Lasagna Roll-Ups with Italian Sausage and Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting Italian dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’ve got to try this Lasagna Roll-Ups with Italian Sausage and Cheese Recipe. These tender pasta rolls filled with a luscious mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and perfectly seasoned Italian sausage, all wrapped up in savory marinara, deliver all the classic lasagna flavors but in a neat, approachable package. Trust me, these roll-ups are a game-changer for family dinners or casual get-togethers because they are just so irresistible and simple to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lasagna Roll-Ups with Italian Sausage and Cheese Recipe comes down to a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component has a crucial role, from the silky cheese filling to the rich sausage sauce and the perfectly cooked noodles, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

• Lasagna noodles: The foundation for your roll-ups, cooked until tender but firm for easy rolling.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the noodles and the entire dish.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and prevents sticking while sautéing.
• Italian sausage (mild, ground): Brings a savory, juicy punch with herbs and subtle spices.
• Marinara sauce: Provides a bright, tangy tomato base that ties it all together.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed to a light brown.
• Garlic: A burst of aromatic flavor to complement the sausage and sauce.
• Ricotta cheese: The creamy, dreamy heart of the filling.
• Mozzarella (shredded): Melts beautifully for gooey cheese goodness inside and on top.
• Parmesan (shredded): Gives a salty, nutty kick to the filling mixture.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
• Egg: Binds the cheese filling for a smooth, sliceable texture.
• Pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice to balance the rich flavors.

How to Make Lasagna Roll-Ups with Italian Sausage and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread a half cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking pan. This sauce layer will keep your roll-ups moist while baking and add extra flavor from the very first bite.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. It’s important not to overcook them because they will be rolled up, and you want them pliable but not mushy. Drain and lay them flat on a clean surface to cool slightly.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue stirring and crumbling the sausage for about 10 minutes until fully cooked and nicely browned. Drain any excess grease and set the meat aside.

Step 4: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the diced onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to brown and soften, then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Finally, return the cooked sausage to the pan, combining all those gorgeous flavors.

Step 5: Mix in the Marinara Sauce

Pour the rest of the marinara sauce into the sausage mixture. Let everything simmer together on medium low heat for about 5 minutes. This step melds the flavors and gives you a rich, hearty sauce to spoon over your roll-ups later.

Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, blend the ricotta cheese, one and a half cups of shredded mozzarella, parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, half a teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of pepper. This mixture is creamy and flavorful, creating the perfect filling for your lasagna roll-ups.

Step 7: Assemble the Roll-Ups

Lay each noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread about 3 tablespoons of the cheese filling evenly over each noodle, leaving a little space at the edges. Then, add 2 tablespoons of the sausage and marinara mixture on top of the cheese layer. Roll the noodles up gently but firmly to keep all that filling inside.

Step 8: Arrange and Bake

Place your rolled noodles seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the roll-ups, making sure they are well coated. Sprinkle the last cup of mozzarella cheese evenly across the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil sprayed with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the lasagna roll-ups for 45 minutes, until they are bubbling hot and the cheese on top is melted and inviting. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to get a little golden and slightly crisp. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Lasagna Roll-Ups with Italian Sausage and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a lovely color contrast and a hint of freshness. You can also add a sprinkling of extra parmesan or even some crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat if you like.

Side Dishes

These roll-ups pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm focaccia makes an excellent accompaniment to soak up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the roll-ups individually on small plates with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Alternatively, prepare them in mini muffin tins as bite-sized appetizers at parties. The possibilities to impress your guests are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover lasagna roll-ups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture beautifully when reheated gently.

Freezing

You can freeze both unbaked and baked roll-ups. For best results, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen roll-ups overnight in the refrigerator. Warm them in the oven covered with foil at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For refrigerated leftovers, a quick microwave heating or oven reheating works perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?

Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage will give your roll-ups a nice kick. Just remember the dish will be a bit more robust in flavor, so adjust other seasoning accordingly.

Do I have to use ricotta cheese in the filling?

Ricotta adds a creamy texture and mild flavor, but you can substitute with cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and mozzarella if you prefer a different cheese profile.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble the roll-ups, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a bit more baking time if baking straight from cold.

Is it necessary to cook the noodles before rolling?

Pre-cooking the noodles makes rolling much easier and prevents them from breaking. However, if you have no-boil lasagna noodles, you can use them but ensure your sauce is sufficiently moist to cook the noodles during baking.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh parsley?

Fresh parsley brightens the dish, but dried parsley can be used in a pinch—just use less since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh basil or oregano could also work nicely.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Lasagna Roll-Ups with Italian Sausage and Cheese Recipe that brings people together around the table, combining hearty comfort with beautiful presentation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a delicious homemade meal, these roll-ups deliver flavor, ease, and that warm, satisfied feeling after every bite. Give them a try—you’ll soon see why they’re one of my all-time favorite Italian dishes to make and share!

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