Lasagna Roll Ups are the ultimate comfort food that brings the classic Italian dish to a fun and user-friendly format. These delightful roll-ups are layers of tender lasagna noodles filled with a savory ground beef mixture, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce. The comforting flavors and sumptuous textures blend to create a meal that’s warm, satisfying, and hard to resist. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or an impressive potluck dish, these roll-ups check all the boxes — delicious, crowd-pleasing, and easy to assemble!
I first fell in love with lasagna roll ups during a dinner party. While everyone was captivated by the presentation and generous servings, I realized just how simple and enjoyable they are to make at home. This recipe doesn’t just look beautiful on the plate; the way the flavors meld together creates a truly memorable dining experience. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable, allowing you to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. So, if you’re ready to impress your friends or simply treat yourself, I invite you to dive into the wonder of Lasagna Roll Ups!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip them up in under an hour, perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with rich, savory goodness and cheesy delight.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The rolled appearance makes for a stunning presentation.
- Flexible Serving: Make them for dinner, parties, or meal prep leftovers that reheat beautifully.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust for gluten-free noodles or vegetarian fillings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 16 ounces lasagna noodles: Cooked until al dente, these are the backbone of our roll-ups.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the pasta when boiling.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, meaty filling. You can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): For that aromatic, savory kick.
- 32 ounces marinara sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought option or make your own for a personal touch.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy, herbaceous flavor to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon dried basil: A classic herb that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 3/4 teaspoon table salt): Adjust based on your taste preferences.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional, but it gives a lovely kick if you enjoy a bit of spice.
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese provides richness; consider using cottage cheese for a lighter alternative.
- 1 large egg (beaten): Helps to bind the ricotta filling together.
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided): Melts beautifully and gives that gooey texture we all crave.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded): Adds a nutty, salty flavor that perfectly complements the other cheeses.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): A fresh garnish that brightens up the dish for a pop of color.
How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups
Cook the Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to cool down slightly. This helps prevent them from sticking together.
Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the 1 pound of ground beef with 1 small diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in 32 ounces of marinara sauce, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried basil, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Make the Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 beaten egg, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined and set aside.
Assemble the Roll Ups: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Take one noodle and lay it flat. Spread about 1/4 cup of the ricotta mixture along the length of the noodle, then add a couple of tablespoons of the meat mixture on top. Roll the noodle tightly from one end to the other and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles.
Top with Sauce and Cheese: Once all the roll-ups are assembled, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring each roll is well covered. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and the 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the roll ups from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a touch of brightness.
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze these lasagna roll ups, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, they’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly, but a splash of marinara sauce can refresh them beautifully!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your lasagna noodles are al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- If your ricotta filling seems too watery, drain it in a fine mesh sieve for a bit before mixing.
- Feel free to add any additional vegetables you like into the meat sauce, such as mushrooms or spinach, for extra nutrition.
- For a more pronounced flavor, consider letting the meat sauce cool and refrigerate it overnight before assembling the roll ups.
- These roll ups can also be made ahead of time, just assemble without baking and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop them in the oven.
For a comforting, flavorful dish that brings family and friends together, lasagna roll ups deliver every time. A perfect weeknight meal or an aesthetically pleasing dish for special occasions, these roll-ups are fun to make and even more enjoyable to share. Don’t hesitate to play with the fillings or sauces, creating your unique twist on a classic. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make lasagna roll ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble all the roll-ups, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you are baking directly from the fridge.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can! No-boil lasagna noodles will work well. Just ensure you add a bit more sauce to the baking dish to help them cook through properly.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, consider using lentils, mushrooms, or a veggie ground substitute mixed with your favorite vegetables for the filling.
How can I store leftover lasagna roll ups?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Hope this helps keep those delicious roll-ups fresh for you!
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Recipe Card
Lasagna Roll Ups
- Prep Time: NaN minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Lasagna Roll Ups bring together the irresistible flavor of beef, ricotta, and marinara sauce wrapped in tender noodles. This quick dinner option is perfect for busy nights and pleases everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 32 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 3/4 teaspoon table salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large pot, boil water and add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, cooking the lasagna noodles as specified on the package. Drain and set aside (you'll need 12 noodles, but cook the whole box for backups).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef while breaking it up. Add in diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens, about 3 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley to make the cheese mixture.
- Pour 1/2 cup of sauce into the baking dish to cover the bottom.
- Lay the cooked noodles on a baking sheet, spreading about 1/4 cup of cheese mixture on each noodle followed by 1 tablespoon of meat sauce. Roll the noodles tightly and place them in the baking dish. You should get about 16 roll ups. Pour the remaining sauce on top and sprinkle with the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese.
Notes
For extra flavor, add chopped spinach to the cheese mixture.
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
These roll ups can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
