Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna: The Ultimate Easy Comfort Meal

Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna is the kind of recipe that feels almost too easy to be true. It delivers everything people love about traditional lasagna—rich sauce, cheesy layers, hearty flavor—without the time, effort, or stress of boiling noodles, assembling delicate layers, or turning on the oven. Instead, frozen ravioli steps in as a shortcut hero, creating perfectly defined layers while soaking up flavor as it slowly cooks.

This dish is a lifesaver on busy days, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners, and one of the easiest ways to get a comforting, homemade meal on the table with minimal effort. Once everything is layered into the slow cooker, the magic happens hands-off, leaving you with a bubbling, cheesy pasta dish that tastes like it took hours of work.

Whether you’re feeding kids, hosting guests, or meal-prepping for the week, slow cooker ravioli lasagna is a dependable, cozy classic you’ll come back to again and again.

Why Ravioli Works So Well in Lasagna

Traditional lasagna relies on flat noodles layered with sauce and cheese. Ravioli simplifies the entire process because each piece already contains a creamy filling, eliminating the need for extra steps and precision.

As ravioli cooks slowly in sauce, it absorbs flavor while maintaining structure. The result is tender pasta that doesn’t turn mushy, with clearly defined layers that slice beautifully when served.

Using ravioli also means:

• No boiling noodles
• No worrying about dry edges
• Faster assembly
• Consistent results every time

Why the Slow Cooker Is Perfect for This Recipe

The slow cooker creates a gentle, moist cooking environment that’s ideal for pasta layered with sauce and cheese. Low, steady heat allows flavors to meld together while preventing scorching or drying.

Unlike oven-baked lasagna, slow cooker ravioli lasagna stays creamy throughout, with perfectly melted cheese and evenly cooked pasta from top to bottom.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage until fully browned. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess grease.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker
   Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker to prevent sticking.
3. Layer the Ingredients
   Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of frozen ravioli, followed by meat sauce, small dollops of ricotta, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan.
4. Repeat the Layers
   Continue layering ravioli, sauce, ricotta, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous cheese layer on top.
5. Cook Low and Slow
   Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until ravioli is tender and cheese is fully melted.
6. Rest Before Serving
   Turn off the slow cooker and let the lasagna rest uncovered for 15 minutes to set.
7. Garnish and Serve
   Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

An easy crockpot lasagna made with frozen ravioli, rich meat sauce, and layers of melted cheese.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 25 oz frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Brown meat with onion and garlic; season well.
2. Spread sauce on bottom of slow cooker.
3. Layer ravioli, sauce, ricotta, and cheeses.
4. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese.
5. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours.
6. Rest before serving and garnish.

Notes

Use frozen ravioli for best texture.

Why Resting Matters

Just like traditional lasagna, this dish needs a short rest before serving. Resting allows the layers to firm up slightly, making cleaner slices and preventing excess liquid from pooling on the plate.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

• Use frozen ravioli, not fresh—fresh can overcook
• Don’t over-sauce; ravioli releases moisture as it cooks
• Cook on LOW only for best texture
• Let it rest before serving

Easy Variations

• Meatless Version: Skip meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini
• Chicken Alfredo Style: Use chicken ravioli with Alfredo sauce
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes
• Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of provolone or fontina

What to Serve with Ravioli Lasagna

• Garlic bread
• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Steamed broccoli

This dish is rich and satisfying, so lighter sides pair best.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can assemble all layers up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Cook when ready.

Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Meal Prep Friendly Comfort Food

Slow cooker ravioli lasagna reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunches or busy weeknights. The flavors deepen over time, often tasting even better the next day.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

This method balances sauce, cheese, and pasta perfectly. Frozen ravioli provides structure, the slow cooker ensures even cooking, and the layered approach guarantees flavor in every bite.

A Shortcut Dish That Tastes Homemade

Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and an easy method, you get a dish that feels indulgent, familiar, and deeply satisfying—without hours in the kitchen.