Lasagna has long held a place at the heart of home cooking—rich, cheesy, and full of layers that invite second helpings. But as much as we love the flavor of a traditional lasagna, not everyone has the time or patience for boiling noodles, layering sauces, and baking for nearly an hour. That’s where this Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna shines. It brings together the familiar coziness of a classic Italian dish with a modern shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. By using frozen cheese ravioli instead of traditional lasagna noodles, you skip a major prep step while still enjoying that indulgent layered texture we all love.
This dish is ideal for busy evenings, slow Sundays, or when you want to feed a crowd with minimal effort. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, melding the flavors together into a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece. It’s also a flexible recipe—you can swap in turkey sausage, make it vegetarian, or spice it up with red pepper flakes. Serve it with a bright side salad or crusty garlic bread to balance its richness, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s satisfying and simple.
Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat, then drain off excess fat.
- Lightly coat the bottom of the slow cooker with marinara sauce to prevent sticking.
- Layer frozen ravioli over the sauce, covering it evenly.
- Top with a portion of browned meat, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, some drained diced tomatoes, and a handful of both cheeses.
- Repeat the layers—ravioli, meat, tomatoes, cheeses—until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the ravioli is fully tender and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Turn off the slow cooker and let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition and Dietary Notes:
This dish is hearty and full of protein from the meat and cheese, making it a satisfying main course. It’s rich in calcium due to the dairy content and provides carbohydrates from the pasta, making it a well-rounded meal. For those watching sodium or saturated fat, consider using reduced-sodium sauce, leaner meat, or lower-fat cheese options. Vegetarians can easily adapt the recipe by omitting the meat and increasing the amount of vegetables or using plant-based meat substitutes. This recipe contains gluten and dairy, so it may not be suitable for those with sensitivities unless specifically adjusted.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
Tried this cozy lasagna twist and loved it? Share the recipe with someone who needs a low-effort dinner win! Drop a comment below and let us know your favorite variation—did you add spinach, use turkey, or make it meatless? Your feedback helps others discover new ways to enjoy this dish!