Description
A hands-off, flavor-packed comfort food masterpiece that layers frozen ravioli, hearty sauce, and cheese in a slow cooker for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 (24–34 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
- 1 (20–25 oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 lb halal ground beef or ground turkey, cooked and seasoned
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Nonstick spray or a thin layer of olive oil for the crockpot
Instructions
- Prep the crockpot: Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray or brush lightly with olive oil.
- Sauté base flavors: In a skillet, cook onion until translucent, then add garlic and cooked ground meat. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in half of the marinara sauce and simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Layer 1: Spread a thin layer (about 1/2 cup) of marinara on the bottom of the crockpot. Arrange a layer of frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
- Add fillings: Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta over the ravioli, sprinkle a third of the mozzarella and a little Parmesan, then spoon another 1/2–3/4 cup of the meat-sauce mixture.
- Repeat layers: Continue layers—ravioli, ricotta, cheeses, and sauce—until ingredients are used, finishing with the remaining marinara and the last of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 120-180 minutes or on HIGH for 60-90 minutes, checking at the shorter time.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, swap the meat for a hearty mushroom and spinach sauté. Make sure to avoid overcooking the ravioli.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian