Crockpot Ravioli Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines tender ravioli, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This easy, hands-off recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the comforting flavors of this cheesy casserole.
Ingredients
Serves: 6-8
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225 g) Italian sausage (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade spaghetti sauce)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- Fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook until browned, breaking the meat into crumbles with a spatula. Drain excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Casserole in the Crockpot
- Lightly grease the bottom and sides of your slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce.
- Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese over the ravioli.
- Repeat the layers: meat sauce, ravioli, and cheese, until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Add Liquid for Cooking
- Pour the water or beef broth around the edges of the crockpot to ensure the ravioli cooks evenly without drying out.
- Cook the Casserole
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the ravioli is tender and heated through.
- Add Parmesan Cheese
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and allow it to melt.
- Serve
- Once cooked, garnish the casserole with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve the Crockpot Ravioli Casserole hot with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Choose Your Ravioli
- Cheese ravioli is a classic choice, but you can use beef, spinach, or mushroom-filled ravioli for variety.
- Customize the Sauce
- Add vegetables like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce for nutrition.
- Make It Spicy
- Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a little kick.
- Keep It Cheesy
- Use a blend of cheeses like provolone, gouda, or Monterey Jack for extra richness.
- Prevent Overcooking
- Avoid cooking on high for too long to prevent the ravioli from becoming mushy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep work with maximum flavor.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A cheesy, comforting dish that everyone will enjoy.
- Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to tackle other tasks.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the layers in the crockpot earlier in the day and set it to cook when you’re ready.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Crockpot Ravioli Casserole with:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up the delicious sauce.
- Simple Salad: A crisp side salad with Italian dressing complements the rich casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus add freshness to the meal.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in the microwave or oven until heated through.
This Crockpot Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s a foolproof way to bring the family together over a delicious, satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Crockpot Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Crockpot Ravioli Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines tender ravioli, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g ground beef
- 1/2 lb 225 g Italian sausage (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce (or homemade spaghetti sauce)
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package 25 oz frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional for extra cheesiness
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- Fresh parsley or basil chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook until browned, breaking the meat into crumbles with a spatula. Drain excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Casserole in the Crockpot
- Lightly grease the bottom and sides of your slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce.
- Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese over the ravioli.
- Repeat the layers: meat sauce, ravioli, and cheese, until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Add Liquid for Cooking
- Pour the water or beef broth around the edges of the crockpot to ensure the ravioli cooks evenly without drying out.
- Cook the Casserole
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the ravioli is tender and heated through.
- Add Parmesan Cheese
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and allow it to melt.
- Serve
- Once cooked, garnish the casserole with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve the Crockpot Ravioli Casserole hot with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.