Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli: A Cozy, Delicious Delight
Imagine walking into your home after a long day, the comforting aroma of tomato sauce and melted cheese wrapping around you like a warm hug. The anticipation builds, and as you draw closer to your slow cooker, your mouth begins to water at the thought of digging into a rich, hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli. This beloved dish isn’t just a simple dinner; it’s a nostalgic experience that evokes cherished memories of family gatherings and cozy winter nights.
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to whip up this incredible dish; here are just a few that might resonate with you:
- Quick Prep: With only a handful of ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this is an easy meal you can prepare in just minutes.
- Cozy Flavors: Each bite bursts with familiar ingredients that create that comforting, homey flavor we all crave.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this lasagna will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. It’s all about enjoying the cooking process!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli, gather these delicious ingredients:
- Fresh or Frozen Ravioli: Choose your favorite type (cheese, spinach, or meat) to customize the dish.
- Marinara Sauce: About 4 cups—homemade or store-bought, it’s the soul of your lasagna. Opt for a sauce with herbs for added flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces—creamy and rich, this will elevate your dish. You can use cottage cheese as a lighter option.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded—melted mozzarella is essential for that gooey texture we love.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated—this adds nutty complexity to the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon—feel free to use fresh herbs like basil and oregano!
- Spinach (Optional): 2 cups—add fresh spinach for a nutritious twist, or use frozen as an easy go-to.
- Cooking Spray: For greasing your slow cooker—because we want to avoid the dreaded sticking!
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes or 6 to 8 hours
This recipe is quick in prep, but the long cook time is completely worth the wait for that divine flavor!
How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli
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Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Start by generously spraying the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. This ensures your lasagna slides out smoothly.
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Layer the Ingredients: Begin with a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom (about 1 cup). This will be the bed that keeps everything nice and moist.
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Add Ravioli: Gently place a layer of ravioli over the sauce. If you’re using frozen ravioli, no need to thaw—just spread them out evenly!
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Spread Ricotta Cheese: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the ravioli followed by a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Let the flavors mingle and create a creamy layer.
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Mozzarella & Sauce Time: Layer on a generous handful of mozzarella cheese and then pour another cup of marinara sauce over everything. Keep repeating the layers: ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce until you run out of ingredients.
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Top it Off: Finish with a nice layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on the top, so it’s all melty and golden once cooked.
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Cover and Cook: Place the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours, and let the magic happen!
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, let it sit for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set a bit, making it easier to serve.
Tips and Creative Variations
- Add Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a kick or Italian sausage for a meaty version.
- Make it Lighter: Use low-fat cheese or substitute Greek yogurt for ricotta to lighten the dish while keeping the creaminess.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions—this is your dish to personalize!
Serving Ideas
Picture this: a cozy dinner table with your loved ones gathered around, bowls filled with beautiful layers of colorful ravioli, molten cheese, and rich sauce. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with Italian dressing for freshness, and perhaps a glass of red wine to complement the meal. Garlic bread on the side will soak up any extra sauce—heavenly!
Storing and Reheating
Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in airtight containers. The best part? Your Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
To reheat, simply place your portion in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze the lasagna for up to 3 months! Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Pro Tips for Success
- No Need to Cook the Ravioli: If using fresh ravioli, you can skip the cooking step—just layer them directly in.
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Investing in good cheese elevates the flavor of this dish significantly.
- Let It Rest: Allow your lasagna to rest after cooking; this helps the flavors deepen and improves the texture.
FAQs
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Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! It freezes beautifully; just store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly. -
What’s the best substitute for ricotta?
Cottage cheese or Greek yogurt works wonderfully as lighter alternatives. -
How can I make this vegetarian?
Swap the ravioli for a vegetarian version and load it up with extra vegetables!
Conclusion
As you savor each comforting bite of this Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli, allow yourself to be transported back to those cherished moments—where laughter and love filled the room just as the aroma fills your kitchen. This is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the beauty of gathering around the table and sharing time with those we hold dear. So pull out your slow cooker and give this recipe a try; I promise, it will soon be a family favorite. Don’t forget to share the joy with your loved ones!
Contents
Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ravioli
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Fresh or Frozen Ravioli Choose cheese, spinach, or meat.
- 4 cups Marinara Sauce Homemade or store-bought, opt for one with herbs.
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Can substitute with cottage cheese.
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded For a gooey texture.
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Adds nutty complexity.
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Use fresh herbs if preferred.
- 2 cups Spinach (optional) Fresh or frozen.
- 1 spray Cooking Spray For greasing the slow cooker.
Instructions
Preparation
- Generously spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Start with a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom (about 1 cup).
- Place a layer of ravioli over the sauce, spreading them evenly.
- Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the ravioli and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Layer mozzarella cheese and pour another cup of marinara sauce over everything.
- Continue layering ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce until ingredients are used up.
- Finish with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Cooking
- Cover and set the slow cooker to high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Once cooked, let it sit for about 15 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad and garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Notes
Written by khadija — founder of Dailypan, sharing easy, cozy homemade recipes for every occasion.