Crockpot Ravioli Casserole

Looking for an easy, comforting, and family-approved dinner? This Crockpot Ravioli Casserole is the perfect weeknight solution. Packed with layers of cheesy ravioli, hearty beef, rich marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella, it’s a no-fuss meal made right in your slow cooker. Just toss in the ingredients, let it simmer, and come home to a warm, satisfying dish everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Super Easy – Minimal prep and only a handful of ingredients.
Slow Cooker Convenience – Let your Crockpot do the work while you go about your day.
Hearty & Filling – Loaded with cheese, beef, and pasta—comfort food at its best.
Kid-Friendly – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser with simple, familiar flavors.
Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 1½ lbs ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce (use your favorite)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1½ cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Red pepper flakes for a little heat

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if grating fresh cheese)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
Drain excess fat, then add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Sauce and Seasoning
Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer for 3–5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Layer in the Crockpot
Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
Start layering the casserole like this:

1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
2. Add a layer of frozen ravioli (about ⅓ of the bag).
3. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the ravioli.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 4: Cook the Casserole
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours.
The ravioli should be tender, the cheese melted, and everything heated through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Scoop into bowls or serve with garlic bread and salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Ravioli Casserole
Use Frozen Ravioli – No need to thaw; they cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
Layer Thoughtfully – Alternate layers to distribute cheese and sauce evenly.
Don’t Overcook – Too long in the Crockpot can make ravioli mushy. Stick to the recommended times.
Use Fresh Cheese – Freshly grated cheese melts better and has more flavor.
Make It Vegetarian – Skip the beef and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead.

Serving Suggestions
Side Salad – A simple green salad with Italian dressing is the perfect light side.
Garlic Bread – Great for scooping up all that cheesy sauce.
Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli or green beans make a healthy addition.
Crusty Bread – Serve warm slices to mop up extra sauce.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Let it cool completely, then freeze in individual portions or as a full dish for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Microwave: Reheat individual portions covered on medium heat for 1–2 minutes.
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, covered with foil until heated through.
Slow Cooker: Reheat on LOW until warm, especially if you’re serving a large portion again.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time slightly (about 3.5 hours on LOW) to avoid overcooking.

2. What’s the best type of ravioli to use?
Cheese ravioli works best, but you can also try spinach and cheese or even beef ravioli for a meaty version.

3. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Try adding spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

4. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! Assemble the layers in the Crockpot insert the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking the next day.

5. Is there a dairy-free option?
You can use dairy-free cheese alternatives, but the texture may vary slightly. Make sure they melt well.

Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Ravioli Casserole is everything a cozy meal should be—cheesy, saucy, and completely satisfying. It’s the ultimate hands-off comfort food for busy days, and it doubles beautifully for leftovers. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish is sure to please.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Share your photos and tag your creations—I love seeing your kitchen masterpieces!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours (on LOW)
Cuisine: American Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 780mg

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