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
Scale
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
