasagna: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use frozen ravioli directly without thawing to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Drain excess grease well to avoid an oily sauce.
- You can add extra Italian herbs such as basil or oregano for more flavor if desired.
- Check doneness after 3 hours as slow cooker temperatures vary.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
