Crockpot Ravioli Casserole

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the convenience of a slow cooker, especially when you’re juggling a busy day but still want to serve up something comforting and hearty for dinner. Enter this Crockpot Ravioli Casserole—a dish that combines the deliciousness of cheesy ravioli with a rich, meaty sauce, all cooked to perfection in your trusty crockpot. It’s like lasagna’s easier, less fussy cousin, but with all the cheesy, saucy goodness.

I remember the first time I made this recipe—it was one of those days when everything was on my to-do list: errands, work calls, picking the kids up from school, and getting dinner on the table. I wanted something that would require minimal prep but would still taste like I’d spent hours in the kitchen. This ravioli casserole saved the day! Not only is it easy, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser. My family went back for seconds (and thirds!), and it’s now on our regular rotation for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner to enjoy after a long day or a dish that can feed a crowd at a family gathering, this Crockpot Ravioli Casserole is a winner. It’s the perfect mix of cheesy, meaty, and comforting flavors—all with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

you’re going to love this Crockpot Ravioli Casserole for so many reason! Here are just a few that make them a must try:

• Easy to Make: Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work. It’s a one-pot wonder with very little hands-on time.
• Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love the cheesy goodness of ravioli, and you can customize the dish with your favorite pasta sauce and fillings.
• Perfect for Busy Days: This dish practically cooks itself. It’s great for those days when you’re running around but still want a homemade meal at the end of the day.
• Customizable: Use cheese ravioli for a vegetarian version or meat ravioli if you want a heartier dish. You can even swap the meat for turkey or chicken to make it halal-friendly.
• Great for Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this casserole reheats beautifully. It’s just as delicious the next day!

The combination of gooey cheese, tender pasta, and a savory tomato sauce is pure comfort food bliss. Plus, there’s no need to boil the ravioli ahead of time—it cooks perfectly in the sauce as the casserole simmers in the slow cooker.

Preparation Time and ServingS

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low
• Total Time: 4 hours, 15 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: 450 calories (estimate)

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Crockpot Ravioli Casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli (meat or cheese-filled)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Ingredient Notes:

• Ravioli: I usually go with cheese ravioli, but meat ravioli works great too! You can also use spinach and cheese ravioli if you want to sneak in some veggies.
• Sauce: A good-quality marinara sauce is key here. You can use store-bought or homemade.
• Cheese: Don’t skimp on the cheese! The mozzarella makes everything gooey, while the ricotta adds a creamy layer in between.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your very own Crockpot Ravioli Casserole from scratch:

1st Step: Brown the meat

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
• Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.

2nd Step: Season the sauce

• Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

3RD STEP: Layer the casserole in the crockpot

• Now, it’s time to start assembling! Spray your crockpot with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
• Spoon a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the crockpot. This will help prevent the ravioli from sticking to the bottom.
• Add a layer of frozen ravioli on top of the sauce. No need to thaw the ravioli beforehand—just toss them in straight from the freezer.
• Spread a layer of ricotta cheese on top of the ravioli. Use a spoon to dollop the ricotta evenly, then spread it out as best as you can.

4th Step: Repeat the layers

• Continue layering the ingredients: another layer of meat sauce, ravioli, ricotta cheese, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat this process until you’ve used up all the ingredients, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce and a topping of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

5TH STEP: Cook on low

• Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours. During this time, the ravioli will cook through, the cheese will melt, and the sauce will get wonderfully rich and flavorful.

6TH STEP: Check for doneness

• Around the 4-hour mark, check the ravioli for doneness. They should be tender, and the cheese on top should be melted and bubbly. If the ravioli needs more time, cook for an additional 30-60 minutes.

7TH STEP: Serve and enjoy

• Once the casserole is cooked through, turn off the crockpot and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to set. This makes it easier to serve.
• Spoon the ravioli casserole onto plates and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve

This Crockpot Ravioli Casserole is perfect as a stand-alone dish, but if you’re looking to make it a complete meal, here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve with a side salad: A crisp green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic bread: You can’t go wrong with buttery garlic bread on the side for sopping up all that extra sauce.
• Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a light and healthy side.
• For the kids: This casserole pairs wonderfully with soft dinner rolls or a simple bowl of steamed veggies.

Additional Tips

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Crockpot Ravioli Casserole turn out perfectly:

1. Use frozen ravioli: There’s no need to thaw the ravioli before adding them to the crockpot. Frozen ravioli work perfectly in this recipe and hold their shape as they cook.
2. Brown the meat: While you could skip browning the meat and toss it in raw, I highly recommend browning it first. It adds so much flavor and helps avoid greasy sauce.
3. Layer carefully: Make sure to evenly distribute the sauce, ravioli, and cheese in layers to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
4. Customize the sauce: Want to amp up the flavor? Add some red pepper flakes for a little heat or toss in a handful of spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
5. Low and slow: Resist the urge to cook on high! Low and slow is the way to go with this recipe, ensuring the ravioli cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is delicious as-is, here are some fun variations to keep things fresh:

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and load up the sauce with veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
• Make It Healthier: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten things up.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in some cream cheese or mascarpone for an extra creamy, decadent layer.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ravioli and ensure your sauce is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Freezing and Storage

This Crockpot Ravioli Casserole is perfect for meal prep or leftovers:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQ

1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh ravioli in this recipe. However, since fresh ravioli cooks faster than frozen, you’ll want to reduce the cooking time. Check for doneness around the 2-3 hour mark if using fresh ravioli to ensure it doesn’t overcook and become mushy.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef or turkey. You can replace the meat with extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or even bell peppers. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer. Just make sure your pasta sauce is also vegetarian-friendly.

3. How do I prevent the ravioli from sticking together?

Sticking shouldn’t be a problem in this recipe because the ravioli is layered with sauce, cheese, and ricotta. However, to further ensure they don’t clump together, make sure to evenly spread the sauce between the layers of ravioli. The sauce will act as a barrier and keep the pasta from sticking.

4. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you’re not a fan of ricotta, there are a few alternatives you can use:

• Cottage cheese (for a slightly different texture)
• Mascarpone (for an extra creamy and indulgent option)
• Cream cheese (softened and spread in dollops)

All of these options will work well and give the dish a creamy layer between the ravioli.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! You can easily add vegetables to this casserole to make it more nutritious. Some great options include:

• Spinach (stir it into the sauce or layer it between the ravioli)
• Sliced mushrooms
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Carrots (finely chopped or shredded)

You can either sauté the vegetables with the ground beef or layer them raw in the crockpot—they’ll cook down as the casserole cooks.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Of course! Mozzarella is classic for this dish, but feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Some great options include:

• Provolone (for a smokier flavor)
• Fontina (for an extra creamy melt)
• Cheddar (for a sharp, tangy flavor)
• Gouda (for a rich and buttery twist)

Just make sure you’re using a cheese that melts well for the best texture.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! One of the best things about this Crockpot Ravioli Casserole is that it’s perfect for meal prep. You can assemble everything in the crockpot the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and then cook it the next day. Just add an extra 30 minutes to the cook time since the ingredients will be cold.

8. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Leftovers reheat wonderfully! To reheat, you can either:

• Microwave: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until it’s warm throughout.

If reheating from frozen, allow the casserole to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

9. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! This recipe freezes very well. If you want to freeze it:

• Cook the casserole as directed and allow it to cool completely.
• Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
• When you’re ready to enjoy, let the casserole thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the microwave or oven.

10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free ravioli and ensuring your pasta sauce is also gluten-free. Many stores offer gluten-free pasta options, so just check the labels before purchasing.

11. What kind of pasta sauce works best?

Any marinara or pasta sauce will work well in this recipe. I like using a simple marinara for a classic flavor, but you can switch it up based on your taste preferences. Here are some options:

• Marinara sauce: For a traditional Italian flavor.
• Tomato basil sauce: For a slightly sweeter, more fragrant sauce.
• Spicy arrabbiata sauce: If you want to add some heat to your casserole.
• Vodka sauce: For a creamy, tomato-based option.

Feel free to use store-bought or homemade sauce, depending on how much time you have.

12. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re feeding a crowd or want extra leftovers, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients (a 6-quart or larger crockpot should work). You may also need to increase the cook time slightly, so check for doneness around the 5-hour mark.

13. How do I know when the ravioli is done?

The ravioli is done when it’s tender, and the cheese is fully melted. Frozen ravioli typically takes about 4-5 hours to cook through on low in the crockpot. You can check for doneness around the 4-hour mark by piercing a ravioli with a fork—it should be soft but not mushy.

14. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes! If you love a little spice, you can easily add some heat to this recipe. Here are a few ideas:

• Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
• Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
• Use a spicy marinara or arrabbiata sauce.
• Top the finished casserole with hot sauce for an extra kick.

15. What kind of crockpot should I use?

For this recipe, a 4-6 quart crockpot works well. If you’re doubling the recipe or feeding a large crowd, a 6-8 quart crockpot is ideal. Make sure your crockpot has a “low” setting, as this recipe cooks best on low heat over a longer period of time.

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Conclusion

There you have it—an easy, cheesy Crockpot Ravioli Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite! This dish has everything you could want in a comforting dinner: hearty meat sauce, tender ravioli, and melty cheese, all cooked together with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday dinner, it’s a recipe that will fill your home with the delicious aroma of Italian comfort food.

So, grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and let this ravioli casserole work its magic. Once you try it, I have a feeling it will find a permanent spot in your meal rotation—just like it did for me!