Big Font Headline: Randy’s Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Welcome to Randy’s Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna recipe, where delicious Italian flavors meet the convenience of a slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting and satisfying meal with minimal effort. With layers of cheese ravioli, seasoned ground beef, savory pasta sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients:
- Meat:
- 1 lb Ground beef
- Produce:
- 1 tsp Basil, dried
- 1 tbsp Garlic
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Oregano, dried
- Condiments:
- 2 (24 ounce) jars Pasta sauce, prepared
- Pasta & Grains:
- 1 (25 ounce) package Cheese ravioli, frozen
- Baking & Spices:
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper, ground
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt
- Dairy:
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the dried basil, minced garlic, garlic powder, and dried oregano to the cooked ground beef. Stir to combine and cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Pour one jar of pasta sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading it evenly to coat the bottom.
- Layer half of the frozen cheese ravioli on top of the pasta sauce.
- Sprinkle half of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the ravioli.
- Drizzle another jar of pasta sauce over the beef layer, covering it completely.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, beef mixture, and pasta sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the final layer.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or until the ravioli are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once cooked, serve the lasagna directly from the slow cooker, scooping out generous portions onto plates.
Cook Notes:
- For added flavor, you can brown the ground beef with diced onions and bell peppers.
- Feel free to use your favorite variety of cheese ravioli, such as spinach or mushroom-filled ravioli, for a unique twist.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef altogether and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables for a meat-free version of this lasagna.
- Four Cheese Ravioli: Use a package of four cheese ravioli instead of traditional cheese ravioli for an extra cheesy twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Keto Version:
- Low Carb Option: Substitute the cheese ravioli with zucchini noodles or thinly sliced eggplant for a low-carb alternative.
- Keto-Friendly Sauce: Look for low-carb pasta sauce options or make your own keto-friendly marinara sauce using crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen? A: Yes, you can use fresh cheese ravioli in this recipe. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed since fresh ravioli cook faster than frozen.
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna in the slow cooker insert ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Then, just cook it according to the recipe instructions when you’re ready to enjoy.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, this lasagna freezes well. Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Q: What should I serve with this lasagna? A: This lasagna pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Randy’s Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the classic flavors of lasagna with the convenience of a slow cooker. With layers of cheese ravioli, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, this hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade lasagna with a fraction of the effort!
