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
- 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.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Add the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir well.
- 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
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and beaten egg.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Ravioli Lasagna
- Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange a third of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce, slightly overlapping.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli.
- Sprinkle with a third of the shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers: sauce, ravioli, ricotta mixture, mozzarella two more times.
- 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
- 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.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley or grated Parmesan, if desired.
- 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!