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. Whether you’re a lasagna lover or a fan of ravioli, this meal will become a new favorite in your weekly dinner rotation. Get ready to wow your family with this flavorful and simple recipe!
Introduction
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna is a flavorful fusion of two beloved Italian dishes: lasagna and ravioli. What makes this recipe unique is its simplicity—using a slow cooker to do all the heavy lifting while still delivering all the delicious flavors of traditional baked lasagna. With layers of Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, cheese ravioli, and gooey melted cheeses, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. The best part? You only need to prepare a few ingredients, and the slow cooker takes care of the rest. This dish is a must-try for any fan of comforting, cheesy pasta dishes.
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Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering ravioli lasagna:
- 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.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna — Step by Step
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a medium skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it into smaller pieces. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, arrange a layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. Spoon a portion of the sausage and pepper mixture over the ravioli, and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Continue layering the sauce, ravioli, sausage and peppers, and cheese until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Cook
Sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and salt and pepper on the top cheese layer. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips for Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna
- Tip 1: Use fresh mozzarella for an extra creamy texture.
- Tip 2: If you want a bit of a crunch, broil the top layer of cheese in the oven for 2-3 minutes after cooking.
- Tip 3: Substitute the marinara sauce with a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick of heat.
Cooking Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna
- Best Hack: Make sure to thaw the frozen ravioli slightly before adding to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
- Cooking Technique: Stir the sausage and vegetable mixture thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly across the layers.
- Equipment Suggestion: Use a 6-quart slow cooker to fit all the layers without overcrowding.
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Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna
Serve this hearty dish with a side salad, such as Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. For a cozy, complete Italian meal, pair the lasagna with garlic bread or crusty Italian rolls. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, would perfectly complement the rich flavors of this dish.
Nutritional Information
This recipe offers a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and fats, making it a satisfying meal.
Nutritional info for Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna (per serving):
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
Storage and Leftovers for Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, either microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For freezing, wrap portions in foil and store them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna
1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to 2-3 hours on low to avoid overcooking the fresh ravioli.
2. Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Simply pop it into the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
3. What can I use if I don’t have Italian sausage?
You can use ground beef, turkey, or chicken sausage as a substitute, depending on your dietary preference.
4. Can I make this lasagna spicier?
Yes, use spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
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Conclusion
Now that you’ve explored this delightful recipe, it’s time to get cooking! Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna is a meal that combines the best of Italian comfort food with the ease of slow cooking. Share your experience with us—did you try any substitutions or add your own flair? We’d love to hear how you made this dish your own!
PrintSlow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Description
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. Whether you’re a lasagna lover or a fan of ravioli, this meal will become a new favorite in your weekly dinner rotation. Get ready to wow your family with this flavorful and simple recipe!
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
In a medium skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it into smaller pieces. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, arrange a layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. Spoon a portion of the sausage and pepper mixture over the ravioli, and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Continue layering the sauce, ravioli, sausage and peppers, and cheese until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Cook
Sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and salt and pepper on the top cheese layer. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier. Enjoy!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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- Tip 1: Use fresh mozzarella for an extra creamy texture.
- Tip 2: If you want a bit of a crunch, broil the top layer of cheese in the oven for 2-3 minutes after cooking.
- Tip 3: Substitute the marinara sauce with a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick of heat.