Tired of complicated weeknight dinners? Craving a hearty, delicious meal that doesn't demand hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This Crock Pot Ravioli recipe is your new best friend. It's incredibly easy, unbelievably flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. Forget boiling water and fiddly ravioli – this recipe transforms this classic Italian dish into a simple, set-it-and-forget-it masterpiece. Get ready to elevate your comfort food game!
Ingredients:
- 1 (24-ounce) package cheese ravioli (your favorite kind!)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Combine the Sauce: In your slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This forms the delicious base of our comforting dish.
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Layer the Ravioli: Gently add the frozen ravioli to the slow cooker sauce. Try to arrange them in a single layer if possible, but don't worry about perfect placement; they'll cook beautifully regardless.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours, or until the ravioli are tender and heated through. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it. The sauce should have thickened slightly as well.
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Add Cheese & Serve: Once the ravioli are cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the slow cooker and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely. This creates a creamy, cheesy topping that perfectly complements the rich tomato sauce.
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Garnish & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil leaves (if using) and serve immediately. This comforting and satisfying meal is perfect on its own, or served with a side salad for a complete and healthy dinner.
Tips for Crock Pot Ravioli Success:
- Don't overcook: Overcooked ravioli can become mushy. Start checking for doneness around the minimum cooking time and adjust as needed.
- Frozen ravioli is key: This recipe is specifically designed for frozen ravioli. Using fresh ravioli may result in overcooked pasta.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add more garlic, red pepper flakes, or herbs to customize the flavor.
- Add vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Delicious Variations:
- Meat Lovers: Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or meatballs to the sauce for a heartier meal.
- Creamy Crock Pot Ravioli: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or ricotta cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamy, decadent twist.
- Spicy Ravioli: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on ravioli and cheese type)
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This easy crock pot ravioli recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy meals you can quickly create at home. It's a perfect solution for busy weeknights, a crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering, or simply a comforting meal for a cozy night in. Enjoy!