Discover the ease and comfort of Slow Cooker Mushroom and Beef Cheese Ravioli Lasagna. This delectable dish combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, mushrooms, and cheese ravioli with the convenience of a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. The layers of cheese and marinara sauce come together beautifully to create a lasagna that’s both comforting and delicious. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (8 oz) package of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup red wine
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ground Beef:
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the Meat: Season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano. If using, add the red wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
2. Assemble the Lasagna in the Slow Cooker:
- Layer Marinara Sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add Ravioli: Place a layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce.
- Add Beef Mixture: Spoon half of the beef mixture over the ravioli.
- Add Mushrooms: Spread half of the sliced mushrooms over the beef mixture.
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the mushrooms.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers—marinara sauce, ravioli, beef mixture, mushrooms, and cheeses.
- Top Layer: Finish with a final layer of marinara sauce and cheeses.
3. Cook the Lasagna:
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Once cooked, serve the lasagna hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Cooking Notes and Variations
Cooking Notes:
- Ground Beef: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Mushrooms: Feel free to use a mix of your favorite mushrooms for added flavor.
- Cheese: Mix in some ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and add more vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a bit of heat.
- Different Sauces: Try using Alfredo sauce for a creamy white lasagna version.
Keto and Low-Carb Version
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, you can modify this recipe to fit your nutritional needs.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar low-carb marinara sauce
- 1 (8 oz) package of mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large zucchini, sliced into thin rounds (to replace the ravioli)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup red wine
Instructions:
- Prepare and Cook Beef: Follow the same steps as the original recipe to cook and season the ground beef.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Layer the marinara sauce, zucchini slices, beef mixture, mushrooms, and cheeses in the slow cooker as you would with the ravioli.
- Cook and Serve: Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the zucchini is tender. Serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
A: Yes, fresh ravioli can be used, but you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking the pasta.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna in the slow cooker and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes it a great option for meal prep.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze this lasagna?
A: Yes, this lasagna can be frozen. Assemble the layers in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Q: What can I serve with this lasagna?
A: This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Slow Cooker Mushroom and Beef Cheese Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting and hearty dish that brings the flavors of traditional lasagna with the ease of a slow cooker. Perfect for busy families, this recipe can be easily adapted to fit different dietary needs and preferences. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try the keto-friendly variation, this lasagna is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy the rich, layered flavors of this delicious meal with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
