Crockpot Ravioli with Ground Beef and Melty Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Ravioli recipe is a comforting, hands-off meal perfect for busy days. Combining tender cheese ravioli with savory meat sauce and gooey melted mozzarella, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 40-48 ounces jarred marinara sauce
- 25 ounces frozen cheese ravioli
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella
- Parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a large, deep skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off the excess grease, then add the marinara sauce to the beef and stir to combine.
- Step 2: Grease the bottom of your slow cooker and spread 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom.
- Step 3: Layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce, then pour half of the remaining meat sauce over the ravioli. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
- Step 4: Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and cheese.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a bright, fresh flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use your favorite marinara sauce to customize the flavor—sweet, spicy, or herby all work well.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
- If you like it extra cheesy, add a layer of ricotta between the ravioli and sauce layers.
- Make sure to spray or grease your slow cooker well to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat to keep the ravioli tender and the cheese melty.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh ravioli can be used but reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking—check for doneness around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can this recipe be frozen after cooking?
It’s best to assemble but not cook the dish if you plan to freeze. Freeze it covered in the slow cooker insert or transfer to a freezer-safe container, then thaw before slow cooking. Cooked leftovers don’t freeze well due to texture changes.
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Crockpot Ravioli with Ground Beef and Melty Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Ravioli recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make meal combining layers of tender frozen cheese ravioli, savory ground beef marinara sauce, and melty shredded mozzarella cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner that delivers rich flavors and a hearty texture, garnished with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 40–48 ounces jarred marinara sauce
Main Dish
- 25 ounces frozen cheese ravioli
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef while breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain off any grease to avoid excess fat in the dish.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the jarred marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned beef. Stir well to evenly coat the meat in the sauce, creating a rich, savory meat sauce base.
- Layer Sauce in Crockpot: Grease the inside of your slow cooker. Spread 1 cup of the prepared meat sauce evenly over the bottom to create the first layer.
- Add Ravioli and Cheese Layers: Place half of the frozen cheese ravioli evenly over the sauce layer. Pour half of the remaining meat sauce over the ravioli, then sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat this layering process with the remaining ravioli, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese to build the casserole.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on the low setting for 3 hours. The ravioli should become tender and the cheese deliciously melted throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for added color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting layered ravioli dish.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of marinara sauce based on your preference for sauciness, but 40-48 ounces works best for proper layering and flavor.
- Using frozen ravioli allows the dish to cook perfectly in the slow cooker without becoming mushy.
- Greasing the slow cooker helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner variation.
- Adding a pinch of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper to the meat sauce can add extra flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hrs
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Slow cooker ravioli, Crockpot pasta, Easy ravioli recipe, Cheese ravioli casserole, Ground beef marinara, Comfort food, Slow cooker dinner
