Slow Cooker Pizza Ravioli - Super Tasty Recipes

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Prep Time:15

Cook Time:4

Total Time:4 15

Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage browned
1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
20 –25 pepperoni slices
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage - Start by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it is fully cooked and no pink remains. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks so it spreads nicely through the layers later. This step is worth doing because browned sausage has much more flavor than sausage added straight into the slow cooker. Once it is cooked, drain off any extra grease so the final dish stays rich but not oily.
Step 2: Mix the Pizza Sauce - In a medium bowl, stir together the marinara sauce or pizza sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. This quick sauce mixture is where a lot of the pizza flavor starts. I like mixing it before layering because it makes sure the garlic and seasoning are spread evenly, instead of landing in one big pocket somewhere in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Grease the Slow Cooker - Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker before adding anything else. A little cooking spray or a thin swipe of oil helps keep the cheese and sauce from sticking to the sides. This is one of those small dad tricks that saves you from scrubbing later, and nobody ever complains about less cleanup after dinner.
Step 4: Add the First Sauce Layer - Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture across the bottom of the slow cooker. You do not need a lot here, just enough to cover the bottom. This keeps the ravioli from sitting directly against the hot surface and helps it cook gently. Think of it like giving the pasta a soft little sauce blanket before the real layering begins.
Step 5: Layer Ravioli and Sausage - Add half of the frozen cheese ravioli in an even layer, then sprinkle half of the browned sausage over the top. The ravioli can go in straight from the freezer, which is one of the best parts of this recipe. Try to spread everything out evenly so each scoop later has pasta, meat, and sauce all together.
Step 6: Spoon on More Sauce - Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the ravioli and sausage layer. Use the back of the spoon to gently spread it around so the ravioli is mostly covered. The sauce helps cook the ravioli and keeps everything tender. You do not need perfection here, just a good even coating so the flavors can settle into every corner.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Pepperoni - Sprinkle half of the mozzarella over the sauce, then add half of the pepperoni slices. This is where it starts looking like pizza, and if your family is anything like mine, somebody will probably wander by and try to steal a pepperoni slice. The mozzarella melts down into the layers, while the pepperoni gives that classic pizza flavor.
Step 8: Repeat the Layers - Repeat the same layers with the remaining frozen ravioli, sausage, sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Building the dish in layers helps everything cook evenly and gives you that nice casserole style scoop when it is done. You want sauce and cheese tucked all through the dish, not just sitting on top.
Step 9: Finish with Parmesan - Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top. Parmesan adds a salty, savory finish that works really well with the mozzarella and pepperoni. It also gives the top a little extra flavor, which I always appreciate because the top scoop is usually the one everyone fights over first.
Step 10: Slow Cook Until Tender - Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1 and 1 half to 2 hours. The ravioli should be tender, the sauce should be bubbling gently around the edges, and the cheese should be fully melted. Try not to lift the lid too often while it cooks because the slow cooker needs that steady heat to do its job.
Step 11: Add Parsley and Serve - Right before serving, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top. It adds a little color and freshness that balances all the cheese and sauce. Serve it warm in big spoonfuls, and do not be surprised when everyone goes back for seconds. This is not a delicate little dinner. This is a cozy, happy, fill the bowls kind of meal.

Notes

Substitutions

Beef ravioli: Use beef ravioli instead of cheese ravioli for an even heartier dinner.
Ground beef: Swap the Italian sausage for ground beef if that is what you have on hand.
Italian blend cheese: Use Italian blend cheese instead of mozzarella for a slightly different cheesy flavor.
Provolone cheese: Add provolone if you want a smooth, melty pizza shop taste.
Turkey pepperoni: Use turkey pepperoni for a lighter option that still brings pizza flavor.
Marinara sauce: Use marinara if you do not have pizza sauce, since both work well here.

Variations

Supreme pizza: Add mushrooms, green peppers, and olives for a loaded pizza style ravioli dinner.
Spicy version: Use hot Italian sausage and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Extra cheesy: Add spoonfuls of ricotta between the layers for a richer, creamier casserole.
Meat lovers: Add cooked bacon or diced ham along with the sausage and pepperoni.
Garlic bread style: Brush the top with garlic butter before serving for a fun garlic bread inspired finish.

Tips and Tricks

Use frozen ravioli: Frozen ravioli holds its texture better in the slow cooker and does not turn mushy as quickly.
Choose thick sauce: A thicker marinara or pizza sauce keeps the finished dish from becoming watery.
Drain the tomatoes: Drained diced tomatoes add texture without adding too much liquid.
Layer evenly: Even layers help the ravioli cook properly and give the dish that pretty pizza casserole look.
Save some pepperoni: Add a few extra pepperoni slices during the last 30 minutes if you want the top to look extra nice.
Watch the cook time: Slow cookers vary, so check near the early end of the cook time to avoid overcooking the ravioli.

Serving Ideas

Garlic bread: Serve this with warm garlic bread for scooping up the extra sauce.
Simple salad: A crisp green salad helps balance the richness of the cheese and sausage.
Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, zucchini, or green beans for an easy side.
Extra parmesan: Put parmesan on the table so everyone can add a little more to their own bowl.
Pizza night spread: Pair it with breadsticks and salad for a fun pizza inspired family dinner.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

Refrigerator storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Microwave reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, stirring gently if needed.
Oven reheating: Reheat larger portions in a covered baking dish until hot and bubbly.
Freezer storage: Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months in a freezer safe container.
Thawing tip: Thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
Make ahead prep: Brown the sausage and mix the sauce earlier in the day to make assembly even faster.

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Servings: servings