Discover the joy of combining the simplicity of ravioli with the hearty flavors of lasagna in your slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna recipe is not just a time-saver but also a delightful twist on a classic dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser, infusing your kitchen with the aromatic bliss of Italian cuisine.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on low setting
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 6 to 8
Ingredients
- 1 (25-30 oz.) package ravioli, filling of your choice
- 1 (45 oz.) jar tomato sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation of Ingredients:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the cooked beef mixture aside.
- Layering the Slow Cooker:
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place a layer of ravioli over the sauce.
- Top the ravioli with a portion of the cooked ground beef mixture.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the beef.
- Repeat the layers, starting with the tomato sauce, until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.
- Cooking:
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for approximately 4 hours, or until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serving:
- Let the lasagna stand for about 10 minutes after cooking.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves (if using) before serving.
- Enjoy the mouth-watering layers of ravioli, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese!
This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna recipe is a testament to the wonders of combining simple ingredients to create a sumptuous meal. It’s a testament to the convenience of slow cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and delicious. Perfect for any day of the week, this dish will satisfy your cravings for Italian comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Indulge in this hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings the essence of Italian cuisine to your dinner table. Bon appétit!
