Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor? Look no further than this Easy Crockpot Ravioli Casserole! With just a few simple ingredients—hamburger meat or Italian sausage, spaghetti sauce, cheese, and frozen ravioli—this dish comes together effortlessly in the crockpot, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you just want to throw something together and let it cook itself.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this mouthwatering crockpot ravioli casserole, as well as why this dish is a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a comforting meal, this recipe will hit the spot.

Ingredients for Crockpot Ravioli Casserole

This Crockpot Ravioli Casserole is a simple, no-fuss recipe that uses ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, if you prefer a spicier option)
• 1 jar traditional spaghetti sauce (about 24 oz)
• 1 package mozzarella cheese (shredded, 8 oz)
• 1 bag frozen cheese ravioli (about 25 oz)

Optional Add-ins:

• Chopped onions, garlic, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
• Parmesan cheese for an added cheesy finish.
• Crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Why These Ingredients Work

This recipe relies on staple ingredients that are both cost-effective and flavorful. The ground beef or Italian sausage provides a savory base, while the spaghetti sauce brings that rich, familiar tomato flavor. The mozzarella cheese gives the dish that gooey, melty texture, and the frozen ravioli makes it easy—no need to cook the pasta separately.

Frozen ravioli is a perfect choice for this crockpot dish because it cooks beautifully in the sauce, soaking up all the rich flavors without getting mushy.

How to Make Crockpot Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Meat

Start by cooking your hamburger meat or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. If you’re using ground beef, be sure to drain any excess fat after it’s browned. For Italian sausage, you can choose between sweet or spicy sausage, depending on your preference. Once the meat is fully cooked, set it aside. This step can be done ahead of time if you’re in a rush.

Step 2: Layer the Crockpot

Once your meat is cooked, it’s time to assemble the casserole in the crockpot. Start by adding a layer of spaghetti sauce to the bottom of the crockpot. This will prevent the ravioli from sticking to the bottom as it cooks.

Next, add a layer of frozen ravioli on top of the sauce. You don’t need to thaw the ravioli beforehand; just place them straight from the freezer into the crockpot. Top the ravioli with half of the cooked ground meat or sausage.

Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat layer.

Step 3: Repeat the Layers

Continue layering in this order: a bit more spaghetti sauce, followed by the remaining frozen ravioli, then the remaining meat, and finally the rest of the mozzarella cheese. The goal is to create a few layers of ravioli, meat, sauce, and cheese to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Cook on Low

Set the crockpot to low and let it cook for 3 1/2 hours. This low-and-slow cooking method will allow the flavors to meld together, and the ravioli will cook perfectly in the sauce. You don’t need to stir during cooking, as the layers will stay intact and cook evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done cooking, give it a few minutes to cool before serving. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the ravioli is tender. Use a large spoon or spatula to serve this comforting dish.

Serving Suggestions

This Crockpot Ravioli Casserole is delicious on its own, but it can be served with a few sides to round out the meal:

• Garlic bread: Perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.
• Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with Italian dressing balances the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add a light and healthy touch.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Ravioli Casserole

• Minimal Prep: This recipe comes together with minimal effort. No need to cook pasta separately or babysit the stove. Just layer everything in the crockpot and let it cook.
• Time-Saving: With just 3 1/2 hours of cooking on low, you can easily prepare other dishes or relax while this hearty meal is being prepared for you.
• Customizable: Whether you use ground beef or Italian sausage, there’s flexibility to adjust the flavor to suit your tastes. You can also add your favorite vegetables or spices.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a generous amount of food, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. The leftovers also reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy this dish multiple times throughout the week.
• Affordable: This dish uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients that are easy to find and won’t break the bank.

Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Ravioli Casserole

• Use High-Quality Sauce: The sauce is one of the main flavor components of this dish, so choosing a good quality spaghetti sauce can make a big difference. If you prefer homemade, you can substitute jarred sauce with your favorite marinara.
• Don’t Overcook: Since the ravioli is frozen, it cooks quickly and becomes soft in the sauce. Avoid cooking for too long, as the ravioli might get too mushy.
• Layer Properly: To ensure an even distribution of flavors, try not to skip the layering process. Each bite should have a little bit of ravioli, meat, sauce, and cheese.
• Adjust the Cheese: For extra cheesiness, feel free to add some Parmesan cheese on top before serving or even during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Ravioli Casserole is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, hearty, and delicious meal. With its combination of tender ravioli, savory meat, rich sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just a simple weeknight meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit. It’s easy, affordable, and absolutely delicious!

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