Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

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If you’re after a comfort food classic with minimal prep and maximum flavor, Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna is the answer. This no-fuss meal layers hearty meat sauce, tender cheese-filled ravioli, and gooey melted cheese into one luscious, family-approved dinner. It’s the kind of meal you can set and forget, letting your slow cooker work its magic while your home fills with the irresistible aroma of Italian goodness.

Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe turns store-bought ravioli into something that tastes homemade and indulgent. There’s no boiling, no layering stress, and barely any cleanup. Just stack, cook, and enjoy. One bite and you’ll be wondering how something so simple can taste so incredibly rich and satisfying.

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What Kind of Ravioli Should I Use?

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so you can use either refrigerated or frozen ravioli. Cheese ravioli is the classic go-to, but feel free to get creative with spinach and ricotta, beef, or even mushroom-filled varieties depending on your mood or what’s in your fridge. If you’re using frozen ravioli, there’s no need to thaw it—just toss it in straight from the freezer.

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Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 package (25 oz) frozen or refrigerated cheese ravioli
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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How To Make the Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are tender, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Spoon a layer of the meat sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a single layer of ravioli over the sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers—sauce, ravioli, cheese—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the slow cooker and let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving for a fresh pop of flavor.

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Serving and Storing Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

This lasagna is rich, cheesy, and hearty enough to stand alone, but you can elevate it with a crisp side salad and some warm garlic bread for the full Italian comfort food experience. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a weekend dinner with friends, it plates beautifully right out of the slow cooker.

For leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm larger servings in the oven at 350°F until heated through. It also freezes well—just wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the lasagna from being watery?

Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes and cook the meat mixture long enough for excess moisture to evaporate. This helps keep the layers rich and not runny.

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Fresh or refrigerated ravioli works just as well. If you use fresh, reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

Do I need to spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray?

Yes, it’s a good idea to lightly grease the slow cooker insert with non-stick spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Sure! Skip the meat and add sauteed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, refrigerate, and then start cooking the next day.

What cheese variations work best?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but feel free to experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a little ricotta layered in.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna, you’re going to enjoy diving into these other irresistible pasta creations from Nina Dishes:

• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a rich, sun-dried tomato flavor punch.
• Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara when you’re craving restaurant-style indulgence at home.
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a cozy slow-cooked twist on a classic.
• Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna if you’re into creamy, cheesy layers with bold sausage.
• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for easy comfort in a single pan.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so it’s easy to find when the craving hits: Follow Nina Dishes on Pinterest

And when you try it, I’d love to know—did you add spinach? Try a different ravioli filling? Snap a pic and share your take!

Questions, tips, or rave reviews? Drop them in the comments. Your feedback makes this space better for everyone who loves good food made simple.

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