Indulge in a hearty and flavorful meal with this Slow Cooker Spring Vegetable Beef and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna. Packed with tender ground beef, vibrant spring vegetables, and layers of cheesy ravioli, this dish is a delicious twist on traditional lasagna. With the convenience of the slow cooker, you can enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 16-ounce bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups chopped spring vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for greasing the slow cooker
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook Ground Beef and Aromatics
- Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Prepare Slow Cooker
- Grease Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker
- Layer Sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add Beef Mixture: Place half of the cooked beef and onion mixture on top of the sauce, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle Seasonings: Sprinkle half of the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the beef layer.
- Layer Ravioli: Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer on top of the beef mixture.
- Add Vegetables: Sprinkle half of the chopped spring vegetables over the ravioli layer.
- Layer Cheeses: Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the vegetables, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, starting with a layer of marinara sauce and ending with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 4: Cook in Slow Cooker
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the ravioli is tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the lasagna. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
Cook’s Tips:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences or what’s in season. Other great options include asparagus, peas, or broccoli.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese for added flavor. Fontina, provolone, or goat cheese can be delicious alternatives to the traditional mozzarella and ricotta.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the lasagna ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply assemble the layers in the slow cooker and let it cook throughout the day.
Variations:
- Meatless Option: Omit the ground beef for a vegetarian-friendly version of this lasagna. Simply increase the amount of vegetables and cheese for a hearty and satisfying dish.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cheese ravioli or lasagna noodles to accommodate gluten-free diets.
With its layers of savory beef, cheese-filled ravioli, and vibrant spring vegetables, this Slow Cooker Spring Vegetable Beef and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this slow cooker recipe is sure to impress with its flavorful ingredients and easy preparation. Try it out for your next family meal and savor the deliciousness with every bite.
Enjoy the convenience and flavor of Slow Cooker Spring Vegetable Beef and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna—a hearty and satisfying dish that’s sure to please your taste buds!
