Discover a new favorite with Lazy Day CrockPot Ravioli Lasagna, a simple yet indulgent dish that combines the classic flavors of lasagna with the convenience of your slow cooker. This hearty and satisfying meal is perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked dinner without the hassle of traditional lasagna preparation.
At the heart of this recipe is a savory and rich meat sauce made from Italian sausage or ground beef, simmered with onions, garlic, and a blend of marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. The addition of dried basil, oregano, and other seasonings creates a flavorful base that complements the ravioli beautifully.
Layering is a key element of this dish. Instead of the usual lasagna noodles, frozen cheese ravioli are used, making the preparation both quicker and easier. The ravioli cook to perfection in the slow cooker, soaking up the flavors of the sauce and becoming tender and flavorful.
Each layer in the CrockPot features a combination of meat sauce, ravioli, and gooey melted cheese. Shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan are layered generously, creating a deliciously cheesy topping that becomes bubbly and golden by the end of the cooking time. For added creaminess, you can also incorporate dollops of ricotta cheese between the layers, giving the lasagna an extra indulgent touch.
Cooking this dish in a CrockPot allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Simply layer the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do the work. By dinnertime, you’ll have a delicious, ready-to-serve lasagna that the whole family will love.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner, hosting a casual get-together, or just looking for an easy meal to enjoy, Lazy Day CrockPot Ravioli Lasagna is a fantastic choice. Its combination of hearty meat sauce, tender ravioli, and melted cheese makes it a meal that’s both comforting and convenient.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired to add a touch of color and freshness. Serve this lasagna with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy the ease and flavor of this CrockPot classic and savor the delicious results with minimal preparation time!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli (about 1.5 pounds)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Meat:
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage (or ground beef) over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Layer in the CrockPot:
- Spray the inside of your CrockPot with non-stick cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce mixture on the bottom of the CrockPot.
- Arrange a layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce, followed by a portion of the meat sauce mixture.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and, if using, dollop with ricotta cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook:
- Cover the CrockPot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the ravioli are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- Meat Choice: You can use Italian sausage for a spicier kick or ground beef for a milder flavor. Turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a leaner option.
- Frozen Ravioli: There’s no need to thaw the ravioli before adding them to the CrockPot. They will cook perfectly in the sauce.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
- Extra Creaminess: Adding ricotta cheese between layers will make the dish even creamier. For a lighter option, you can omit it.
Enjoy the comforting and easy-to-make Lazy Day CrockPot Ravioli Lasagna, perfect for busy days when you crave a hearty meal with minimal effort!
