Who doesn’t like ravioli – especially when it’s homemade? This crock pot ravioli casserole is a delight, even to a Master Chef. It’s the kind of entree that leaves your palate asking for more.
I have a vegetable garden and grow fresh spinach, tomatoes, onions and even the needed herbs. I’ve gotten very spoiled with the taste of pure freshness.
But whether I buy these things at the grocery store or vegetable stand, it’s still fresh and makes this recipe taste yummy.
Using a crock pot is so handy for the very busy family cook. You can put it in the crockpot (this is the one I use and love!) on low or simmer before you leave for work away from home. Then relax… it cooks by itself.
Don’t forget to put the lid on tight to keep moisture in.
Cooking in this slow, simmering way keeps the needed vitamins inside and because it’s a slow process, it keeps the meat very tender and the vegetables with all the taste of freshness.
Another place this is always a hit is on a family outing at the park or at a church potluck. At a potluck, so many cooks seem to think it’s a contest for who brings the best entree (or dessert). There is such a variety that your meal is absolutely delicious. But at all that I have attended, this casserole is among the best.
When I first made this, my kids snubbed their noses at it. They didn’t even want to taste it. They were used to the easy way: open a can of Chef Boyardee and gulp it down. They loved it, but it wasn’t as good for them as the homemade version.
They finally accepted this favorite from a crock pot. Their eyes got big and their mouths hung open. After that, it was only mom’s Crockpot Ravioli Casserole.
You might want to add to this a side salad and yummy garlic toast. It makes a great full meal and no-one gets too hungry waiting for their dinner.
So, try this and bon apetit!!
Crock Pot Ravioli Casserole
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 can stewed tomatoes
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 10 oz frozen spinach thawed
- 16 oz bowtie pasta cooked
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shredded
- 1 1/2 cup mozzarella shredded
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Put in crock-pot and add sauce, tomatoes and seasonings.
- Cook for 6-7 hours on low. Add the last 4 ingredients during the last 30 minutes of cooking and turn crock-pot to high.
- Add the fresh spinach, pasta, Parmesan and 1 cup of the mozzarella and mix it all up really well.
- Then add the last 1/2 cup of mozzarella to melt on the top.
Where are the Raviolis?
Hi Jill!
It’s called ravioli casserole because it creates the taste blend of ravioli without the tedium of actually making a stuffing filling and sealing ravioli dough from scratch. So it won’t be as pretty but it will be as yummy! I hope that helps. If you make it, please let us know how it turns out and send photos if you’d like to. Our email is: Cooks@RecipesAndMe.com
Hi! The ingredients only call for ½ of mozzarella, but it says to add 1 cup at the end, then another ½ cup. Just checking to make sure I read correctly. Also, do you leave it in for a few minutes to let the cheese melt?
Hey Kelly!
Whoops! Good catch and sorry about that!
So it should say add the parmesan and 1/2 cup mozzarella then another 1/2 cup mozzarella for topping. BUT, if you love cheese and want more, it’s totally delicious to add 1 cup mozzarella along with the parmesan and then 1/2 cup (or to taste) for topping.
Generally, when it comes to cheese, it’s very forgiving and flexible and can be increased or decreased dependent on preferences and if calories are a concern.
Hope that helps and again, sorry for the confusion.
We’d love to hear how it goes should you wish to write back.
THANKS for visiting and trying our recipe.
Wishing you a DELICIOUS ravioli dish!!
LeAura
How many servings is this?
Hi Gloria!
Sorry about that! This should be good for 4 generous servings as a one-dish meal or 6-8 as an entree with sides.
Hope that helps. Please let us know how it goes for you.
Thanks!
LeAura
Cooks@RecipesAndMe.com
I just put this in the crock pot and it doesn’t seem to be enough liquid to cover the pasta when it’s added. Seems like it should have more sauce. I’m afraid if I add water it will lose the taste.
Hey Stacy!
Thanks for asking! There should be enough liquid but some prefer more liquid and others less so. If you prefer a little more, you can add another cup or two of water, broth/bouillon, or a can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce.
To make sure the flavor isn’t diluted, I would simply toss in another tsp or two of Italian seasoning, and if you like, you could also add another tsp. or clove of garlic and onion or onion salt or onion powder.
These tweaks are typically easily flexible and adaptable to do.
I hope that helps. Would love to hear how it works out for you.
LeAura