Set It And Forget It Ravioli Lasagna

Welcome to the ultimate solution for a comforting, hearty, and unbelievably easy weeknight dinner: Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna. Imagine rich, savory meat sauce, tender pockets of cheesy ravioli, and a melty blanket of mozzarella, all cooked together in one pot, requiring minimal effort from you. This dish brings all the beloved flavors and textures of traditional lasagna without the tedious layering, boiling noodles, or extensive prep time. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it marvel that promises to become a fast family favorite, delivering crispy edges and an ooey-gooey center that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing delicious, homemade meals. This incredible ravioli lasagna recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving Italian comfort food without the culinary marathon. Crafted with just a handful of simple ingredients and the magic of your slow cooker, it transforms ordinary evenings into extraordinary dining experiences. Say goodbye to complicated dinner plans and hello to a fuss-free, flavor-packed dish that consistently delivers. It’s truly a keeper, promising robust flavors and a quick, satisfying outcome every time.

Embrace the Ease: The Easiest Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna You’ll Ever Make

This slow cooker ravioli lasagna stands out as one of the simplest meals you can whip up, requiring only five core ingredients and mere minutes of hands-on prep. The secret lies in using frozen cheese ravioli and your favorite jarred pasta sauce, transforming this into a “dump-and-go” dream dinner that’s perfect even on the busiest weeknights. Forget the laborious process of boiling lasagna noodles, preparing multiple cheese mixtures, and carefully constructing layers. With this recipe, convenience meets classic Italian taste, making hearty, homemade lasagna more accessible than ever before.

Lasagna has long been a comforting staple at family tables, synonymous with warmth and togetherness. However, the traditional preparation can often feel daunting, consuming precious time and effort. Our shortcut slow cooker version eliminates these hurdles, delivering all the cheesy, saucy goodness you expect from lasagna with significantly less work. Simply combine everything in your crockpot in layers, set it, and return home to the irresistible aroma of a deeply flavorful, ready-to-eat pasta feast. It’s comfort food redefined for the modern, busy household.

If you’re a devoted fan of lasagna in all its forms, be sure to explore more of our inventive variations. For those seeking a stovetop marvel, try our Skillet Lasagna (pictured above), a quick and delicious one-pan wonder. For an even more deconstructed approach, our Weeknight Lasagna Toss offers all the flavors in a casual pasta dish. And if you’re looking for a warm, cozy bowl, our Lasagna Soup recipe provides that comforting experience in liquid form!

Essential Ingredients for Your Lazy Lasagna

Crafting this “lazy lasagna” requires just a handful of readily available ingredients, proving that extraordinary meals don’t need extensive shopping lists. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust flavor profile and comforting texture of this dish. You’ll find the full, detailed list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post, but let’s break down what you’ll need for this incredibly simple yet satisfying meal:

• Ground Beef: We typically recommend lean ground beef to minimize excess grease. However, for an extra layer of Italian flavor and richness, you can easily substitute ground Italian sausage. Both options yield fantastic results, so choose according to your preference and what you have on hand.
• Jar of Pasta Sauce: This is where convenience truly shines. Select your favorite 24-ounce jar of pasta sauce. Marinara sauce is a classic choice, offering a bright, rich tomato base that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Feel free to experiment with different varieties like tomato basil, roasted garlic, or even a spicy arrabbiata if you enjoy a kick. Using a quality store-bought sauce is key to saving time without compromising on taste, though you can always make your own homemade marinara sauce if time allows.
• Frozen Cheese Ravioli: The star of this shortcut lasagna! A 22-ounce package of frozen cheese ravioli acts as both the pasta and the ricotta/cottage cheese layers found in traditional lasagna. This eliminates the need for boiling noodles and mixing separate cheese fillings, making the process incredibly streamlined. If you prefer, meat ravioli can also be used to enhance the protein content and add another dimension of flavor. No need to thaw or boil the ravioli beforehand; they cook perfectly right in the slow cooker.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: What’s lasagna without a generous amount of melty, gooey cheese? Two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese will create that irresistible, bubbling topping and rich layers throughout. For the best melting and flavor, it’s always a good idea to shred your own cheese from a block, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting. For an even richer, saltier depth, consider tossing in a bit of shredded Parmesan cheese with the mozzarella.
• Italian Seasoning: This aromatic blend of herbs is essential for infusing the ground beef with classic Italian flavors. You can use a store-bought blend, or if you’re feeling ambitious, make your own Italian seasoning from scratch. It typically includes dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, providing a wonderful fragrant base for the meat sauce.

And that’s truly it! Noticeably absent from this list are ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, and traditional lasagna noodles. The brilliance of this recipe lies in the frozen ravioli, which serves as both the tender pasta and the creamy, cheesy filling, absorbing the savory meat sauce beautifully. Any quality tomato-based pasta sauce will work wonderfully, allowing you to customize the flavor profile to your family’s liking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Preparing this easy ravioli lasagna is incredibly straightforward, making it the perfect solution for even the busiest of evenings. With just a few minutes of active prep time, you can have a comforting meal simmering away while you attend to other tasks. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and hassle-free dinner:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Begin by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning while the beef cooks. Break up the meat with a spoon or a meat chopper until no pink remains. Browning the beef is a crucial step that adds a rich depth of flavor to your lasagna. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to prevent the lasagna from becoming oily.
2. Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. This simple step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze later on.
3. First Sauce Layer: Spread half of your chosen jar of pasta sauce evenly over the bottom of the slow cooker. This provides a flavorful base and prevents the ravioli from sticking directly to the pot.



4. First Layer of Goodness: Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. There’s no need to be perfectly precise, but try to cover as much of the surface as possible. Next, spread half of the browned ground beef mixture over the ravioli. Finally, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meat.



5. Repeat for Second Layer: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients. Start with the rest of the pasta sauce, then the remaining frozen ravioli, followed by the rest of the ground beef mixture, and finally, top generously with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.



6. Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, but the goal is for the ravioli to be tender, the sauce bubbly, and the cheese melted and golden.

It really is that simple! The keys to success are twofold: first, browning the beef to build a foundational layer of flavor, and second, not overfilling the slow cooker, which allows for even cooking. Approximately half a bag of ravioli per layer is the ideal amount for this slow-cooker lasagna recipe to ensure everything cooks through beautifully and you achieve that perfect balance of pasta, meat, and cheese. Once cooked, let it stand for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set slightly. This will make serving much easier.

Storage and Reheating: Leftovers are just as delicious! Store any remaining slow cooker ravioli lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, you can use the microwave for individual portions or cover and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!

Don’t let this fantastic lazy crockpot lasagna recipe get lost in the depths of the internet! If you’re eager to try this simple yet satisfying meal, make sure you can easily find it whenever hunger strikes. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now, so you always have this incredible weeknight dinner idea at your fingertips. Share the love with your friends and family!

Versatile Cooking: Instant Pot and Oven Methods for Ravioli Lasagna

While the slow cooker is our preferred method for its hands-off convenience, this versatile ravioli lasagna can also be adapted for other cooking appliances, offering flexibility for your kitchen and schedule. Whether you’re in a hurry or prefer the traditional baking approach, you can still enjoy all the flavors of this amazing dish.

How to Make Instant Pot Ravioli Lasagna

If you’re short on time and prefer the speed of a pressure cooker, making this recipe in your Instant Pot is a fantastic option. Start by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Brown the ground beef with Italian seasoning until it’s cooked through, then drain any accumulated grease. Stir in the entire jar of pasta sauce along with one cup of water. Next, carefully mix the frozen ravioli into the meat mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the sauce. Secure the lid, set the Instant Pot to the “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook”) setting, and cook on high pressure for just 2 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a careful quick release of the pressure. Open the pot and stir in the shredded cheese until it’s melted and incorporated into the hot pasta before serving immediately. The Instant Pot delivers a quick, flavorful meal perfect for those super busy nights!

Make this Ravioli Lasagna in the Oven

For those who appreciate the classic baked lasagna experience, this recipe also works beautifully in the oven. Follow the same initial process: brown your ground beef with Italian seasoning and drain the grease. Then, layer the ingredients into a 2-quart casserole dish just as you would for the slow cooker: half the sauce, half the ravioli, half the beef, half the cheese, and then repeat. Once all the layers are assembled, cover the casserole dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil (or lid) and continue baking for about 5 to 10 minutes more, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and lightly browned to your liking. Let the lasagna stand for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set, ensuring easier and cleaner portions.

Tips and Variations for Your Dump Ravioli Lasagna

One of the joys of this slow cooker ravioli lasagna is its incredible adaptability. Here are some tips and variations to customize your dish and make it truly your own:

• Ensure Easy Clean-Up: Always spray the crockpot with a non-stick cooking spray before layering your ingredients. This simple step makes post-dinner cleanup significantly easier, preventing any stubborn food from sticking to the sides.
• Boost Creaminess: For an extra rich and creamy texture, mix about half a cup of ricotta cheese or cottage cheese into your browned ground beef mixture before layering. This adds another dimension of classic lasagna flavor and a lovely smooth element.
• Add Hidden Veggies: Incorporate more nutrients and flavor by stirring in finely chopped spinach, sliced mushrooms, or black olives into the beef mixture. For spinach, make sure to squeeze out any excess water if using frozen, or wilt fresh spinach before adding. This is a great way to sneak in extra vegetables for picky eaters.
• Enhance Cheese Layers: Beyond mozzarella, sprinkle each layer with a handful of grated Parmesan cheese or an Italian blend cheese. This adds a sharper, more complex cheesy flavor that deepens the overall taste.
• Go Meatless: This recipe can easily be transformed into a vegetarian delight. Simply omit the ground beef entirely and double up on cheese ravioli (using a larger package or two standard ones), or add extra vegetables like sautéed zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers in place of the meat.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your ground beef while browning, or choose a spicy marinara sauce.
• Fresh Herbs Finish: A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley just before serving adds a burst of fresh flavor and a vibrant pop of color.

This crockpot ravioli lasagna is also excellent for meal prepping. Prepare a batch on Sunday, and portion out servings into individual containers for easy reheating throughout the week. It’s a convenient and delicious way to ensure you have wholesome, homemade meals ready to go, saving you time and effort during busy weekdays. Any frozen leftovers can be stored for up to 3 months, making it a reliable option for future meal planning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

Here are some common questions about making this easy and delicious slow cooker lasagna:

• What type of ravioli works best for this recipe? Both cheese-filled ravioli and meat-filled ravioli are excellent choices and will yield a delicious lasagna. Choose your favorite filling or what you have on hand. Cheese ravioli keeps it classic, while meat ravioli adds extra heartiness.
• Do you need to boil the ravioli first? Absolutely not! That’s one of the best parts of this lazy lasagna recipe. The frozen ravioli cooks perfectly right in the slow cooker, absorbing the sauce and becoming wonderfully tender. No boiling or thawing is required, saving you significant prep time.
• What jarred sauce is recommended? Any tomato-based pasta sauce will work beautifully. Marinara sauce, tomato basil sauce, or even a robust meat sauce (if you want to double down on meat!) are all great options. Pick a brand and flavor profile that your family enjoys. You can also elevate the dish by using your own Homemade Spaghetti Sauce if you have some prepared.
• Can you assemble this the night before? Yes, you can! This is a fantastic time-saving tip for busy mornings. Assemble all the layers in your slow cooker insert the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. The next morning, simply place the insert back into the slow cooker and begin cooking. You may need to add an extra 30 minutes to an hour to the total cooking time, especially if cooking from a cold start, to ensure everything is heated through and cooked properly.
• What side dishes pair well with this lasagna? This hearty lasagna is quite filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides. Serve this easy lasagna recipe with a light, crisp side salad tossed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crusty garlic bread or garlic breadsticks are always a hit for soaking up any extra sauce. For a more artisanal touch, try my yummy garlic focaccia bread recipe!
• Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen? While frozen ravioli works best due to its firmer structure and ability to hold up during slow cooking, you can use fresh ravioli. However, fresh ravioli will cook much faster, so monitor it closely and reduce the cooking time, likely by half or more, to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery? Ensure you drain excess grease from the ground beef after browning. Also, avoid adding any extra liquid unless you’re using the Instant Pot method. The moisture from the sauce, ravioli, and cheese should be sufficient. If your sauce seems very thin, you can simmer it slightly before adding it to the slow cooker to reduce it.

Looking for another delightful way to use frozen ravioli? Don’t miss this crispy Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli Recipe – it’s a fantastic appetizer or snack, and absolutely delicious!

More Irresistible Pasta Recipes to Love

Are you, like us, a big fan of comforting pasta dishes? If so, you’re in for a treat! We believe there’s a pasta dish for every mood and occasion. Dive into our collection of other incredible pasta recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings:

• Italian Wonderpot Pasta (pictured above): A true one-pot sensation that cooks all your pasta, sauce, and ingredients together in minutes for an unbelievably easy and flavorful meal.
• Hearty Ground Beef Ragout: A rich, slow-simmered meat sauce perfect for coating your favorite pasta, offering deep, complex flavors that taste like they cooked all day.
• Chicken Mushroom Florentine Pasta: A creamy and elegant dish featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a luxurious sauce.
• Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup: All the flavors of your favorite chicken Parmesan dish transformed into a comforting and hearty soup.
• Cacio e Pepe with Mushrooms for Two: A simple yet sophisticated Roman classic, elevated with the addition of savory mushrooms, perfect for a cozy meal for two.
• Easy Weeknight Chicken Parmesan Bake: Another 5-ingredient wonder that brings the beloved flavors of chicken Parmesan to your table with minimal fuss.

For even more culinary inspiration, explore our full range of recipes: See ALL of my Pasta Recipes | See ALL of my Slow Cooker Recipes

This slow cooker recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, promising to earn rave reviews from everyone at your table. It embodies comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor, proving that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a truly satisfying meal. I’d love to hear from you if you make it – please let me know how it turns out!

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