Name: Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles (cooked to package instructions); 16 oz ground beef (85% lean); 24 oz marinara sauce; 1/2 cup diced onion; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste for red sauce); 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste); 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded); 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided); 1/4 cup parsley (chopped, plus more to garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you love lasagna but want a fun, elegant twist that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, these Lasagna Roll Ups are exactly what you need. They combine all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna with a neat, handheld presentation that makes serving and eating a breeze. Imagine layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and gooey melted mozzarella, all rolled up into individual portions that everyone will adore. Whether it’s your first time making them or you’re a seasoned cook looking for a delicious new idea, these roll ups are sure to become a beloved staple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind perfect Lasagna Roll Ups is in their simple, quality ingredients. Each one brings a crucial element to the final dish—from the savory, hearty meat sauce to the creamy cheese mixture and the stretchy mozzarella that melts beautifully on top. Ready to gather your essentials?

Lasagna noodles (12): Cooked just right for tenderness and easy rolling.
Ground beef (16 oz, 85% lean): Provides rich flavor and satisfying texture in the meat sauce.
Marinara sauce (24 oz): Brings the perfect tangy tomato base that ties everything together.
Diced onion (1/2 cup): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Minced garlic (3 cloves): A punch of aromatic warmth that’s essential in Italian cooking.
Sea salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, used thoughtfully in the sauce.
Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle heat and complexity.
Dried oregano (1/2 tsp): A classic herb that complements the tomato and beef beautifully.
Ricotta cheese (15 oz): Creamy and mild, it forms the luscious cheese filling.
Large egg (1): Helps bind the cheese mixture so each roll stays intact.
Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, shredded): Sharp and nutty, provides extra richness.
Mozzarella cheese (3 cups, shredded, divided): The star melt that pulls everything together.
Chopped parsley (1/4 cup plus extra to garnish): Freshens the taste and adds a lovely pop of color.

How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F. Then, cook your lasagna noodles in plenty of salted water until they are perfectly al dente—this means tender but still firm enough to roll without tearing. Drain them carefully and immediately place them in cold water to stop the cooking process. This little trick keeps them from sticking together and makes rolling easier later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

While the noodles cool, heat a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until there’s no pink left—this usually takes about 2 minutes. Toss in the diced onion and cook until soft, around 3 minutes, then add garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano, cooking for another minute to release those wonderful aromas. Pour in the marinara sauce, bring it just to a simmer, then turn off the heat. A spoonful of this sauce will later create a flavorful base in your casserole dish.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella, and parsley. Stir until everything is perfectly blended. This mixture is creamy, smooth, and packed with flavor, turning each roll into a cheesy delight.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll Ups

To keep things neat, lay your noodles in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Spread about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle, then add a generous tablespoon of the meat sauce in a strip down the center. Carefully roll up each noodle, then arrange them seam-side down in the prepared casserole dish that already has a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. This setup ensures your roll ups bake evenly and absorb all those lovely saucy flavors.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Spread the remaining meat sauce over the tops of the roll ups, then sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese to prevent sticking—if needed, use toothpicks to hold the foil up. Bake the roll ups covered for 40 minutes at 375˚F. For that irresistible golden bubbly finish, remove the foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top is the perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Lasagna Roll Ups

Garnishes

The green brightness of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a fresh burst of flavor but also creates a stunning visual contrast against the golden cheese. You can also add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a little extra shine and richness.

Side Dishes

Lasagna Roll Ups pair wonderfully with crisp, refreshing salads to balance out their richness. Think simple mixed greens tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread is also perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of fun, serve each roll up individually on plates with a spoonful of extra sauce beside it. You can also arrange a few roll ups on a large platter with sprigs of fresh basil and edible flowers to impress guests at your next dinner party. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider making mini versions using smaller pasta sheets for appetizer-sized bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Lasagna Roll Ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the roll ups either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble them in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. For baked leftovers, cool completely, portion them if preferred, and store in freezer-safe containers or wrapped well to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen roll ups overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm them in a 350˚F oven, covered with foil, for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Removing the foil near the end of reheating helps the cheese get melty and slightly golden again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work beautifully to replace ground beef, giving you different flavor profiles while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.

Can I make Lasagna Roll Ups vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the meat sauce for a vegetable-packed marinara or sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini to create a delicious, meat-free version that’s just as comforting.

Do I have to boil the noodles before rolling?

It’s best to cook the noodles al dente and then cool them as instructed. This process ensures the noodles are pliable enough to roll without cracking, but not so soft they fall apart during assembly and baking.

What’s the best cheese to use for the filling?

Ricotta is traditional because it’s creamy and mild, but you can mix in some cottage cheese for a lighter version or add a bit of shredded mozzarella for extra stretchiness inside the filling.

Can I prepare this dish entirely ahead of time?

Yes, Lasagna Roll Ups can be assembled the day before baking, covered tightly in the refrigerator. This makes your cooking day simpler and lets the flavors meld wonderfully overnight.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these Lasagna Roll Ups a try soon—they’re the perfect way to enjoy the classic comfort of lasagna with a fresh fun twist. Whether you’re cooking for your family or showing off at a dinner party, they’ll bring smiles to the table every time. Happy cooking!

Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Lasagna Roll Ups are a delicious twist on classic lasagna, featuring rolled pasta noodles filled with a savory ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture layered with flavorful ground beef marinara sauce. This baked casserole is perfect for a family dinner, combining rich Italian flavors with an appealing rolled presentation that is easy to serve and enjoy.

Instructions

Cook the noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, ensuring they don’t become too soft. Drain the noodles and immediately submerge them in cold water to stop further cooking and prevent sticking.
Prepare the meat sauce: In a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula for about 2 minutes. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, and sauté for another minute. Pour in the marinara sauce, bring it to a simmer, then turn off the heat. Spread half a cup of this meat sauce at the bottom of a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Prepare the cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, one large egg, shredded Parmesan cheese, one and a half cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy, cohesive filling.
Assemble the roll ups: Lay the cooked noodles flat on a large baking sheet in a single layer to keep them from sticking and to make assembly easier. Spread about 1/4 cup (roughly a scant ice cream scoop) of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle. Add a generous tablespoon of the meat sauce in a strip down the center of each noodle. Carefully roll each noodle up, then arrange the rolls seam side down in the casserole dish on top of the meat sauce base.
Top and prepare for baking: Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the top of the rolled noodles. Sprinkle the last one and a half cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over everything. Cover the dish with foil, ensuring the foil does not touch the cheese to prevent sticking; if necessary, place toothpicks in the rolls to hold the foil up away from the cheese.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake covered for 40 minutes at 375°F. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and broil the dish for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. Garnish with extra chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the lasagna noodles; al dente ensures they hold their shape during rolling and baking.
Using toothpicks under the foil helps keep it from sticking to the cheese topping.
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use part-skim cheeses.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Make sure to drain the excess fat from the cooked beef to avoid soggy sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian