Cheesy Crock Pot Ravioli Bake
This Cheesy Crock Pot Ravioli Bake is a delightful twist on a classic dish, inspired by the charming chef CBW. Picture succulent beef ravioli simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce, infused with Italian spices and topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting Sunday meal, this easy-to-make one-dish recipe is sure to please the whole family, making it a fantastic option for post-church gatherings or busy weeknights. Just throw the ingredients into the crock pot and let it do the work – your kitchen will smell heavenly as it cooks!
6-8
Servings
275
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Beef ravioli
25 ounces (frozen)
Pasta sauce
26 ounces (store-bought)
Tomato sauce
8 ounces (canned)
Water
1 cup (cold)
Red pepper flakes
2-3 teaspoons (crushed)
Italian seasoning
to taste (dried)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Start by pouring half of the pasta sauce into the bottom of the crock pot to create a base.
2
Carefully add the frozen beef ravioli on top of the sauce, spreading them out evenly.
3
In a separate container, mix together the remaining pasta sauce, tomato sauce, cold water, and red pepper flakes until well blended.
4
Pour the combined sauce mixture evenly over the ravioli, ensuring they are covered.
5
Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top, adjusting to your taste.
6
Finally, add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the mixture.
7
Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat. Cook for 4 to 5 hours, or until the ravioli are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
31g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Crock Pot Ravioli Bake?
It is a slow-cooked beef ravioli dish layered with pasta sauce, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.
Do I need to thaw the beef ravioli before putting it in the crock pot?
No, the recipe specifically calls for 25 ounces of frozen beef ravioli.
How long does it take to cook the ravioli in the slow cooker?
The dish should be cooked on low heat for 4 to 5 hours.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
Each serving contains 275 calories, 11g of fat, 31g of carbohydrates, and 12g of protein.
Can I use cheese ravioli instead of beef ravioli?
Yes, you can substitute the beef ravioli with cheese ravioli if preferred.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes 2-3 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes, which adds a mild to moderate kick depending on your preference.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Why is water added to the sauce mixture?
One cup of cold water is added to ensure there is enough liquid for the frozen ravioli to cook and become tender.
How do I start the layering process?
Begin by pouring half of the pasta sauce into the bottom of the crock pot to create a base layer.
Can I use homemade sauce?
Yes, while the recipe suggests store-bought sauce for convenience, homemade sauce can be used as a substitute.
Should I stir the ravioli while it is cooking?
The instructions recommend layering the ingredients and letting it cook covered without stirring until done.
What temperature setting should I use on my crock pot?
The crock pot should be set to the low heat setting.
Is this a good meal for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is an easy one-dish meal that requires minimal preparation.
What can I serve with this ravioli bake?
It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
How do I know when the ravioli is finished?
The ravioli should be tender and the mozzarella cheese on top should be melted and bubbly.
Can I add extra Italian seasoning?
Yes, the Italian seasoning should be added 'to taste'.
What size can of tomato sauce is needed?
You will need an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Do I need to grease the crock pot?
While the recipe starts with sauce as a base, you can lightly grease the sides to prevent cheese from sticking.
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, but you will need to significantly reduce the cooking time to avoid the pasta becoming too soft.
Can I add meat like ground beef to the sauce?
Yes, you can add browned ground beef to the sauce layers for extra protein.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, if your crock pot is large enough, you can double the ingredients.
What category of meal does this fall into?
It is categorized as a 'One Dish Meal'.
Why should the dish rest before serving?
Resting for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to set slightly.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 7 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is a family-friendly dish, though you may want to reduce the red pepper flakes for kids.
Can I use a different type of cheese like Parmesan?
Yes, you can mix in or top with Parmesan cheese for additional flavor.
What size of pasta sauce jar is required?
A standard 26-ounce jar of pasta sauce is recommended.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the charming chef CBW.