If you have ever dreamed of a lasagna that is as fun to eat as it is delicious, then you are going to love The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe. These cheesy, meaty little bundles bring all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna, but with an easy-to-handle twist that makes each bite an absolute joy. With tender pasta sheets, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella, this dish will quickly become a favorite for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings. Trust me, once you try these roll-ups, you’ll never look back.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet quality ingredients is the secret to achieving the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe. Each component adds its own magic, from the tender noodles that hold everything together to the rich cheeses that create gooey goodness.
- 12 lasagna noodles: Perfect for rolling and creating neat little bundles of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the meat and adds a hint of fruity richness.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base that adds savory depth.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and aroma when cooked.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings out classic Italian flavor with a mild punch.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the whole dish together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Creates creamy, luscious layers inside each roll.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder for the cheese filling, keeping it smooth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a nutty, savory sharpness into the mix.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): The ultimate melty, gooey topping and filling cheese.
- 3 cups marinara sauce (divided): Brings bright tomato flavor and moisture to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh color contrast and herbaceous note.
How to Make The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente—tender but still firm enough to roll without breaking. Drain them carefully and lay them flat on a lightly oiled surface. This helps prevent sticking and keeps the noodles perfectly pliable for rolling later on.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, stirring to brown the meat evenly and soften the onion. When the beef is nicely browned and the onion translucent, add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to bring all the flavors together, then remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until everything is well blended into a creamy, cohesive filling. This mixture will lend a rich, cheesy center to each roll-up that melts perfectly during baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spread about 1/4 cup of the cheese filling evenly over each lasagna noodle—take your time to cover the surface smoothly. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture on top of the cheese layer. Then, gently but tightly roll each noodle from one end to the other, creating beautiful, stuffed bundles that are ready for the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the roll-ups seam-side down in the dish in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the rolls, then sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
How to Serve The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled over the hot roll-ups adds a lovely pop of green and a bright herbaceous flavor that complements the richness beautifully. If you want to jazz it up further, a little extra grated Parmesan on top does wonders for presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
Serve these lasagna roll-ups alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette can also round out the meal perfectly, providing a satisfying crunch to go with each tender bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing the roll-ups vertically in individual ramekins for a charming, personal presentation. You can also drizzle a balsamic glaze over the top for a gourmet touch. For casual family dinners, plating them stacked with extra sauce on the side makes for a comforting, hearty meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftovers of The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them great for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Arrange the fully assembled but unbaked roll-ups in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake them from frozen, adding extra baking time until heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the roll-ups with foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until hot throughout. You can also microwave individual portions covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid, though oven reheating preserves the original texture best.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative, and Italian sausage will add a spicier, more complex flavor. Both work perfectly well in The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe.
Do I have to boil the noodles before rolling?
Yes, boiling the noodles until they’re al dente makes them flexible enough to roll without breaking, ensuring perfect, tidy roll-ups every time.
Can I make these roll-ups vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Is it okay to use store-bought marinara sauce?
Definitely. Using your favorite store-bought marinara is an easy shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor in The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
After boiling, immediately lay the noodles flat on a lightly oiled surface or tray, and make sure they do not overlap. This simple tip keeps them separated and makes rolling easier.
Final Thoughts
Cooking The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is like inviting a little Italian magic into your kitchen. It’s approachable, satisfying, and endlessly delicious, making it a perfect dish to share with loved ones or enjoy as comforting leftovers. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you for it, and who knows, it might just become your new go-to family favorite!
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The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
These lasagna roll ups offer a delightful twist on traditional lasagna by rolling layers of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese filling into individual servings. Perfect for a comforting Italian-American main course, this recipe is easy to prepare, freezes well for meal prep, and is sure to please the whole family with its cheesy, baked goodness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Filling
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Sauce & Garnish
- 3 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the meat is browned and the onion softens. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional minute. Remove from heat.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix well until smooth.
- Assemble Roll Ups: Spread about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture evenly over each cooked lasagna noodle. Top each with a spoonful of the cooked meat mixture. Roll each noodle tightly into a roll up.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the lasagna roll ups seam-side down in the dish.
- Top and Bake: Spoon the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over the roll ups and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake: Bake covered for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy lasagna roll ups!
Notes
- These lasagna roll ups are perfect for meal prep and freeze well for easy future meals.
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage in place of ground beef for variation.
- Use either store-bought or homemade marinara sauce based on your preference and availability.
