Kicked Up Crock Pot Cheese Ravioli Recipe

"Now, this was a dish literally created out of necessity, being stranded during a weekend winter storm. With only a small generator and a crock pot ...this is basically this was what we ended up with. Now, over time; I did adjusted and updated it a bit; but, the basic recipe is still used. Fair warning, this makes a huge pot; so, you can easily cut this recipe in half. But, we were feeding 8 hungry people; so, we didn't mind. I was skeptical of pasta in the slow cooker (which during the storm, was our only cooking source); but, this worked out really well. It is super easy to put together; which makes a great weekday or busy weekend dinner."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Sauce ... Add the marinara, pesto, wine, and roasted red peppers to a bowl; and, mix to combine.

Step 2

Layer #1 ... Pour 1/3 of the sauce into the crock pot; and, top with 1/2 of the ravioli, 1/2 of the mushrooms, 1/2 of the spinach, 1/3 of the parmesan cheese; and a pinch of salt and pepper. DO NOT MIX.

Step 3

Layer #2 ... Repeat. Marinara mix, ravioli, mushrooms, spinach, cheese, salt and pepper. DO NOT MIX.

Step 4

Layer #3 ... Finish with the sauce, and parmesan cheese.

Step 5

Cook ... Four (4) to 5 hours on low heat. If you are around; lightly stir half way through. And, I mean lightly.

Step 6

Finish ... Now mine took 4 hours; but, I have one of the newer pots, which do cook a bit 'hotter.' If you have a smaller/older pot, it may take the full 5 hours, maybe a bit more. The older pots are much cooler. So, at 4 hours (for my crock pot), add the mozzarella cheese; and, toss lightly to combine. Turn off the heat, cover and let it set 15 minutes, just until the cheese is melted. The heat will melt all the cheese. If you have a LOW or SIMMER setting; you can use that.

Step 7

Serve and ENJOY! ... Garnish with the extra herbs, and a little extra parmesan cheese if you want. A salad and crusty bread makes the perfect side. A delicious and easy dish for a crowd. As mentioned, this makes a big pot; so, cut back for a smaller group. It's truly 'ooey gooey' comfort food. I mean, how easy can you get? I had to chop the peppers; and that was it. It's a great dish!