Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun twist on traditional lasagna! Instead of layers, you roll pasta filled with creamy cheese and tasty meat or veggies, all smothered in rich tomato sauce.
These lovely rolls make dinner exciting, and you can customize the filling just how you like it! I enjoy making extra to freeze for busy nights—they’re a lifesaver!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: I recommend using standard lasagna noodles, but you can swap them for gluten-free pasta or even zucchini slices for a lighter version. Just be mindful of cooking times!
Ground Meat: Ground beef is great, but turkey or chicken work well too if you’re looking for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, consider using lentils, mushrooms, or a mix of your favorite veggies.
Ricotta Cheese: If ricotta isn’t available, cottage cheese is a good alternative. For a vegan option, try a mix of silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast and a dash of lemon juice for flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought marinara or homemade if you have the time. Feel free to try a flavored sauce, such as roasted garlic or spicy marinara, for an extra kick!
How Do I Roll Lasagna Noodles Without Breaking Them?
Rolling lasagna noodles can be tricky, but with the right technique, you’ll ace this step. Here are some tips to help you roll them perfectly:
- Ensure your noodles are cooked al dente—firm but not hard. This makes them less likely to break.
- Once drained, drizzle them with olive oil to prevent sticking, and lay them flat.
- Spread the filling evenly but don’t overstuff; this helps to roll them without tearing.
- Start rolling gently from one end. Keep the roll tight but not too forceful, and guide it with your hands.
With these techniques, you’ll have perfect lasagna roll ups every time!
Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roll Ups:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to prepare and bake. You’ll spend approx 15 minutes for prep and cooking the noodles, followed by about 30 minutes baking. It’s a perfect dish for family dinners or meal prepping for the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your lasagna roll ups bake evenly.
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, cooking until they’re al dente (firm but tender). Once cooked, drain them and drizzle olive oil over them to prevent sticking. Lay them flat on a sheet pan or large surface to cool.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Cook the ground beef or Italian sausage along with the minced garlic until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Assemble the Roll Ups:
Spread about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the ricotta mixture evenly over each cooked lasagna noodle. Then, spoon some of the meat sauce over the cheese layer on each noodle. Carefully roll up the noodle from one end to the other, creating a nice little roll.
6. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Spread the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the rolled noodles seam side down in the dish, making sure they fit snugly together.
7. Top Off with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each roll. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes!
8. Bake the Roll Ups:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
9. Serve & Garnish:
Let the roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving them to allow the filling to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish.
10. Enjoy:
Dish out your comforting, cheesy lasagna roll ups and enjoy this delicious meal with your friends and family!
Can I Use No-Cook Lasagna Noodles for This Recipe?
Yes! No-cook lasagna noodles can be used. Just layer them with the sauce and filling as directed, and they will soften during baking. You may need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make vegetarian lasagna roll ups, simply replace the meat with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also add some sautéed onions and bell peppers for extra flavor!
Can I Freeze Lasagna Roll Ups?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled roll ups before or after baking. If freezing before baking, just cover them tightly with foil. Bake them straight from the freezer; they may need an extra 10-15 minutes of cooking time.
How Do I Reheat Leftovers?
Reheat leftovers by placing them in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quicker option.
