Description
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting and easy-to-make layered casserole combining frozen cheese ravioli, ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot. It requires minimal effort and delivers rich, cheesy, and hearty flavors perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
Cheeses
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and season the beef with garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Set the seasoned beef aside.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the bottom and sides of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- First Sauce Layer: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the crockpot to create the base layer.
- Layer Ravioli: Place half of the frozen cheese ravioli over the marinara sauce layer, spreading them evenly.
- Add Ricotta Cheese: Spoon half of the ricotta cheese on top of the ravioli and spread gently to cover.
- Add Ground Beef: Evenly distribute half of the cooked ground beef over the ricotta layer.
- Add Spinach: Sprinkle a layer of fresh chopped spinach over the beef layer to add freshness and nutrients.
- Pour Sauce: Pour about half of the remaining marinara sauce over the spinach and spread it evenly to cover the layers.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process starting with the remaining ravioli, followed by the remaining ricotta cheese, ground beef, spinach, marinara sauce, and end with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top mozzarella layer for extra flavor.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the ravioli are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the ravioli lasagna hot. Optionally, garnish with extra basil or Parmesan cheese for enhanced taste and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure to layer ingredients evenly for proper cooking and flavor distribution.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage if preferred.
- If fresh spinach is unavailable, frozen spinach (thawed and drained) can be used as an alternative.
- Cooking time may vary based on your crockpot model; check tenderness of ravioli before serving.
- To reduce sodium, opt for a low-sodium marinara sauce or adjust salt accordingly.
