Hearty Crockpot Ravioli Recipe

Effortless Crockpot Ravioli Delight Recipe for Cozy Nights

Bubbling with rich, cheesy goodness, this effortless crockpot ravioli delight recipe delivers comfort straight to your dinner table.

Pasta lovers rejoice as frozen ravioli meets a savory blend of marinara and Italian herbs.

Hearty and satisfying, the dish comes together with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Layers of tender ravioli meld perfectly with melted cheese and robust sauce.

Each spoonful promises a warm embrace of classic Italian-inspired comfort.

Weekend meals or weeknight dinners will never be the same with this simple, delectable one-pot wonder.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to savor every mouthwatering bite.

Serve Crockpot Ravioli Without Lifting a Pan

  • Serve Up Family Comfort: Create a cozy dinner experience by pairing this hearty ravioli casserole with fresh sides that complement its rich flavors.
  • Crisp Green Salad Companion: Toss a light mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a zesty Italian vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a refreshing crunch.
  • Garlic Bread Sidekick: Warm up some crusty garlic bread or buttery breadsticks to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal with a satisfying carb element.
  • Wine Pairing Pleasure: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the beef and cheese flavors, creating a restaurant-worthy dining experience at home.

Stores in a Snap With These Tips

  • Batch Prep Brilliance: Whip up this comforting dish in advance and refrigerate components separately for quick assembly during busy weekdays. Ground beef can be cooked and stored in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze for Future Feasts: Seal leftovers in freezer-safe containers, keeping delicious portions ready for easy reheating. This ravioli casserole stays fresh frozen for 2-3 months, providing convenient meal solutions.
  • Smart Reheating Strategies: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of extra sauce to maintain moisture and prevent dryness during reheating.
  • Portion Control Magic: Divide the recipe into individual serving containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners. These meal-prepped portions make weeknight dining a breeze and help manage portion sizes effortlessly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 7

Crockpot Ravioli: Ingredient Essentials

For Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Provides hearty, rich flavor and substantial texture to the dish; choose lean cuts for less grease and better nutritional profile.
  • Onion: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness; select firm, glossy onions without soft spots.
  • Garlic: Enhances savory undertones and boosts overall taste complexity; opt for fresh cloves with smooth, unblemished skin.
For Pasta and Sauce:
  • Frozen Ravioli, Prego Sauce: Create convenient, comforting meal foundation; select ravioli with robust cheese or meat fillings for maximum flavor impact.
For Cheese and Finishing:
  • Italian Blend Cheese: Delivers creamy, melty goodness and rich golden topping; choose high-quality shredded mix for smooth, even melting.

Slow Cooker Tools for Ravioli

  • Crockpot: Essential large slow cooker for preparing the entire meal.
  • Skillet: Medium-sized pan for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
  • Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients.
  • Measuring Cup: Helps accurately measure sauce and cheese portions.
  • Cheese Grater: Optional tool if using fresh cheese instead of pre-shredded blend.
  • Colander: Useful for draining excess grease from cooked beef.

How to Make Ravioli in the Crockpot Easily

  • Savory Beef Preparation

Brown ground beef with aromatic onions and garlic in a skillet. Break meat into small pieces while cooking, then drain excess fat to keep the dish light and flavorful.

  • Layering Magic

Create a delicious foundation by spreading marinara sauce at the bottom of the crockpot. Arrange frozen ravioli in an even layer, followed by seasoned beef. Sprinkle generous amounts of Italian cheese between layers, building a mouthwatering casserole that promises comfort and warmth.

  • Slow Cooking Transformation

Cover the crockpot and let the magic happen. Allow the dish to simmer on low heat for 4-6 hours. The ravioli will become wonderfully tender, and the cheese will melt into a creamy, irresistible blanket that brings all the flavors together.

Adjusting Flavor with Sauces and Cheese

  • Enhance the ground beef's taste by adding Italian seasoning or a dash of worcestershire sauce during cooking for deeper, richer flavor profiles.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella, provolone, or parmesan to create unique taste combinations that suit your personal preference.
  • Incorporate additional vegetables like chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini into the meat mixture for extra nutrition and texture without compromising the dish's comfort food appeal.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a small amount of hot sauce to the meat mixture for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat in their meal.
  • Prepare this entire dish ahead of time, assemble in the crockpot, and freeze uncooked. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking for an easy make-ahead meal solution.
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Hearty Crockpot Ravioli Recipe

Hearty Crockpot Ravioli Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Comforting crockpot ravioli delight brings Italian-inspired warmth to family dinner tables. Cheesy layers meld perfectly, creating a simple yet satisfying meal that promises hearty enjoyment for hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) Prego pasta sauce
  • 1 package (25 oz / 709 g) frozen ravioli
  • 1 package Italian blend cheese

Instructions

  1. Flavor Foundation: In a skillet, gently sauté diced onions and minced garlic over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, unlocking their aromatic essence.
  2. Meat Preparation: Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, meticulously crumbling and browning until fully cooked, eliminating any trace of pink, then carefully drain excess fat.
  3. Sauce Base: Create a smooth marinara foundation in the crockpot, spreading sauce evenly across the bottom to prevent sticking and enhance overall flavor profile.
  4. Layering Technique: Artfully arrange the first layer of frozen cheese ravioli atop the sauce, ensuring slight overlap and complete coverage of the cooking surface.
  5. Protein Integration: Distribute half of the seasoned ground beef uniformly over the ravioli, creating a rich, hearty layer that promises depth and complexity.
  6. Cheese Cascade: Generously sprinkle the Italian cheese blend across the beef, allowing it to melt and intertwine with the other ingredients, creating a harmonious texture.
  7. Repeat Composition: Mirror the previous layering process by adding a second ravioli layer, remaining ground beef, and culminating with a final cheese crown.
  8. Slow Cooking Magic: Secure the crockpot lid and set to low temperature, allowing the dish to simmer and develop intensified flavors for 4 to 6 hours.
  9. Final Verification: Confirm ravioli’s perfect tenderness and complete cheese melting before presenting this sumptuous one-pot culinary creation.

Notes

  • Meat Preparation Tip: Brown ground beef thoroughly to eliminate potential bacteria and enhance flavor depth, ensuring each crumble is perfectly cooked with no pink remaining.
  • Fat Reduction Strategy: Drain excess beef fat to prevent a greasy texture and maintain a lighter, healthier dish that doesn’t compromise on taste.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Distribute cheese generously between layers, allowing it to melt completely and create a creamy, binding element that elevates the entire dish’s richness.
  • Slow Cooking Precision: Maintain low temperature for 4-6 hours to develop deep, harmonious flavors and ensure ravioli reaches perfect tenderness without overcooking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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