Crockpot Mozzarella Sausage Vodka Ravioli Dump Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, use a high-quality vodka sauce with a smooth consistency. If the sauce is too thin, the dish may be watery; simmer it briefly on the stove to thicken before adding to the slow cooker.

Alternatively, you can use a thicker arrabbiata sauce and add a splash of cream. The cream cheese will also help thicken the sauce as it melts.

To make this dish even more indulgent, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

If you prefer a more vegetable-forward version, sauté some spinach or mushrooms and layer them in. The slow cooker makes it easy to customize.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Version: Use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat. The spice balances the creamy cheese.
• Add Greens: Layer in a cup of chopped spinach or kale between the ravioli and the sauce. The greens wilt during cooking and add color and nutrients.
• Mushroom Lover's: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the sausage until browned, then layer them in the slow cooker. The earthy mushrooms complement the creamy sauce.
• Chicken and Ravioli: Substitute cooked shredded chicken for the sausage, and use a creamy alfredo sauce instead of vodka sauce for a different flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or water to keep the sauce creamy.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, or on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of milk.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. The flavors will meld even more overnight.

You can assemble the entire dish in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate.

In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed, adding about 30 minutes to the cooking time since the ingredients will be cold.

Serving ideas

Serve this ravioli bake as a main dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. The creamy sauce pairs well with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted broccoli. For a heartier meal, add a side of sautéed spinach or grilled vegetables.

The dish is also great for entertaining; set up a buffet with the slow cooker on warm and let guests serve themselves.

Top with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. This recipe makes about 6 servings, so it's perfect for a family dinner or small gathering.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Mozzarella Sausage Vodka Ravioli Dump Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb browned sweet Italian pork sausage crumbles
• 20 oz jumbo four-cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 24 oz vodka sauce (jarred)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella

Instructions

1. Place the browned sweet Italian pork sausage crumbles in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the jumbo four-cheese ravioli over the sausage, spreading them out so they are not stacked too thickly. Pour the vodka sauce evenly over the ravioli, covering as much surface as possible. Place the block of cream cheese in the center of the mixture, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, covering the cream cheese and the sauce.
2. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 4 hours, or on HIGH for 2 hours. The mixture should become bubbly and the cheese fully melted. Do not lift the lid during cooking unless necessary, as the heat escapes.
3. After the cooking time, carefully remove the lid. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges, and the mozzarella melted and slightly golden in spots. Stir the mixture gently to combine the cream cheese into the sauce. The sausage should be heated through and the ravioli tender. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of water or milk to loosen it.
4. Spoon the hot ravioli and sausage mixture onto plates or into bowls. The cheese should stretch as you serve. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, though the video does not show this. Serve right away while hot and bubbly.

Contains: gluten, milk, eggs

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

610

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

35 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.