Crockpot Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Ravioli Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for busy days. Combining tender ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and cheesy pasta, it’s a simple slow-cooked meal your family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 (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
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 ½ cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup water

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Transfer the cooked beef mixture into the crockpot. Add the tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, one cup of water, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Step 4: About 30 minutes before cooking time is over, add the thawed spinach and cooked bowtie pasta to the crockpot. Stir to mix evenly.
5. Step 5: Before serving, sprinkle the Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses over the top. Stir gently and let the cheese melt for a few minutes with the crockpot lid on.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes when adding seasonings.
• You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
• Use fresh spinach instead of frozen if preferred, but add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
• Mix in some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions for added vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape that holds sauce well works great. Penne, rotini, or rigatoni are good alternatives to bowtie pasta.

Do I need to cook the pasta beforehand?

For this recipe, it’s best to cook the pasta separately before adding it to the crockpot to ensure it doesn’t become overly mushy during the long cooking time.

Crockpot Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 131 reviews

This Crockpot Ravioli Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days. Ground beef is browned with onion and garlic, then slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with oregano and Italian seasonings. Bowtie pasta and spinach are stirred in towards the end, and the dish is finished with melted Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses for a creamy, cheesy casserole.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Meat and Vegetables

• 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed

Tomato Sauce and Seasonings

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 can stewed tomatoes
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup of water (divided: ½ cup plus ½ cup added later)

Pasta and Cheese

• 16 oz bowtie pasta, cooked
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 ½ cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir frequently until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the cooked beef mixture into the crockpot. Add the tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, one cup of water, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
3. Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook the mixture on low heat for 6 hours, allowing all flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
4. Add Spinach and Pasta: Approximately 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the thawed spinach and cooked bowtie pasta into the crockpot. Stir gently to incorporate and continue cooking, allowing the ingredients to heat through.
5. Melt the Cheese: Just before serving, sprinkle the Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses over the top of the casserole. Mix thoroughly and cover again for a few minutes until the cheese has melted and become creamy.

Notes

• You can substitute bowtie pasta with cooked stuffed noodles for variation.
• Using a pre-seasoned Italian dressing packet can enhance the flavor.
• Make sure to thaw and drain spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of added water to ¼ cup.

Keywords: crockpot ravioli casserole, slow cooker casserole, ground beef pasta casserole, easy crockpot recipes, comfort food, cheesy casserole