If you’re looking to put a fun, delicious twist on classic lasagna, let me introduce you to Lasagna Roll-Ups! These tidy little spirals pack all the heartwarming flavors you love—layers of tender pasta, savory meat, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara—into individual bundles perfect for a cozy dinner. They’re as impressive on the table as they are practical in the kitchen, making this dish a standout for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Lasagna Roll-Ups come together with a handful of familiar Italian-inspired staples. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, from that stretchy, golden cheese to aromatic herbs that wake up every bite, so let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Lasagna noodles: Wide pasta sheets are ideal for rolling and holding all that luscious filling.
- Olive oil: A touch of extra richness, perfect for sautéing the meat and adding subtle depth.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Your protein base—choose sausage for a little extra zest, or stick with beef for classic comfort.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, ricotta creates that undeniable, soft lasagna center.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that melty, stretchy, irresistible cheese pull—part goes inside, the rest gets baked on top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Intensifies the rich, nutty flavor and helps the filling hold together.
- Large egg: Binds everything in the filling and adds moisture.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs infuses each roll-up with cozy, unmistakable flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle kick without any chopping required.
- Salt: Brings out the full flavor of the cheese and meat.
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle warmth and brightness to the filling.
- Marinara sauce: The essential saucy base—use your favorite store-bought or homemade for best results.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): A beautiful, fresh finish that adds color and a hint of brightness before serving.
How to Make Lasagna Roll-Ups
Step 1: Prep the Noodles
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles until al dente, following the package instructions so they’re tender but still hold their shape. Once they’re done, drain and lay them flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This helps prevent sticking and keeps them easy to handle when you fill and roll later.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a sizable skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add your ground beef or Italian sausage. As the meat browns, break it up into small, crumbled bits—this helps it mix seamlessly into the filling. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly while you prep everything else.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling
Grab a mixing bowl and combine the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it together until creamy and well-blended, then fold in your cooked meat. This savory mixture becomes the star inside each of your Lasagna Roll-Ups, combining flavor and texture in every bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spoon about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce onto the bottom of your baking dish to create a saucy bed. Next, take each noodle and spread 2–3 tablespoons of the ricotta-meat filling evenly over the surface. Now for the fun part: carefully roll up each noodle into a neat spiral and nestle them seam-side down in the baking dish. Watch those colorful swirls appear!
Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Once all your Lasagna Roll-Ups are tucked into the dish, pour over the remaining marinara sauce, making sure to cover each roll so they stay saucy and tender. Sprinkle the rest of your mozzarella on top for that classic gold-and-white cheesy finish.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes so everything gets hot and bubbly. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes to let the cheese brown to perfection. When you pull the pan out, garnish with chopped basil or parsley if you like. Your Lasagna Roll-Ups are ready to impress!
How to Serve Lasagna Roll-Ups
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving brightens up the plate and adds a pop of color that turns every bite into a little celebration. For extra flavor, try a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan over the top.
Side Dishes
Lasagna Roll-Ups are hearty on their own, but they pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, some garlicky roasted vegetables, or warm toasted garlic bread. These sides help round out the meal and soak up any extra marinara left behind.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Lasagna Roll-Ups stand out, arrange them in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or serve them on a large platter lined with extra fresh herbs for a festive family-style spread. They’re just as welcome cut in half and stacked high, showing off those gorgeous cheesy spirals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lasagna Roll-Ups store like a dream. Just transfer any extras into an airtight container and refrigerate; they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more overnight, making your next meal even more irresistible.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead or batch cook, Lasagna Roll-Ups freeze exceptionally well—either before or after baking. Assemble them in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the roll-ups with foil and pop them into a 350°F oven until heated through and melty again, about 20 to 25 minutes. For smaller portions, the microwave works too—just be sure to cover them so they don’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I make Lasagna Roll-Ups vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the meat and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted veggies to the filling for a satisfying and colorful veggie-friendly version.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
You can easily substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a lighter or slightly tangier filling. Just make sure to drain it well so the filling stays thick and creamy inside your Lasagna Roll-Ups.
Can I assemble Lasagna Roll-Ups in advance?
Yes! Assemble the roll-ups and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. This makes Lasagna Roll-Ups a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks or entertaining.
Is it possible to use store-bought sauce?
Of course. A good-quality jarred marinara sauce is a great shortcut, letting you pull this dish together quickly on a weeknight. If you want to get fancy, homemade sauce adds a signature touch, but use whatever works best for your schedule.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just grab a larger baking dish (or two), double up on the ingredients, and you’ll have enough Lasagna Roll-Ups to feed a hungry gathering—everyone loves seeing those cheesy spirals on the buffet.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something joyful about Lasagna Roll-Ups—they’re irresistibly fun to make, look beautiful on the table, and deliver all the no-fuss comfort of a classic lasagna with a playful twist. Give them a try and watch your family and friends dive in fork-first, asking for seconds before you know it!
Print
Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings (2 roll-ups each)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Lasagna Roll-Ups are a fun twist on traditional lasagna, with all the delicious flavors layered in a convenient, individual roll-up form. These cheesy, saucy pasta rolls are easy to make and perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Lasagna Roll-Ups:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
Cheese Filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a parchment-lined surface.
- Cook the meat: Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the filling: Mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, seasonings, and cooked meat.
- Assemble: Spread marinara in a baking dish. Fill and roll up noodles with cheese mixture. Place in dish.
- Bake: Top with sauce and mozzarella. Bake covered, then uncovered, until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can make these ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
- Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
- Add chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 roll-ups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
