Tried this out twice and it was a hit on both occasions! Eager to make it once more.
Cooking at home can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially on busy days. However, with the right recipes and tools, it can become a delightful and stress-free experience. Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna is a perfect example of a recipe that combines ease, flavor, and comfort. This dish brings together the classic elements of lasagna—rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta—into a convenient slow cooker format, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Medium onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Marinara sauce | 1 (24-ounce) jar |
| Frozen cheese ravioli | 1 (25-ounce) bag |
| Whole milk ricotta cheese | 1 (15-ounce) container |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Freshly chopped parsley | 2 tablespoons (plus more for garnish) |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 3 cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
Instructions:
- Heat Olive Oil in a Skillet: Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Olive oil adds a subtle richness to the dish and helps to sauté the vegetables without burning them.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them until they are softened and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor of the meat sauce.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the beef until it is browned and fully cooked. This process ensures that the meat is flavorful and safe to eat.
- Mix in Marinara Sauce: Drain any excess fat from the skillet and mix in the marinara sauce. This creates a rich, meaty sauce that will be layered with the ravioli and cheese.
Cooking Instructions:
Cooking the lasagna in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Here’s how to do it:
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- Layer the Ingredients: Start by spreading a thin layer of the beef and sauce mixture at the bottom of the slow cooker. This prevents the ravioli from sticking and adds flavor from the start.
- Add the Ravioli and Cheese Mixtures: Layer half of the frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce. Follow this with half of the ricotta mixture, half of the shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
- Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients, ending with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cook the Lasagna: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the ravioli to become tender and the cheeses to melt and bubble, creating a deliciously gooey lasagna.
