Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Introduction
Welcome to this culinary journey of a comfy Italian dish! The Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna offers you the luxury of enjoying a richly flavored dish with minimal effort. It’s a blend of cheesy ravioli, zesty marinara sauce, ground beef, and vibrant seasonings, all cooked to perfection inside a slow cooker. Get ready to impress your taste buds!
Why Make This Recipe
The Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is as delicious as it is straightforward. You don’t have to be a master chef to nail this recipe. It’s time-effective, flavor-packed and makes an excellent option for a family dinner or get-togethers.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 1 bag (25 oz) of frozen cheese ravioli
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning
– 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Directions:
1. Firstly, brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Mix everything well.
3. Layer your slow cooker starting with a thin layer of the meat sauce, followed by frozen ravioli, and then a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all of the ingredients, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
4. Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 hours. Your lasagna is done when the ravioli are tender, and the cheese has melted nicely.
5. If you wish, garnish your lasagna with freshly chopped basil before serving.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Serve the Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna hot with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad. For added flavor and color, scatter more basil leaves on top just before serving.
How to Store Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Store the leftovers in a covered airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay flavorful for around 4-5 days. To reheat, use an oven or microwave until the cheese melts well.
Tips to Make Easy Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Tip 1: Use high-quality marinara sauce for best flavors.
Tip 2: Do not overcook. Steer clear from mushy ravioli. Stop the cooking as soon as the cheese melts.
Variations
For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplants for texture and variety.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even ricotta.
2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the layers in your crockpot a night before, refrigerator it, then cook the next day.
3. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes. However, cooking time might reduce by half with fresh ravioli.