Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna: The Ultimate Hands-Off Comfort Food

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna is the easiest way to enjoy lasagna flavors without all the layering work! Tender cheese ravioli, savory ground beef, and rich marinara sauce cook together in the slow cooker for a hearty, cheesy, and fuss-free dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave Italian comfort food with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No boiling or layering – Just dump and cook!
Feeds a crowd – Great for potlucks or family dinners
Kid-approved – Cheesy, meaty, and impossible to resist
Meal-prep friendly – Leftovers taste even better

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lasagna Base:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Ravioli & Cheese Layers:

• 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese ravioli (no need to cook first!)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef & Onions

1. In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until meat is browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Layer in the Slow Cooker

1. Spread ½ cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Add ½ the ravioli in an even layer.
3. Top with ½ the meat mixture, then ½ the remaining sauces.
4. Dollop with ½ the ricotta (if using) and sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella.
5. Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

3. Cook to Perfection

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours (or HIGH for 2 hours) until bubbly.
2. Let rest 10 minutes before serving (helps set the layers).

Pro Tip: For a crispy top, transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking.

Expert Tips for the Best Ravioli Lasagna

Flavor Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip beef and add zucchini, eggplant, or lentils.
• Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and arrabiata sauce.
• Extra cheesy: Add 1 cup shredded provolone.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Prep ahead: Brown meat and store separately; assemble before cooking.
• Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for 4 days (reheat in microwave or oven).
• Freezing: Freeze portions for 2 months (thaw before reheating).

Troubleshooting

Problem: Ravioli too mushy?
Solution: Check at 2.5 hours on LOW—some brands cook faster.

Problem: Too dry?
Solution: Add ½ cup water or broth next time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen ravioli?

Yes! No need to thaw—just add 30 mins to cook time.

What if I don’t have ricotta?

Substitute cottage cheese or omit it entirely.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes! Layer in a 9×13-inch dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 mins. Uncover and bake 10 more mins.

How do I prevent sticking?

Use a slow cooker liner or spray the insert with oil.

Why This Recipe is a Weeknight Hero

All the lasagna flavor – Without the tedious assembly
Minimal cleanup – Just one slow cooker and a skillet
Adaptable – Works with any ravioli or sauce variety

Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna: The Ultimate Hands-Off Comfort Food

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• Author: Lara Smith

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Description

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna. Combining the hearty flavors of beef, rich marinara sauce, and cheesy ravioli, this dish is a comforting and delicious meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.

Layer half of the frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce.

Spread half of the ricotta cheese over the ravioli.

Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Repeat the layers: meat sauce, ravioli, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese.

Top with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the ravioli are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

This Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of lasagna with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s a meal that the whole family will love. Give it a try and savor the cheesy, comforting goodness!