Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef Ravioli Bake
Nothing beats the comforting flavors of a hearty casserole, especially when it can be made effortlessly in a crock pot. This Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef Ravioli Bake combines tender frozen beef ravioli with a rich four-cheese pasta sauce and gooey mozzarella for a delicious meal the whole family will love. Perfect for busy nights, this dish can be made ahead of time and even freezes beautifully for a quick reheat option. Each bite is a delightful blend of cheesy goodness, making this a kid-friendly favorite that satisfies even the pickiest eaters!
10
Servings
350
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
four cheese pasta sauce
2 (26 ounce) jars (store-bought)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (dry)
mozzarella cheese
2 cups (shredded)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can (store-bought)
frozen beef ravioli
2 (25 ounce) packages (frozen)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 4 minutes or until the onion is translucent, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
3
Stir in both jars of four cheese pasta sauce, the can of tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until combined.
4
Spoon about 1 cup of the sauce mixture into the bottom of the crock pot to create a base.
5
Layer in one package of frozen beef ravioli evenly over the sauce, followed by 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top.
6
Add the remaining package of ravioli over the cheese layer, then top with another cup of mozzarella cheese.
7
Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the final layer, ensuring all the ravioli are well covered.
8
Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours until the ravioli are tender and the cheese is melted.
9
Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
42g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef Ravioli Bake?
It is a comforting and hearty crock pot casserole made with frozen beef ravioli, a rich four-cheese pasta sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 10 servings, making it ideal for large families or meal prepping.
Do I need to thaw the beef ravioli before cooking?
No, the recipe is designed to use two 25-ounce packages of frozen beef ravioli directly from the freezer.
What is the recommended cooking time?
The dish should be cooked on low heat in a slow cooker for 5 to 6 hours.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While the recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, you can substitute with other melting cheeses like provolone or an Italian blend if desired.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is a kid-friendly favorite due to its cheesy texture and mild, comforting pasta flavors.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this ravioli bake freezes beautifully, making it a great option for future quick reheats.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What type of pasta sauce is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using two 26-ounce jars of store-bought four cheese pasta sauce combined with one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce.
What seasonings are used in this dish?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dry Italian seasoning and fresh minced garlic.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the slow cooker?
Spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray before adding any ingredients to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 17.5g of fat.
How much protein is in this meal?
There are 14g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving provides about 42g of carbohydrates.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables first?
Yes, for the best flavor, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in oil for about 4 minutes until the onion is translucent before adding to the sauce.
What is the purpose of the tomato sauce?
The 15-ounce can of tomato sauce is mixed with the pasta sauce to provide extra moisture and a balanced flavor base for the frozen ravioli.
How should I layer the ingredients in the slow cooker?
Start with 1 cup of sauce, then a package of ravioli, 1 cup of cheese, another package of ravioli, another cup of cheese, and finally the remaining sauce.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe suggests garnishing the finished dish with 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Is there any onion in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped onion which is sautéed with garlic.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be assembled ahead of time or cooked and stored as a freezer meal.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: oil, garlic, four cheese pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, mozzarella, onion, tomato sauce, frozen ravioli, and fresh parsley.
Can I substitute cheese ravioli for beef ravioli?
Yes, frozen cheese ravioli can be used instead of beef ravioli if you prefer a vegetarian-style pasta bake.
What size packages of ravioli do I need?
You will need two 25-ounce packages of frozen beef ravioli.
What setting should I use on my slow cooker?
This recipe should be cooked on the low heat setting.
How much oil is needed for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of oil for cooking the onions and garlic.
What makes this dish a 'bake'?
While made in a slow cooker, it uses the layering technique and cheese topping common in traditional baked pasta casseroles.
Can I add extra meat?
While the ravioli contains beef, you could add browned ground beef or sausage to the sauce mixture for a meatier version.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, the 10 servings and freezer-friendly nature make it perfect for weekly meal preparation.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 1 minced garlic clove.
What is the best way to serve this?
Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.