Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re cooking up a storm with a delicious and easy-to-make Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna recipe. This comforting dish combines the rich flavors of ground beef, savory marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and tender ravioli pasta, all cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Join us as we explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions of this classic comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 25 oz. frozen ravioli (DO NOT THAW)
- 1 lb. ground beef (can use mild sausage)
- 1 cup white onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. dried leaf oregano (not ground)
- 24 oz. marinara sauce (I use Rao’s)
- 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened.
2. Season the Meat Mixture:
- Season the beef and onion mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine.
3. Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange a single layer of frozen ravioli on top of the sauce.
- Spoon half of the ground beef mixture over the ravioli.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture.
- Repeat the layers, starting with marinara sauce, then ravioli, beef mixture, and cheese, until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.
4. Cook the Lasagna:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the lasagna on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until the ravioli is tender and cooked through.
- Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Use a large spoon or spatula to scoop out servings of the lasagna onto plates.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, or Parmesan, to customize the flavor of your lasagna.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and substitute with your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini, for a meat-free version of this dish.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicier lasagna.
Keto Versions and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Low-Carb Pasta Replacement: Use keto-friendly pasta alternatives such as zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles in place of traditional ravioli to reduce the carb content of the dish.
- Cheese Options: Opt for full-fat cheeses and use them sparingly to keep the fat content high and the carb count low.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduced Sauce: Use a lower-carb marinara sauce or make your own tomato sauce using fresh tomatoes and herbs to reduce the overall carb count.
- Less Pasta, More Meat: Increase the ratio of ground beef to ravioli or omit the pasta altogether for a lower-carb, higher-protein version of this dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh ravioli in this recipe if you prefer. However, keep in mind that fresh ravioli may cook faster than frozen, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna in the slow cooker up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook it. Simply cover the slow cooker insert with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until needed. When ready to cook, remove the plastic wrap or foil and proceed with cooking as directed.
3. How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or place the entire slow cooker insert back into the slow cooker and heat on low until warmed to your liking.
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of our Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna, a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With layers of tender ravioli, savory ground beef, melty cheese, and zesty marinara sauce, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, with keto and low-carb variations available, you can enjoy this delicious dish while staying true to your dietary goals. So dust off your slow cooker and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
