Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna – The Easiest Cheesy Comfort Food 🍝🧀✨
1. Introduction
Welcome to the world of effortless and delicious crockpot ravioli lasagna, the ultimate slow cooker lasagna recipe that promises a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying easy cheesy dinner. This recipe offers a quick way to enjoy a baked lasagna flavor without the fuss of traditional oven baking. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish combines tender ravioli with rich sauces and melted cheese, transforming your slow cooker into a comfort food haven.
2. Ingredients
- 1 (25 oz) package of frozen ravioli (cheese or meat-filled)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: cooked ground beef or sausage for added protein
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
Gather all your ingredients and ensure your Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker is ready for use. Lightly grease the slow cooker to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Layering the Lasagna in the Slow Cooker
Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, add a layer of ravioli, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese, sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and garlic powder. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Cooking the Ravioli Lasagna
Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. The dish is ready when the ravioli are tender, and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain consistent cooking temperatures.
Serving and Garnishing
Once cooked, garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete easy cheesy dinner. For variety, add cooked ground beef or sausage for a meaty twist.
4. Storage Tips for Perfect Leftovers
Store any leftover crockpot ravioli lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For longer storage, freeze portions labeled with date for up to 3 months, then reheat directly from frozen.
5. Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Dish
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving. To add a crunchy element, serve with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks. For dessert, consider a simple strawberry cheesecake or the strawberry cheesecake stuffed cookies for a sweet finish.
6. Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
- Use a good quality marinara sauce for richer flavor.
- Layer ingredients evenly to ensure consistent cooking and cheese melting.
- Cover and cook on low to prevent the ravioli from overcooking or becoming mushy.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients, such as spinach, mushrooms, or cooked meats.
7. FAQs About Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Q: Can I use homemade marinara sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using homemade marinara sauce will add a fresh, rich flavor to your crockpot ravioli lasagna. It’s a great way to ensure quality and customize the ingredients.
Q: How long does it take to cook this dish?
Cooking time in the slow cooker is approximately 4-6 hours on low. For best results, avoid opening the lid too often to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent overcooking.
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes. Prepare the layers in the slow cooker, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day on low for 4-6 hours. It’s a perfect make-ahead easy cheesy dinner.
8. Additional Resources
For more delicious lasagna options, check out this guide on making the best Maggiano’s lasagna. Enhance your kitchen arsenal with these helpful tools: the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master or the Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, this crockpot ravioli lasagna recipe is the perfect solution for a quick, cheesy, and satisfying easy cheesy dinner. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you can enjoy a delicious lasagna dish that’s both comforting and convenient. Experiment with ingredients and flavors to make it your own, and turn your slow cooker into a source of delightful meals. Try it today and impress your family with this simple yet flavorful dish!
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Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna – The Easiest Cheesy Comfort Food
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian (if no meat added)
Description
Discover the ultimate easy cheesy dinner with Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna, a hearty and cheesy slow cooker dish that combines tender ravioli with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights and lazy weekends, this effortless recipe delivers flavorful comfort food with minimal effort. Enjoy layers of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian herbs in a savory lasagna-inspired casserole that requires no oven baking.
Ingredients
- 1 (25 oz) package of frozen ravioli (cheese or meat-filled)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: cooked ground beef or sausage for added protein
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and lightly grease the slow cooker.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer ravioli on top of the sauce.
- Add dollops of ricotta cheese, sprinkle shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and garlic powder over the ravioli.
- Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous cheese layer on top.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, until the ravioli are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving. Serve hot with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for best flavor.
- Layer ingredients evenly for uniform cooking and cheese melting.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- For added protein, include cooked ground beef or sausage in the layers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
