Welcome to a new and exciting recipe on our journey to discovering amazing, comforting dishes! Today, we will dive into the world of hearty, cheesy comfort food with a twist—Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna. This delicious dish combines the best of Italian flavors with the ease and convenience of a slow cooker. Perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends, this ravioli lasagna is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Imagine layers of cheesy ravioli nestled among zesty sausage, colorful bell peppers, and rich marinara sauce, all melted together beautifully in your slow cooker. Not only does this recipe boast mouth-watering flavors, but it also offers a simple yet satisfying cooking experience. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, go about your day, and return to an aromatic kitchen filled with the tantalizing scent reminiscent of your favorite Italian restaurant.
Making meals like this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna not only saves time but creates opportunities for family bonding over delicious, homemade food. So, whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating your family to a delightful dinner, this recipe is sure to impress and become a staple on your dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna
- Flavor-Packed: Each bite is a burst of savory flavor from the sausage, peppers, and melty cheese.
- Time-Saving: Utilize the slow cooker to let the flavors meld together while you go about your day.
- Versatile: Customize with different proteins or veggies for your unique twist.
- Kid-Friendly: A great recipe to get the little ones involved in the kitchen, making cooking fun!
- Comfort Food: Ideal for cozy nights in, this dish wraps you in warmth and satisfaction.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before embarking on your savory journey to make this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen and gather the right tools. Start by clearing your workspace—ensure all your counters are clean and you have ample space to work. A medium skillet is essential for browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables, while a slow cooker is the star of the show where all the magic happens. If possible, have measuring cups and spoons on hand for accuracy, as well as a sturdy spatula for layering and serving.
Additionally, consider using a large cutting board and a sharp knife for chopping vegetables. To make cleanup easier, you might also want to have some paper towels or a clean cloth nearby. This will ensure that your cooking experience is not only enjoyable but also organized!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on your preference)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional substitutions: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or tofu crumbles.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Begin by cooking the Italian sausage in a medium skillet over medium heat. Use a spatula to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is nicely browned and fully cooked through. Once done, drain any excess fat to avoid sogginess in your lasagna.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. This step not only enhances the flavors but also ensures your vegetables are perfectly cooked before layering.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, begin by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This prevents sticking and creates a flavorful moisture base. Next, arrange a layer of frozen ravioli on top of the sauce. Use a spoon to spread a portion of the sausage and pepper mixture over the ravioli. Top this with sprinklings of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that cheesy goodness. Repeat this process: more sauce, ravioli, sausage mixture, and cheese until all your ingredients are layered in the slow cooker, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Cook
Sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and a touch of salt and pepper over your top layer of cheese. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 4-5 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the ravioli to become tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a mouthwatering visual!
Step 5: Serve
Once your Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna is done cooking, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps it to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Spoon out individual portions and enjoy the hearty delight!
Variations
- Protein: Swap the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or try plant-based sausage for a vegetarian touch.
- Vegetables: Add in some spinach or zucchini for additional nutrients and color. Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables according to seasonality.
- Spices: Experiment with spices such as red pepper flakes for heat or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Be sure to properly drain the cooked sausage to avoid excess grease in your dish.
- Layer ingredients evenly to ensure consistent cooking and flavor throughout the lasagna.
- Allow sufficient resting time after cooking for better slicing results.
- You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months – just reheat when ready!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad for a refreshing crunch and to balance out the hearty lasagna.
- A nice garlic bread or some breadsticks on the side can complement the dish beautifully.
Tips
- Try to use frozen ravioli for this recipe to maintain the texture even after cooking in the slow cooker.
- Feel free to experiment with your cheese choices; mixing in provolone or gouda would create interesting flavors!
- Make it ahead: This dish can be prepared the night before and stored in the fridge before cooking.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes – 5 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 850mg
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes! However, fresh ravioli may require a shorter cooking time—keep an eye on it during the last hour of cooking.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply opt for gluten-free ravioli and check your marinara sauce for gluten-containing ingredients.
What kind of slow cooker should I use?
A 6-quart slow cooker works well for this recipe, allowing enough space for the layers of ingredients.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can layer the recipe components the night before, cover it, and cook it in the morning.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna is not just a meal; it’s a delightful flavor experience that embodies comfort food at its finest. With the combination of savory sausage, vibrant peppers, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the ultimate family dish to create lasting memories around the dinner table. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just beginning, this recipe is easy to follow and a guaranteed success. Don’t hesitate to try variations that suit your taste. We’d love to hear your feedback! Share your comments, variations, or any personal twists you’ve made to the recipe. The journey of cooking is all about sharing and enjoying the love you put into your dishes. Happy cooking!
Print
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes - 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting and flavor-packed dish, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on your preference)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional substitutions: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or tofu crumbles.
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the Italian sausage in a medium skillet over medium heat. Use a spatula to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is nicely browned and fully cooked through. Once done, drain any excess fat to avoid sogginess in your lasagna.
- Next, add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. This step not only enhances the flavors but also ensures your vegetables are perfectly cooked before layering.
- In your slow cooker, begin by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This prevents sticking and creates a flavorful moisture base. Next, arrange a layer of frozen ravioli on top of the sauce. Use a spoon to spread a portion of the sausage and pepper mixture over the ravioli. Top this with sprinklings of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that cheesy goodness. Repeat this process: more sauce, ravioli, sausage mixture, and cheese until all your ingredients are layered in the slow cooker, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and a touch of salt and pepper over your top layer of cheese. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 4-5 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the ravioli to become tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a mouthwatering visual!
- Once your Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna is done cooking, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps it to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Spoon out individual portions and enjoy the hearty delight!
Notes
Try to use frozen ravioli for this recipe to maintain the texture even after cooking in the slow cooker. Feel free to experiment with your cheese choices; mixing in provolone or gouda would create interesting flavors! Make it ahead: This dish can be prepared the night before and stored in the fridge before cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Protein: 25 g