Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna (Printable Version)
Slow-cooked layers of ravioli, meat sauce, and cheeses come together in a comforting, easy-to-make dinner.
# Ingredients:
→ Meat Sauce
01 -
450 grams ground beef (80-85% lean)
02 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
700 milliliters marinara sauce
05 -
15 milliliters extra virgin olive oil
06 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese Mixture
07 -
450 grams whole milk ricotta cheese
08 -
150 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
09 -
60 grams grated Parmesan cheese, divided
10 -
10 grams fresh basil leaves, chopped
11 -
5 grams fresh oregano leaves, chopped
→ Pasta
12 -
600 grams frozen cheese or meat-filled ravioli
# Steps:
01 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for approximately 7 minutes, breaking it up until no pink remains and juices start to caramelize.
02 -
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 4 minutes until onions are softened and slightly golden and garlic is aromatic.
03 -
Pour marinara sauce into the skillet. Stir and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly, then remove from heat.
04 -
In a bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, chopped basil, and oregano. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly blended.
05 -
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the crockpot to prevent sticking and build flavor.
06 -
Arrange a single even layer of frozen ravioli over the meat sauce, covering the base completely.
07 -
Spoon dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture over the ravioli and gently spread to cover.
08 -
Continue layering alternating meat sauce, ravioli, and cheese mixture until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce.
09 -
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the final meat sauce layer to achieve a golden crust when cooked.
10 -
Cover the crockpot, set heat to low, and cook for 5 hours until the ravioli are tender and cheese is melted and bubbling.
11 -
Turn off crockpot and allow the dish to rest uncovered for 10 minutes to set for easier slicing.
# Notes:
01 -
For best flavor, use fresh herbs and freshly grated Parmesan. Adjust seasoning of the sauce before assembling to avoid blandness.
02 -
This dish freezes well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers or wrapped portions.
03 -
Resting after cooking yields cleaner slices and better presentation.