Experience the joy of homemade lasagna without the traditional fuss! These Lasagna Roll Ups feature a luscious blend of three cheeses and a rich, savory meat sauce, all neatly rolled into individual portions. They’re a fantastic, fun, and easy way to serve a classic Italian comfort food, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Say goodbye to dinner ruts and hello to a delightful culinary adventure that both kids and adults will adore.
Are you looking to inject some excitement into your regular lasagna night? While traditional layered lasagna is undoubtedly a beloved dish, sometimes a creative twist can make all the difference. If you’re eager to explore new flavors and textures, consider trying our Skillet Butternut Squash Lasagna for a sweet and savory seasonal option, or perhaps our vibrant Cheesy Chicken and Green Chile Lasagna for a spicy, cheesy kick. These variations demonstrate just how versatile and adaptable the concept of lasagna can be, offering exciting alternatives for your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love Lasagna Roll Ups
Every family has those cherished, go-to recipes that never seem to get old. But even the most adored dishes can benefit from a fresh perspective now and then to keep mealtime exciting. Our Lasagna Roll Ups offer an ingenious solution to revitalize your dinner routine, transforming a classic into a modern, manageable, and incredibly satisfying meal.
Instead of the usual sprawling layers, this recipe guides you through rolling a delectable combination of rich meat sauce and creamy cheese filling into individual lasagna noodles. The result? Twelve perfectly portioned, charmingly spiraled rolls that are not only visually appealing but also incredibly convenient to serve. Each roll-up is a complete, flavorful package, eliminating the messy struggle of cutting through a large, flat lasagna. This innovative approach makes them wonderfully fun to eat, especially for children, and provides a delightful new way to savor the comforting flavors of lasagna without the traditional commitment.
The beauty of Lasagna Roll Ups extends beyond their novelty. They offer superb portion control, ensuring everyone gets just the right amount, and they heat beautifully, making them an excellent choice for meal prepping or entertaining. Imagine serving a platter of these golden-brown, cheesy spirals at your next gathering – they’re guaranteed to impress!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Lasagna Roll Ups
Crafting these delicious Lasagna Roll Ups requires a thoughtful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this memorable dish:
- Three-Cheese Blend: The heart of any great lasagna is its cheese. For our filling, we use a harmonious trio: creamy ricotta cheese provides moisture and a delicate texture; shredded mozzarella cheese adds that iconic gooey, stretchy quality; and freshly grated Parmesan cheese introduces a sharp, salty depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. This combination ensures a rich, balanced, and incredibly satisfying cheesy experience.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkling of fresh parsley, both in the cheese filling and as a garnish, brightens the flavors and adds a touch of vibrant green. Its mild, herbaceous notes complement the richness of the cheese and meat sauce beautifully.
- One Large Egg: The egg acts as a binder for the ricotta cheese mixture, helping the filling stay cohesive and preventing it from oozing out during baking. It’s a crucial component for structure.
- Classic Seasonings: Italian seasoning is your go-to for imparting authentic Mediterranean flavors. Combined with generous amounts of salt and freshly ground black pepper, these seasonings ensure every bite is perfectly balanced and seasoned.
- Cooking Oil: Choose your preferred cooking oil for sautéing the aromatics and browning the meats. Olive oil is a classic choice for Italian cooking, but avocado oil or vegetable oil also work well.
- Aromatics (Onion & Garlic): These foundational ingredients are essential for building a robust flavor base for your meat sauce. Diced onion cooked until softened and lightly browned, followed by fragrant minced garlic, creates an aromatic backdrop that truly defines the sauce.
- Dynamic Meat Duo: For the ultimate depth of flavor in the meat sauce, we highly recommend a combination of lean ground beef and Italian sausage (sweet or hot, depending on your preference). The beef provides a hearty base, while the sausage infuses the sauce with its unique blend of spices and a touch of richness. While you can opt for all beef or all sausage, the blend offers an unparalleled complexity that makes the sauce truly shine.
- High-Quality Marinara Sauce: A good marinara is key. You can certainly use your favorite homemade marinara sauce for that extra personal touch. If reaching for store-bought, we highly recommend Rao’s Homemade Marinara for its excellent flavor and quality ingredients, or any other premium brand you trust.
- Lasagna Noodles: Crucially, this recipe calls for traditional, boil-before-you-use lasagna noodles. “No-boil” lasagna noodles will not achieve the desired texture or flexibility required for rolling. It’s always a good practice to boil a couple of extra noodles, just in case one tears or breaks during handling – better safe than sorry!
How to Master Lasagna Roll Ups: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful Lasagna Roll Ups is a straightforward process when broken down into manageable steps. Follow these instructions carefully for a perfect result:
STEP 1: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles. Begin by preheating your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season it generously with salt – this is crucial for flavoring the pasta from within. Add your lasagna noodles and cook them according to package directions until they are perfectly al dente, meaning they are firm to the bite but still pliable. Avoid overcooking, as mushy noodles will be difficult to roll. Once cooked, drain the noodles immediately and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent sticking. Lay each noodle flat on sheets of parchment paper or waxed paper, ensuring they don’t overlap, to prevent them from sticking together as they cool slightly.
STEP 2: Craft the Creamy Cheese Filling. While the noodles are cooking, combine the ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella, the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley, the egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the filling is smooth and evenly seasoned. Set this delectable mixture aside.
STEP 3: Sauté the Aromatics. Heat your chosen cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. We particularly love using a cast iron skillet for its even heat distribution and ability to develop deep flavors. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until it softens and turns lightly golden brown, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
STEP 4: Brown the Meats. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet with the cooked onions and garlic. Break the meats apart with a spoon and cook until they are thoroughly browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, if necessary, to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy.
STEP 5: Simmer the Rich Meat Sauce. Pour the marinara sauce and water into the skillet with the cooked meat mixture. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has slightly reduced and the flavors have melded beautifully. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
STEP 6: Prepare the Baking Dish. Spread a thin, even layer of the meat sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This layer will prevent the lasagna rolls from sticking and will add moisture and flavor to the base.
STEP 7: Assemble Each Lasagna Roll Up. Take one cooked lasagna noodle and lay it flat. Spread an even layer of the ricotta cheese filling down the center of the noodle, leaving a small border on the edges. Then, spoon about 1/4 cup of the meat sauce over the cheese filling. (Remember, you won’t use all the meat sauce at this stage, so reserve a good portion for topping the assembled rolls.)
STEP 8: Roll and Arrange. Carefully roll each filled lasagna noodle from one end to the other, making it as tight as possible without squeezing out the filling. Gently place each rolled noodle, seam-side down, into the prepared baking dish. Continue this process until all 12 noodles are filled and rolled, arranging them into 4 rows with 3 rolls in each row in the baking dish.
STEP 9: Top and Bake. Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the tops of the arranged lasagna rolls. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over everything. Lightly spray one side of a piece of aluminum foil with nonstick cooking spray and place it, sprayed side down, over the baking dish. This prevents the cheese from sticking to the foil during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
STEP 10: Achieve Golden Perfection. Remove the foil from the baking dish. If you desire a beautifully browned and slightly crispy cheese topping, turn your oven to the broil setting (high). Watch carefully and broil for just 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese achieves a golden hue. Be very attentive, as broilers can brown quickly!
STEP 11: Rest Before Serving. Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rolls rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the cheeses and sauce to set, making them easier to transfer and ensuring all the delicious flavors are perfectly integrated.
Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna Roll Ups
- Noodle Timing is Key: Always start boiling your lasagna noodles first. This allows them ample time to cook to al dente perfection and cool slightly before you begin filling and rolling. Warm, but not hot, noodles are much easier to handle.
- Boost Your Veggies: For an extra nutritional punch and an easy way to sneak in greens, consider adding some cooked and squeezed dry spinach to your cheese filling. Frozen chopped spinach works wonderfully; just thaw it and squeeze out all excess water before mixing it in.
- Halving the Recipe: If you’re cooking for a smaller crowd and wish to halve the recipe, it’s quite straightforward, with one exception: the egg. To accurately halve an egg, crack it into a small bowl, beat it lightly with a fork, then measure out half of the liquid egg mixture.
- Cheese Quality Matters: For the best flavor and melt, opt for block mozzarella and Parmesan cheese that you shred yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect their melting properties.
- Don’t Skimp on Sauce: While you’ll spread some sauce in the rolls, ensure a good layer on the bottom of the dish and over the top. This keeps the rolls moist and flavorful throughout baking.
- Season Generously: Taste your meat sauce and cheese filling before assembly. Adjust seasonings as needed. A well-seasoned filling makes all the difference.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions
Lasagna Roll Ups are not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, making them an excellent choice for meal planning or preparing in advance. Whether you want to get a head start on dinner or stock your freezer with homemade comfort food, this recipe has you covered.
- Make Ahead (Refrigeration): To prepare these roll ups up to two days in advance, simply assemble them as described in the instructions, but do not bake them. Once assembled, allow them to cool completely if any components were warm. Then, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven. You’ll likely need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure they heat through evenly.
- Freezing for Later: Lasagna Roll Ups are wonderfully freezer-friendly. Assemble the rolls completely in a freezer-safe baking dish, covering them tightly with at least two layers of aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw the frozen roll ups in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Baking from frozen is possible but will significantly increase the cooking time (potentially 60-90 minutes covered, then uncovered). If baking from frozen, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You may need to add additional sauce or a splash of water if the dish looks dry.
Having these delicious Lasagna Roll Ups ready to bake means less stress on busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful, homemade meal with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Lasagna Roll Ups
These hearty Lasagna Roll Ups are a complete meal on their own, but pairing them with a few simple sides can elevate the dining experience. Here are some complementary dishes:
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up any extra delicious meat sauce!
- Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy and colorful element to your plate.
Explore More Lasagna Creations
If you love lasagna as much as we do, you’re in for a treat! Discover other fantastic lasagna-inspired recipes to keep your meal rotation exciting:
- My Favorite Classic Lasagna
- Effortless One-Skillet Lasagna
- Comforting Lasagna Soup
- Creative Spaghetti Lasagna
- Quick & Easy Mock Lasagna
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Lasagna Roll Ups
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Cheese Filling:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound sweet or hot Italian sausage casings removed
- 1 28 oz jar marinara (or use homemade)
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Add the noodles and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Lay flat on parchment paper or wax paper.
- Meanwhile, mix the ricotta, 3/4 cup mozzarella, parmesan, parsley, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is soft and brown, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds.
- Add in the ground beef and the sausage. Cook, breaking the meat up well, until the meat is cooked through and brown. Drain any fat, if needed. Add the marinara sauce and the water and stir to combine. Let the sauce cook until slightly reduced, stirring frequently, about 10-15 minutes.
- Spread just enough of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Spread an even layer of the cheese sauce down the center of each noodle. Top with about 1/4 cup of the meat sauce.
- Working with one noodle at a time, roll the noodle up as tightly as possible without squeezing the filling out. Place the roll in the prepared baking dish. Repeat, making 4 rows with 3 rolls on each row.
- Spread the remaining meat sauce over the tops of the rolls, then top with the 2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
- Spray a piece of foil with nonstick cooking spray and place the foil on the dish, sprayed side down (to keep the cheese from sticking to the foil).
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling, about 35 minutes. Remove the foil and turn the oven to broil and let it cook just until the cheese browned.
- Let the lasagna rolls sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information
Calories: 372 kcal (19%),
Carbohydrates: 24g (8%),
Protein: 24g (48%),
Fat: 20g (31%),
Saturated Fat: 8g (50%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 74mg (25%),
Sodium: 727mg (32%),
Fiber: 2g (8%),
Sugar: 3g (3%)