Description
A comforting slow cooker meal featuring layers of frozen ravioli, ground beef, and cheeses, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 25 ounces frozen cheese ravioli (About 1 bag)
- 1 pound ground beef (Browned and drained)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
- 15 ounces crushed tomatoes (Can be optional but preferred for extra sauce)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella (For layering)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Can adjust between 0.25 to 0.5 cup)
- 1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- optional garlic powder, red pepper flakes, chopped basil (For extra flavor)
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown ground beef in a skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain extra grease.
- Stir marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes together in a bowl. Optionally, add sugar for sweetness.
- Spray the slow cooker insert with nonstick spray.
Layering
- Add a thin layer of sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Add a single layer of frozen ravioli, followed by beef, dollops of ricotta, a handful of mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and a mozzarella topping.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours or High for 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
- Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes after cooking before serving.
Notes
For variations, you can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or make it vegetarian by adding sautéed vegetables. Let it rest before serving to thicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian