Description

A hearty, cheesy, and hands-off dinner perfect for busy weeknights. This crockpot lasagna uses frozen ravioli to skip the layering hassle of traditional lasagna, delivering all the flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

For the meat sauce:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

For layering:

1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For garnish (optional):

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1️⃣ Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain excess grease.

2️⃣ Simmer the sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

3️⃣ Prep the crockpot: Spray the inside of a 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.

4️⃣ Start layering: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the crockpot.

5️⃣ Add ravioli: Place a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce.

6️⃣ Add sauce and cheese: Spoon more meat sauce over the ravioli and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

7️⃣ Repeat layers: Continue layering ravioli, meat sauce, and cheeses, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.

8️⃣ Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until hot and bubbly.

9️⃣ Rest before serving: Turn off the crockpot and let sit for 10 minutes to set.

🔟 Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Use frozen ravioli – No need to thaw; it cooks perfectly in the crockpot.
Lean ground beef – Reduces excess grease and keeps the dish lighter.
Add veggies – Sneak in chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms with the meat sauce if desired.
Low and slow – Cooking on LOW helps everything meld and prevents burning.
Cheese layer tip – End with a cheese layer for that golden, bubbly finish.
Make ahead – Assemble in the morning and let it cook while you’re out.

Leftovers – Store well in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for a future meal.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 4–5 hrs