- Prepare the Meat:
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain the excess fat and set aside. If you’re adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, cook these with the meat until they’re just tender.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the crockpot. This helps prevent sticking and burning.
- Place a layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce.
- Spread half of the cooked meat (and vegetables, if using) over the ravioli.
- Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the meat, and sprinkle with a third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat the layers — sauce, ravioli, meat, cheeses — finishing with a top layer of ravioli. Top the final layer of ravioli with the remaining sauce and the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the ravioli is tender and the lasagna is bubbly.
- Serving:
- Let the lasagna sit in the crockpot for about 10-15 minutes after cooking. This helps it set a bit and makes serving easier.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Tips for Perfection:
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Overcooking can make the edges crispy and dry out the ravioli.
- Ravioli Choices: You can choose either cheese or meat ravioli based on your preference. Experiment with different fillings to vary the flavor.
- Layering: Ensure even layers for uniform cooking and flavor distribution. Make sure every layer of ravioli is covered with sauce to prevent it from drying out.
This crockpot ravioli lasagna recipe is perfect for a comforting meal with minimal effort, ideal for busy weekdays or when you want a hearty meal ready at the end of the day. Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make lasagna!