Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
I grew up on layered pasta dinners, but this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the version I reach for when I want lasagna flavor with zero noodle-fiddling. It’s essentially frozen ravioli stacked with meat sauce and cheese, slow-cooked until everything melts together into a comforting, hands-off casserole — perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, and sleepy Sundays when you want dinner waiting for you. If you want a quick, crowd-pleasing twist on a classic, this is it; you can also compare other slow-cooker takes like Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna variations for more inspiration.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe strips lasagna down to its most satisfying parts: sauce, cheese and pasta — without boiling, rolling, or layering sheets. It’s:
- Time-saving: dump-and-go assembly that cooks while you work or run errands.
- Kid-friendly: familiar ravioli shape and melty cheese make it easy to please picky eaters.
- Budget-friendly: uses one standard frozen ravioli package and store-bought sauce to keep costs low.
- Flexible: swap sauces, cheeses, or add veggies and proteins to suit what’s in your pantry.
“A true weeknight hero — all the comfort of lasagna with half the fuss. Ready when we were.” — dinner tester
If you like handheld comfort meals and easy slow-cooker dinners, check out other cozy options like this collection of lasagna-style soups.
Step-by-step overview
Before you start, here’s what the process looks like so you know what to expect:
- Prep the crockpot (spray or oil the surface).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Layer frozen ravioli, more sauce, and mozzarella; repeat once.
- Top with Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
- Cover and cook on low 4–6 hours until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Let rest a few minutes, then serve.
This is very hands-off — assembly takes about 10 minutes, then the slow cooker does the rest.
What you’ll need
- 1 package frozen ravioli (cheese or meat ravioli work) — about 20–25 oz depending on brand
- 2 cups meat sauce (your favorite jarred or homemade Bolognese)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole-milk mozzarella melts best)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitutions and notes:
- Vegetarian: use a marinara or lentil-based meatless sauce instead of meat sauce.
- Cheese: a mix of mozzarella and provolone adds a more complex melt; use low-moisture mozzarella if you want a less runny top.
- Sauce: chunky sauces may create a looser texture; simmer briefly to thicken if needed.
Directions to follow
- Spray the crockpot with cooking spray or brush with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Spoon a thin, even layer of meat sauce across the bottom of the crockpot. This creates a moisture barrier and helps the ravioli heat through evenly.
- Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer on top of the sauce. Don’t worry about gaps — they’ll settle as they heat.
- Spread half of the remaining meat sauce over the ravioli, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Repeat: layer the remaining ravioli, spread the rest of the sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella.
- Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning over the top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours. Start checking at 4 hours: the ravioli should be heated through and the cheese melted. (Cooking times vary by slow cooker and ravioli thickness.)
- Turn the crockpot off and let the lasagna rest 5–10 minutes before serving to thicken slightly. Serve hot.
For a firmer top, briefly transfer to a broiler-safe dish and broil 1–2 minutes — watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Best ways to enjoy it
- Serve straight from the crockpot with a large spoon or spatula for rustic slices.
- Side salads: a crisp Caesar or mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette cut through the richness.
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette: perfect for scooping up sauce.
- Wine pairing: a medium-bodied Chianti or Montepulciano complements the tomato and cheese.
- Make it a meal: add a simple antipasto plate (olives, roasted peppers) for a fuller spread.
If you want a different protein pairing or a lighter side, I also like serving slow-cooked pasta dishes alongside herb-roasted vegetables such as those in my classic lasagna menus.
Storage and reheating tips
- Fridge: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave (1–2 minutes), or in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through (15–20 minutes).
- Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Food safety: Do not leave at room temperature more than 2 hours. Reheat leftovers to 165°F before serving.
Tips to make
- Use a flat spatula to lift out squares; the slow-cooked layers can be soft.
- If your ravioli are large, rotate checking time — oversized pockets may need the full 6 hours.
- For less liquid, drain excess sauce from very watery jarred sauces or reduce on the stove for 10 minutes before using.
- For a crisp finish, transfer to a broiler-proof dish and broil briefly to brown the top.
- Want to speed things up? Cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours, but check often to avoid overcooking.
For other hands-off slow-cooker ideas that save prep time, try inspirations like this Crockpot angel chicken.
Creative twists
- Mexican-inspired: swap meat sauce for enchilada sauce, use pepper jack and cheddar, and garnish with cilantro and sliced avocado.
- Veggie boost: layer sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted eggplant between ravioli for added texture and nutrients.
- Pesto finish: dollop basil pesto on top after cooking for a fresh herbal note.
- Gluten-free: use a gluten-free frozen ravioli; adjust timing as needed.
- Spicy: stir chopped pepperoncini or red chili flakes into the sauce for heat.
If you enjoy experimenting, you can adapt this basic formula in lots of directions — even this simpler approach from another slow-cooker version shows how flexible it is.
Helpful answers
Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
A: Yes — fresh ravioli will cook faster. Reduce cooking time and check for doneness after 1.5–2 hours on LOW. They’re more delicate, so handle gently.
Q: Will the ravioli get soggy after hours in the crockpot?
A: If your sauce is very watery, it can make the dish looser. Use a thicker sauce or simmer your jarred sauce briefly to reduce excess liquid. Letting the cooked dish rest uncovered 5–10 minutes helps firm it up.
Q: Can I assemble this ahead of time and refrigerate before cooking?
A: You can assemble and refrigerate for several hours, but avoid keeping raw assembled pasta and sauce longer than overnight. If refrigerated assembled, add 30–60 minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version?
A: Yes — use a hearty marinara or a meatless ragu and add vegetables like mushrooms and spinach to keep it satisfying.
Q: How do I reheat a whole crockpot portion without drying it out?
A: Cover with foil and reheat in a 325–350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave with a damp paper towel over the portion to retain moisture.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the kind of simple, comforting recipe that makes weeknights easier and crowds happier. If you want a similar slow-cooker take with a little extra step-by-step guidance, this Randy’s Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna recipe is a trusted reference. For a pared-back, four-ingredient approach that shows how minimal this dish can be, see Easy (4-ingredient!) Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna.
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package frozen ravioli (cheese or meat variety, about 20–25 oz)
- 2 cups meat sauce (jarred or homemade) Use your favorite sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Whole-milk mozzarella melts best
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Spray the crockpot with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Spoon a thin, even layer of meat sauce across the bottom.
- Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer on top of the sauce.
- Spread half the remaining meat sauce over the ravioli, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning over the top.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours. Start checking at 4 hours.
- Once heated through and cheese is melted, turn the crockpot off and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
