3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cheese Ravioli
Some of the best comfort food recipes are the simplest ones. These 3-ingredient slow cooker cheese ravioli prove that you do not need a long list of ingredients to create a warm, hearty meal that the whole family will love.
With frozen cheese ravioli, your favourite marinara sauce, and plenty of shredded mozzarella, this recipe transforms into a rich, bubbling pasta dinner with almost no effort at all. Simply layer the ingredients, let the slow cooker do the work, and your meal will fill the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of an Italian trattoria.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, game days, or casual family dinners, this recipe is sure to become a permanent favourite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Only 3 simple ingredients
- Minimal preparation required
- Ideal for busy days
- Rich, cheesy comfort food
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Excellent leftovers
Ingredients
- 1 jar (24–28 oz / 680–800 g) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 bag (25–27 oz / 700–750 g) frozen cheese ravioli
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Once you have everything ready, simply layer the ingredients. The slow cooker will take care of the rest, melting the cheese into a rich, bubbling topping.
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of a 5 to 6-quart (approx. 5–6 litre) slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Spread about ½ cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking.
- Arrange a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce.
- Top the ravioli with additional marinara sauce, covering them evenly.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella.
- Continue layering the ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella until all the ingredients are used up.
- Finish with a final layer of sauce, followed by the remaining mozzarella.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until the ravioli are tender and the cheese is completely melted and lightly browned around the edges.
- Once cooking is complete, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting if you plan to serve over an extended period.
- Allow the ravioli to rest for about 10 minutes before serving, to let the layers settle.
Serving Suggestions
Serve generous spoonfuls with:
- Garlic bread
- Buttered dinner rolls
- A fresh green salad
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted vegetables
Garnish with grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil or parsley, and red pepper flakes for extra flavour.
Simple Variations
- Replace some of the mozzarella with an Italian cheese blend.
- Add slices of provolone between the layers.
- Use a spicy marinara sauce for extra heat.
- Try spinach and cheese ravioli, or four-cheese ravioli.
- Use a meat-based pasta sauce instead of plain marinara for a heartier version.
- Opt for part-skim mozzarella and reduced-sodium sauce for a lighter meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or larger portions in the oven. Add a little extra marinara sauce if needed to keep the ravioli moist.
Conclusion
This 3-ingredient slow cooker cheese ravioli is the perfect reminder that home-cooked, hearty meals do not have to be complicated. With just three everyday ingredients and virtually no hands-on cooking, you can create a rich, cheesy pasta dinner that is ideal for family meals, gatherings, or busy weeknights. It is simple, satisfying, and sure to become one of your easiest go-to recipes.
