Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients

22–24 oz. frozen bag of your favorite cheese ravioli

1 lb lean ground beef, cooked, drain fat

1 1/2 tsp of favorite Italian seasoning blend

24 oz. jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce (or homemade)

salt & pepper to taste

2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian cheese blend)

Instructions

Nonstick cooking spray should be sprayed into a 6-7 quart slow cooker.

Brown beef in a medium pan over medium-high heat with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove the fat after the meat has been cooked until it is no longer pink.

Layer the cooker with sauce, ravioli, meat, and cheese, then repeat, finishing with cheese on top.

NOTE: The number of layers will vary depending on the size and shape of your slow cooker. Don’t worry, you can’t go wrong with this – just make sure to coat the bottom of the slow cooker with the sauce. For the layers, divide the sauce, ravioli, steak, and cheese in half or thirds.

Cook for 3 to 4 hours on low.

Enjoy a superb lunch with this Ravioli Lasagna and serve it with Parmesan cheese, a side salad, and garlic bread. Enjoy!

Notes

Ease of Preparation: This recipe offers a convenient way to make lasagna using a slow cooker, simplifying the cooking process.

Layering Technique: The layering method involves stacking sauce, ravioli, cooked beef, and cheese, providing a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Customization: The recipe encourages customization to suit individual preferences, such as using different types of meat or adjusting the seasoning.

Gluten-Free Option: Instructions are provided for making the recipe gluten-free by using specific ingredients like gluten-free cheese ravioli and spaghetti sauce.

FAQs: Common questions are addressed, covering topics like ingredient substitutions, cooking times, freezing leftovers, and pairing suggestions.

Variations: Suggestions are provided for variations, such as using fresh ravioli, incorporating different types of cheese, or adding vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients.

Make-Ahead Option: Instructions for assembling the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerating it for later cooking offer convenience for busy schedules.

Serving Suggestions: Pairing ideas include Parmesan cheese, a side salad, and garlic bread, enhancing the meal with complementary flavors and textures.

Cooking Tips: Additional tips, such as spraying the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and browning onions and garlic with the meat for added flavor, ensure successful preparation and delicious results.

Tips: This recipe is simple to customize to your preferences.

Don’t like beef? Leave it out or replace it with ground poultry, pork, or sausage.

Adjust the taste to your liking by mixing in your preferred Italian herbs and spices.

Browning chopped onion and fresh garlic minced (2 cloves) with the meat is a terrific way to enhance flavor.

Raviolo with cheese and spinach is fantastic!

How To Make it Gluten free

Use gluten-free cheese ravioli.

Gluten-free spaghetti sauce or homemade.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 Serving

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh ravioli.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly as fresh ravioli cooks faster.

What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Mozzarella or an Italian cheese blend is recommended, but you can experiment with other cheeses to suit your taste.

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives to ground beef.

Should I cook the ravioli before layering in the slow cooker?

No, the frozen ravioli cooks directly in the slow cooker during the cooking process.

Can I use a homemade Italian seasoning blend?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade Italian seasoning blend for added flavor.

How do I prevent the lasagna from sticking to the slow cooker?

Ensure to spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray before assembling the layers.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it before cooking?

Yes, you can assemble the layers ahead of time and refrigerate.

Cook it when ready to serve.

What side dishes pair well with Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna?

Parmesan cheese, a side salad, and garlic bread make excellent accompaniments.

Can I add vegetables to the lasagna for extra flavor?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to enhance the nutritional content and flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover lasagna.

Allow it to cool, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for future use.

Reheat in the oven or microwave.