Some nights, cooking feels like an impossible task. Between work, errands, and family time, who has an extra hour to assemble a lasagna from scratch? That’s where this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna comes in your new secret weapon for a hearty, homemade meal with minimal effort. If you’re a fan of Hello Fresh ravioli dishes, you’ll love this easy, hands-off version that delivers all the flavor with half the work.
Even better? This recipe is inspired by Passionate Penny Pincher crockpot recipes, meaning it’s affordable, delicious, and perfect for meal prep. Plus, like many crockpot freezer meals in a bag, you can prepare it ahead of time for stress-free cooking on busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
- Effortless Cooking: No boiling, layering, or complicated steps—just dump, stir, and let your slow cooker do the magic.
- Family Favorite: Even the pickiest eaters love this cheesy, saucy comfort dish.
- Budget-Friendly: Inspired by Passionate Penny Pincher crockpot recipes, this meal is affordable and serves a crowd.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Like other crockpot freezer meals in a bag, you can assemble it in advance and freeze it for later.
- Versatile: Whether you use beef, turkey, or even Hello Fresh pesto chicken, this dish can be customized to your liking.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Classic lasagna starts with flavorful beef (see more ideas in Hello Fresh ground beef recipes).
- Chopped Garlic: Because fresh garlic makes everything better.
- Garlic Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings to boost flavor.
- Pasta Sauce: A jar of marinara sauce saves time while adding rich flavor.
- Italian Seasoning, Dried Basil, and Oregano: The perfect blend of herbs for authentic Italian taste.
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli: No need for lasagna noodles—these do double duty as pasta and filling.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Because no lasagna is complete without melty, gooey cheese.
Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Add garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir the cooked beef into your jarred pasta sauce, adding the Italian seasoning, basil, and oregano for extra flavor.
- Layer in the Crockpot:
- Spoon a layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add a layer of frozen ravioli.
- Repeat layers, ending with a generous layer of sauce on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-5 hours. The ravioli will soak up all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
- Add Cheese: About 45 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top, cover, and let it melt.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Switch Up the Protein: Use Hello Fresh pesto chicken instead of beef for a fresh and flavorful twist.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the meat for mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Use a Cheese Blend: Mix in parmesan or ricotta for an extra creamy texture.
- Short on Time? Cook on high for 2-3 hours instead of low.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this meal with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a well-balanced dinner. For a lighter option, serve it alongside steamed broccoli or a simple caprese salad.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Freezer Bag Crockpot Recipes Version: Want to make this a crockpot freezer meal in a bag? Assemble the layers in a freezer-safe bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight and follow the slow cooker instructions.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
A: Yes! Just reduce the cooking time by about an hour to prevent overcooking.
Q: Can I make this with homemade sauce?
A: Absolutely! If you have a favorite marinara recipe, use it for even richer flavor.
Q: What size slow cooker should I use?
A: A 6-quart crockpot works best for this recipe.
Q: Can I swap the meat?
A: Yes! Try Hello Fresh pesto chicken, turkey, sausage, or even a plant-based alternative.
Q: How do I keep it from sticking?
A: Spray the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray before layering the ingredients.
Q: Can I cook this on high instead of low?
A: Yes! Cook on high for 2-3 hours instead of low for 3-5 hours.
Q: Can I add veggies?
A: Of course! Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Q: How do I know when it’s done?
A: The ravioli should be tender, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing better than a home-cooked meal that requires minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for crockpot freezer meals in a bag, a budget-friendly dinner inspired by Passionate Penny Pincher crockpot recipes, or a comforting dish that rivals Hello Fresh ravioli, this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a guaranteed winner.
So grab your slow cooker, toss in your ingredients, and let this dish work its magic while you tackle the rest of your day. Dinner just got a whole lot easier!
What’s your favorite crockpot recipe? Let me know in the comments!