Home AllRecipes Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

by admin

advertisement

Lasagna has always been a staple comfort food in many households, including mine. Growing up, I remember watching my mom meticulously layer noodles, meat, and cheese, filling our home with an aroma that could make anyone’s mouth water. But as life gets busier, finding shortcuts without compromising on taste becomes essential. Enter the Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna – a dish that brings all the rich, hearty flavors of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort. This recipe combines the ease of using a slow cooker with the deliciousness of layered pasta, meat, and cheese. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday dinner, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

advertisement

Ingredients:

25 oz. frozen ravioli (do not thaw; I use 5 cheese)
1 lb. ground beef (or you can use mild sausage)
1 cup white onion, diced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. dried leaf oregano (not ground)
24 oz. marinara sauce (I prefer Rao’s)
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups)

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Mixture:
Begin by heating a medium-sized non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Cook the mixture until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent. Ensure that the meat is fully cooked through. Don’t drain all the liquid from the meat; leaving a few tablespoons of the juices will keep the meat mixture moist, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of your lasagna.
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent the ingredients from sticking and to make clean-up easier later.
Layer the Ingredients:
First Layer: Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
Second Layer: Place half of the frozen ravioli on top of the sauce, arranging them to cover the sauce layer completely.
Third Layer: Spread all of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the ravioli.
Fourth Layer: Add the remaining ravioli over the ground beef mixture, again ensuring they cover the previous layer completely.
Fifth Layer: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top layer of ravioli, spreading it evenly.
Sixth Layer: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, covering the entire top layer.
Cooking:
Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 4 hours. The slow cooking process will allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and hearty dish.
Serving:
After 4 hours, check to ensure that the ravioli are tender and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Once ready, turn off the slow cooker. Allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
Enjoy:
Scoop generous portions onto plates and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad and some garlic bread on the side.

Variations and Tips:

Substitutions:
Meat: If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Mild Italian sausage also works well, adding a different flavor profile.
Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A mix of mozzarella and provolone or even adding some grated Parmesan can elevate the flavor.
Sauce: While Rao’s marinara is a great choice, you can use any of your favorite marinara or pasta sauces. For a spicy kick, try a marinara sauce with a hint of chili.
Additions:
Vegetables: Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor. Spinach also makes a great addition; just mix it into the layers before cooking.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley added just before serving can brighten up the dish and add a fresh, aromatic touch.
Cooking Tips:
Avoid Thawing Ravioli: Ensure you use the ravioli straight from the freezer. Thawing can make them mushy, affecting the texture of the lasagna.
Layer Evenly: Make sure to layer the ingredients evenly for consistent cooking and to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Cooking Time: Stick to the cooking time and temperature to avoid overcooking the ravioli. If you’re unsure, start checking the dish around the 3.5-hour mark.

You may also like

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Privacy & Cookies Policy