Description
This Crock Pot Cheesy Ravioli is a comforting Italian-American slow cooker recipe featuring layers of frozen cheese ravioli, rich meat sauce, and a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses. It’s an easy, hands-off meal perfect for family dinners, delivering tender pasta and gooey melted cheese with savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Cheese Layers
- 1 package (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
- Add Garlic and Simmer Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Lightly grease the inside of the crock pot to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crock pot. Arrange a layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce, then top with portions of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering sauce, ravioli, and cheeses until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cook the Dish: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Turn off the heat and let the casserole sit in the crock pot for 10 minutes to set and cool slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage for ground beef for extra flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Avoid overcooking to prevent the ravioli from becoming too soft and mushy.
