Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Casserole
Layers of cheese-filled ravioli, marinara sauce, and Italian sausage slow-cooked to a bubbling, hearty casserole perfect for a family dinner. This italian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 260 minutes pairs pound frozen cheese ravioli, pound, casing removed Italian sausage, marinara sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 530 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 pound, casing removed Italian sausage
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 1 pound Italian sausage and 2 cloves minced garlic, breaking up the sausage with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: In the slow cooker, spread 1 cup marinara sauce evenly on the bottom. Add half of the 1 pound frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer and top with half of the cooked sausage mixture.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano over the sausage layer.
- Step 4: Repeat the layering with remaining marinara sauce, ravioli, sausage, and cheeses. Cover the slow cooker.
- Step 5: Cook on low for 3-4 hours until ravioli are cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Casserole?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pound frozen cheese ravioli from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Casserole?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Casserole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Casserole?
Italian slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.