Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
A crowd-pleasing slow-cooker lasagna made with frozen cheese ravioli, seasoned ground beef, and layers of melted mozzarella and ricotta. Comforting, hearty, and effortless—perfect for busy weeknights.
- 1 (25 oz) bagfrozen cheese ravioli
- 1 lbground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 smallonion, diced
- 3 clovesgarlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jarpasta sauce
- 1 (15 oz) cantomato sauce
- 1 teaspoonItalian seasoning
- ½ teaspoonsalt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- 2 cupsshredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cupricotta or cottage cheese
- ½ cupgrated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Brown the meat in a skillet over medium heat, cooking the ground beef or sausage with the diced onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease, then add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant. This foundation of caramelised meat and aromatics will anchor the entire dish with depth and richness.
- Add the pasta sauce, canned tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture and stir thoroughly until all seasonings are well distributed throughout. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes so the flavours can meld and soften together into a cohesive, balanced base that will carry all the layers of the lasagna.
- Spray the interior of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup later. This simple step also helps ensure even cooking without burnt edges that can develop along the walls of the pot.
- Begin your layering by spreading a thin, even layer of the meat sauce across the bottom of the crockpot—roughly ¼ inch thick—creating a flavourful foundation. Top with a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli, arranging them in a somewhat overlapping pattern, then spoon additional meat sauce over the ravioli. Distribute a few dollops of ricotta or cottage cheese across the top, then sprinkle with some of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Repeat the layering pattern—sauce, ravioli, more sauce, dollops of ricotta, then mozzarella and Parmesan—until all your ingredients are used, always finishing with a generous final layer of cheese on top so it becomes golden and slightly crispy as the dish cooks through.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set to LOW. Cook for 4–5 hours, or alternatively on HIGH for 2–3 hours. The slow, gentle heat allows the frozen ravioli to cook through evenly while the cheese melts and blends with the sauce, creating a cohesive, creamy texture throughout every layer.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the lid to avoid being scalded by condensation steam, and let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to scoop into portions without collapse. Garnish generously with fresh parsley for a pop of colour and bright herbaceous flavour.
Chef's Note: This slow-cooker lasagna is a modern take on a beloved Italian-American classic, adapted for the busy home cook who still wants a satisfying, homemade meal without hours of active cooking. The genius of using frozen ravioli is that they cook directly into the sauce, becoming tender and absorbing all the flavours around them—no need for a separate pasta-cooking step. The layering method, borrowed from traditional lasagna, creates pockets of creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella distributed throughout the dish, so every spoonful is rich and complete.
This dish is wonderfully forgiving and perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can assemble the entire crockpot up to 12 hours in advance, refrigerate it overnight, and then pop it in to cook the next day—add about 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold. Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, or with garlic bread for a more indulgent feast. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying.
A few tools that make this recipe easier to get right.
As an Amazon Associate, Salt & Simmer earns from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you.