There’s something magical about coming home to a warm, bubbling crockpot full of comfort. This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna has quickly become one of my favorite set-it-and-forget-it meals. It’s everything you love about traditional lasagna—layers of savory meat sauce, gooey cheese, and hearty pasta—except easier, thanks to frozen ravioli and your slow cooker doing most of the work. In this article, I’ll walk you through the story behind the dish, tips for making it perfectly, variations to try, and answers to common questions. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or stocking up on cozy dinners, this recipe is your new go-to.
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Table of Contents
The Comfort of Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
From Sunday Kitchen Smells to Weeknight Wins
Hi there! I’m Lia, the heart and hands behind recipeslia.com. This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna recipe brings back memories of lazy Sundays at home—when my mom would layer pasta and sauce in a deep dish while we waited, hungry and happy. But today, with two kids, a busy schedule, and a long to-do list, I need that same comforting dinner—only faster. That’s where the crockpot saves the day.
Using frozen ravioli might seem like a shortcut, but believe me, the flavor doesn’t skip a beat. You still get all the cheesy satisfaction and rich tomato flavor, but in a much more manageable way. I toss everything into the slow cooker after school drop-off, and by dinnertime, my kitchen smells like it’s been simmering for hours—because it has.
Why You’ll Love It
This dish checks all the boxes: it’s rich, satisfying, easy to customize, and perfect for leftovers. The layers melt together beautifully, and because you’re using pre-filled ravioli, you get that ricotta flavor in every bite without any extra work.
For busy cooks like us, it’s the ultimate comfort meal that delivers on both ease and taste. If you’re looking for more crowd-pleasers that feel like a hug in a bowl, check out my Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings and Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
How to Make Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Step-by-Step
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
One of the best things about Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is how few ingredients you need to make something that tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen:
- Frozen cheese ravioli (or beef-filled if you prefer)
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Marinara or pasta sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Ricotta or cottage cheese (optional for layering)
- Italian seasoning and garlic powder
Start by browning your ground meat with a bit of seasoning. Drain the fat and stir in your favorite jarred sauce. You can go with a classic marinara or use a heartier blend like the one I use in this Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce.
Layering Tips for Perfect Texture
Lightly spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Begin with a thin layer of sauce at the bottom. Then:
- Add a layer of frozen ravioli (no need to thaw)
- Spoon meat sauce over the ravioli
- Add a layer of shredded mozzarella and dollops of ricotta (if using)
- Repeat until ingredients are used up, finishing with a generous layer of sauce and cheese
Set your slow cooker to low and let everything cook for 4–5 hours. The ravioli will soften perfectly, absorbing the sauce and melding into those gooey, cheesy layers that lasagna lovers dream of.
For more easy, layered dinners, try my Taco Lasagna Bake or the super kid-friendly Pizza Pasta Casserole.
Variations of Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna to Try
Make It Vegetarian, Spicy, or Kid-Friendly
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is flexible enough to please every kind of eater. Want a meatless version? Skip the ground beef and use a hearty veggie marinara packed with mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can even layer in sautéed bell peppers or roasted eggplant for a little Mediterranean flair—like in my Veggie-Stuffed Baked Ziti.
Craving spice? Use hot Italian sausage and stir some red pepper flakes into your sauce.
Need a dish that picky eaters will love? Stick with cheese ravioli and mild marinara. The simplicity actually helps those familiar flavors shine—just like in my always-requested Classic Homemade Mac and Cheese.
Switch Up the Pasta or Sauce
Try spinach and cheese, beef, or even mushroom ravioli. Use Alfredo instead of marinara for a white lasagna variation. Want a fusion twist? Mix pesto into your cheese layer—just like my Creamy Pesto Chicken Bake.
Serving, Storing & FAQs About Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
How to Serve It Up Right
Let the lasagna rest with the lid off for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers firm up. Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad, like I do with One-Pot Chicken Alfredo.
This dish is rich and filling on its own, but also pairs well with Roasted Parmesan Zucchini or a bowl of Creamy Tomato Basil Soup.
Leftovers and Freezing Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To freeze, let it cool and store in freezer-safe portions. It’ll keep for 2 months. For more make-ahead dishes, try my Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers and Chicken Enchilada Casserole.
Print
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna: Easy Cheesy Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the ultimate no-fuss comfort food. Layers of frozen ravioli, meat sauce, and melty cheese slow-cooked into a family favorite!
Ingredients
1 bag frozen cheese ravioli
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Brown the meat with Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then drain fat.
2. Stir marinara sauce into browned meat.
3. Spray crockpot with nonstick spray.
4. Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom.
5. Add a layer of frozen ravioli.
6. Top with meat sauce and cheese.
7. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, ending with sauce and cheese.
8. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours.
9. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use beef ravioli for a meatier version.
Sub Alfredo sauce for a white lasagna twist.
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Leftovers store well and freeze beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous scoop
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, but reduce cook time by 1 hour to avoid mushiness.
Do I have to brown the meat first?
Yes, it boosts flavor and prevents excess grease in the sauce.
Can I cook it on high?
Yes. Set to high for 2.5–3 hours. Check at 2.5.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely—assemble it in the crock and refrigerate overnight.
Short Story Version (100 Words)
Hi there! I’m Lia from recipeslia.com. This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is one of my favorite no-fuss dinners. Inspired by my mom’s Sunday lasagnas, I recreated it with frozen ravioli and a slow cooker—no boiling, no layering stress. Just hearty meat sauce, gooey cheese, and pasta magic after a long day. It’s a go-to in our home for comfort and ease. If you love cozy dinners like Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, you’ll love this too. Let’s keep making food that brings joy to the table—one simple step at a time.
