Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna – The Easiest Way to Enjoy Classic Comfort Food

Posted by My Name is Alice on


If you love lasagna but hate the time-consuming prep work, this Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna is your new go-to recipe. It delivers all the rich, cheesy, and hearty flavors of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort. Instead of layering delicate sheets of pasta, we use frozen ravioli—which already contains delicious fillings like cheese, meat, or vegetables—to create a lasagna-style dish with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or lazy weekends when you want a hearty Italian meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply layer, set, and let your slow cooker do all the work. When it’s done, you’ll have a bubbly, cheesy, and utterly irresistible dish that tastes like it came from a traditional Italian kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✔️ Effortless Preparation: No need to cook noodles or make complicated layers.
✔️ Rich and Flavorful: A slow-cooked tomato sauce infused with herbs and spices.
✔️ Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish loved by both kids and adults.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and let it cook while you go about your day.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – Enhances the flavor and helps sauté the aromatics.
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional) – Adds heartiness and richness.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped – Provides a sweet, savory depth to the sauce.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for that classic Italian flavor.
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes – Forms the base of the sauce with a robust texture.
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce – Adds smoothness and extra tomato flavor.
  • 6 ounces tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato richness.
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano – Brings warmth and earthiness.
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil – Adds a touch of sweetness and freshness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a mild heat.
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional) – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

For the Ravioli and Cheese Filling:

  • 2 (25-ounce) packages frozen ravioli – Cheese, meat, or vegetable-filled, your choice!
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese – Creates a creamy, rich layer.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty depth.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – Brightens up the dish.
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten – Helps bind the ricotta filling together.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust to your preference.

For the Topping:

  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded – Melts into a gooey, golden layer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

  1. If using meat, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
  5. Add the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir well.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and beaten egg.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Ravioli Lasagna

  1. Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
  2. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Arrange a third of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce, slightly overlapping.
  4. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli.
  5. Sprinkle with a third of the shredded mozzarella.
  6. Repeat the layers: sauce, ravioli, ricotta mixture, mozzarella two more times.
  7. The top layer should be sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Lasagna

  • On Low: Cook for 4-6 hours until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted.
  • On High: Cook for 2-3 hours for a quicker option.

Pro Tip: Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker. Start checking around the 4-hour mark on low or 2-hour mark on high to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Let It Rest & Serve

  1. Once done, turn off the slow cooker and let the lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes. This helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve.
  2. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or grated Parmesan, if desired.
  3. Serve hot with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

✔ Meat-Free Version: Omit the ground beef or sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

✔ Cheese Swap: Try adding provolone or fontina cheese for a different flavor twist.

✔ Using Fresh Ravioli? Fresh pasta cooks faster than frozen. Reduce cooking time to 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high.

✔ Layering Variations: Some people prefer to spread the ricotta mixture directly over the sauce rather than on the ravioli. Feel free to experiment with what works best for you!

✔ Add More Veggies: Add a layer of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

✔ Food Safety Tip: Since this recipe relies on frozen ravioli, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving. Use a food thermometer to check in several spots.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna with:

  • Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich tomato sauce.
  • Simple Green Salad: A fresh contrast to the hearty lasagna.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Lighten up the meal with a side of roasted or steamed veggies.
  • Glass of Red Wine: A Chianti or Merlot complements the flavors beautifully.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

This lazy lasagna hack transforms frozen ravioli into a gourmet, slow-cooked masterpiece. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you an incredibly rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish—with almost zero effort. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced chef looking for a shortcut meal, this recipe is a guaranteed win.

Try This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Today!

With its bold flavors, effortless prep, and family-friendly appeal, this Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna is bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Make it once, and you'll never go back to traditional lasagna again!

Have you tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Happy cooking!