🐄 Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef Ravioli Casserole
📝 Ingredients:
-
1 lb (450g) ground beef
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 (24 oz / 680g) jar of marinara or pasta sauce
-
1 (25 oz / 700g) bag of frozen beef or cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
-
1 (14.5 oz / 400g) can diced tomatoes (optional, for more texture)
-
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
-
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
-
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Optional: Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Brown the beef:
-
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft (about 5–7 minutes).
-
Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
-
Drain excess fat.
2. Mix the sauce:
-
In the same pan or a bowl, stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble in the slow cooker:
Layer the ingredients in this order:
-
A spoonful of sauce on the bottom.
-
Half of the frozen ravioli
-
Half of the meat sauce
-
Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella
-
Repeat layers again: ravioli, sauce, remaining mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
4. Cook:
-
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until bubbly and heated through.
-
Avoid overcooking so the ravioli doesn’t get mushy.
5. Serve:
-
Garnish with fresh herbs, if using.
-
Pair with garlic bread or a green salad.
🔁 Variations:
-
Use cheese ravioli and add Italian sausage for extra depth.
-
Stir in a handful of baby spinach in the last hour for a veggie boost.
-
Make it spicy: add red pepper flakes or use arrabbiata sauce.
Let me know if you want a vegetarian version, or how to convert it for the Instant Pot or oven!