Lasagna roll-ups are a delicious, easy-to-make twist on traditional lasagna.
Instead of layering ingredients, you roll each noodle with a cheesy, flavorful filling and bake them in marinara sauce.
Perfect for meal prep, customization, and serving individual portions!
What Are Lasagna Roll-Ups?
Lasagna roll-ups are a creative twist on classic lasagna, offering a convenient and visually appealing way to enjoy this beloved dish.
Instead of layering pasta sheets, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish, each lasagna noodle is rolled individually with a flavorful filling inside.
These roll-ups are easier to portion, quicker to serve, and can be customized with different ingredients.
Key Ingredients in Lasagna Roll-Ups
A great lasagna roll-up recipe depends on a few essential ingredients:
Lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil, cooked al dente)
Whole-milk ricotta cheese for a creamy filling
Low-moisture shredded mozzarella for melting
Parmesan cheese for depth and umami flavor
Ground beef or Italian sausage for a meaty filling
Fresh or frozen spinach, finely chopped
Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper for taste
Egg to bind the ricotta filling
How to Make Lasagna Roll-Ups: Step-by-Step Directions
Cook the Noodles: Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and lay them flat.
Prepare the Filling: Mix ricotta cheese, spinach, egg, Parmesan, and seasonings in a bowl.
Cook the Meat Sauce: Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat, and mix with marinara sauce.
Assemble the Roll-Ups: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
Lay each noodle flat, spread the ricotta mixture, and roll tightly.
Place seam-side down in the baking dish.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan before serving.
Tips for Making Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Use no-boil noodles to save time but ensure they are softened before rolling.
- Lay cooked noodles on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Customize fillings by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or different meats.
- Use a piping bag for a mess-free cheese-filling application.
Can Lasagna Roll-Ups Be Made Ahead?
Lasagna roll-ups are an excellent make-ahead meal.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 days | Oven at 350°F for 20 minutes |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes |
What Are the Variations of Lasagna Recipe?
- Vegetarian: Swap meat for mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
- Alfredo Roll-Ups: Replace marinara with creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Mexican-style: Use taco seasoning, black beans, and salsa.
- Seafood Lasagna: Incorporate shrimp or crab with a white sauce.
FAQ
How Long Should Lasagna Sit?
Let lasagna sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and make serving easier.
What Goes Down First When Making Lasagna?
Always start with a thin layer of sauce in the baking dish to prevent sticking.
How Do You Store Lasagna Overnight?
Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate.
How Do You Reheat Lasagna Roll-Ups?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Storage and Leftovers
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Conclusion
Lasagna roll-ups are a fun, delicious, and convenient alternative to traditional lasagna.
They are perfect for meal prep, easy to customize, and great for freezing.
Whether you love classic flavors or want to experiment with new ingredients, these roll-ups are a guaranteed hit at any table!
Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For boiling lasagna noodles
- 1 Colander To drain the noodles
- 1 Mixing bowls For preparing the cheese filling and meat sauce
- 1 Skillet For cooking the ground beef and garlic
- 1 Wooden spoon For stirring ingredients
- 1 Baking dish (9×13) To arrange and bake the roll-ups
- 1 Ladle To spread marinara sauce
- 1 Measuring cups For accurate ingredient portions
- 1 Measuring spoons To measure seasonings
- 1 Spatula For handling and layering ingredients
- 1 Whisk To mix the egg with ricotta cheese
- 1 Cheese grater For fresh Parmesan and mozzarella
- 1 Tongs To handle lasagna noodles easily
- 1 Aluminum Foil To cover the dish while baking
- 1 Oven mitts For safety when handling hot dishes
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive oil Extra virgin
- 12 pcs Lasagna noodles Cooked al dente
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese Whole milk
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese Shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Grated
- 1 cup Marinara sauce Homemade or store-bought
- 1 lb Ground beef Cooked and drained
- 1 tbsp Garlic Minced
- 1 tsp Oregano Dried
- 1 tsp Basil Dried
- 1/2 tsp Salt To taste
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper To taste
- 1 large Egg Beaten
- 1/2 cup Spinach Finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and lay them flat.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix ricotta cheese, spinach, egg, Parmesan, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat, and mix with marinara sauce.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Lay each noodle flat, spread the ricotta mixture, and roll tightly.
- Place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked roll-ups for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen.
- Customization: Swap beef for turkey or use vegetarian fillings like mushrooms and zucchini.
