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Instructions
1. Brown the Sausage
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage (or ground beef) until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. If you’re using ground turkey or chicken, be sure to cook it thoroughly and season with a little extra salt and pepper for flavor.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Lightly grease your slow cooker with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Layer the Ingredients
- First Layer: Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Second Layer: Add a layer of frozen ravioli on top of the sauce. No need to thaw the ravioli—just layer it straight from the freezer.
- Third Layer: Spread half of the cooked sausage evenly over the ravioli, followed by a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of marinara sauce, ravioli, sausage, ricotta, and Parmesan. If you like a cheesier lasagna, feel free to add extra mozzarella in between the layers. Finish with a final layer of marinara sauce and top with mozzarella cheese.
4. Cook the Lasagna
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The ravioli will cook through and absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce and cheese.
5. Finish and Serve
- Once the lasagna is done, check that the cheese is melted and bubbly and the ravioli is tender. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
- Use Frozen Ravioli: The beauty of this recipe is that frozen ravioli makes it so much quicker and easier. Just layer it in directly from the freezer. You can use any type of ravioli you prefer, from cheese to spinach or even meat-filled ravioli for extra heartiness.
- Add Veggies: If you’d like to sneak in some veggies, try adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers between the layers of sauce and ravioli. Just make sure to chop them small enough to distribute evenly.
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and use a hearty vegetable sauce or add extra ricotta and mozzarella for a vegetarian version of this lasagna.
- Use Homemade Sauce: If you prefer a more homemade taste, you can easily make your own marinara sauce with canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes before layering it into the crockpot.
- Avoid Overcrowding: If your slow cooker is too small, it’s better to cook this in two separate batches. You want to make sure the ravioli cooks evenly and doesn’t get too soggy.
- Make it Ahead: This recipe is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare the layers in the crockpot the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and then cook it the next day. If you do this, add about 30 extra minutes of cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with some simple sides for a well-rounded dinner:
- Garlic Bread: Soft, buttery garlic bread is the perfect addition to scoop up all that delicious sauce and cheese.
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the lasagna.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or carrots add a healthy, flavorful side to the meal.
- Red Wine: A glass of medium-bodied red wine, like a Chianti or Sangiovese, pairs nicely with this Italian-inspired dish.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a game-changer when it comes to weeknight dinners. It’s the lasagna you love, minus all the hassle. The slow cooker does all the work, layering the flavors and allowing the cheese and sauce to meld into a deliciously comforting dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a cozy dinner, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for lasagna with minimal effort.
Enjoy the convenience of a slow-cooked meal without sacrificing the traditional lasagna flavor, and get ready to dig into one of the easiest and most comforting versions of this classic Italian dish!
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