If you’re seeking a cozy, bubbling casserole that combines all the heartiness of classic lasagna with a playful, modern spin, you’ll absolutely love Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups. This dish wraps tender noodles around creamy ricotta and savory Bolognese sauce, layering everything under a gooey melted cheese blanket. Each roll-up bursts with flavor and satisfies your craving for both comfort food and impressive presentation — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions!

Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups couldn’t be easier, and every component plays an important role in building those irresistible layers. These pantry staples and fresh touches deliver all the flavor and color this dish is famous for—no fancy ingredients required!

Lasagna noodles (8): The base for each roll-up, holding together all those luscious layers.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and helps sauté your onions and garlic to perfection.
Ground beef or Italian sausage (1/2 pound): The heart of your Bolognese sauce, lending richness and texture.
Onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup): Brings sweetness and a subtle bite to the sauce.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): Essential for that classic savory Italian aroma.
Marinara or tomato sauce (1 1/2 cups): Binds everything with bright, tangy flavor.
Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon): A fragrant herb that makes the sauce sing.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth to round out the taste.
Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Creamy and mild, creating the signature silky layer.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Nutty and salty, this cheese adds a punch to the filling.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): The ultimate cheese pull—melted and golden on top.
Egg (1): Helps bind the ricotta filling, making it rich but stable.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of color for serving.

How to Make Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until just al dente—this keeps them sturdy enough to roll without falling apart. Once done, drain them carefully and lay each noodle flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This simple trick prevents sticking, so you can assemble your roll-ups easily.

Step 2: Prepare the Bolognese Sauce

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, letting them turn soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic, then stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Crumble in your ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. When fully cooked, drain any excess fat before stirring in marinara sauce, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce gently simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken. Set it aside to cool slightly as you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, half a cup of the shredded mozzarella, and one egg. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture adds an Italian cheesiness that perfectly balances the savory sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups

Now, the fun part! Spread about 2 tablespoons of your cheesy ricotta mixture along the length of each noodle. Top that with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cooled Bolognese sauce. Gently roll the noodle up from one end, keeping it snug but not too tight. Place each roll seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This keeps your Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups from unrolling in the oven and ensures gorgeously layered slices.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Spoon any remaining Bolognese sauce over the tops of your roll-ups, making sure each one gets a generous layer. Sprinkle over the rest of the mozzarella cheese for that classic bubbly, golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover your baking dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and irresistibly golden. Allow the roll-ups to cool for 5 minutes before serving. If you like, shower them with fresh chopped parsley for a finishing touch.

How to Serve Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups

Garnishes

Finishing your Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups with fresh chopped parsley adds brightness and a little crunch. For an extra pop, sprinkle a bit more Parmesan over the top before serving, or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

These roll-ups are hearty enough to be the star of the table, but they absolutely shine alongside a crisp green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette. For true comfort, serve with garlicky breadsticks, oven-roasted vegetables, or a bowl of minestrone soup to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For family style, nestle the Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups in a big baking dish right out of the oven and let everyone dive in. For entertaining, set each roll-up on individual plates, drizzle with sauce, and dust with Parmesan. Mini roll-ups made with half-size noodles are perfect for appetizers or party platters!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, tuck them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, and the sauce keeps the noodles tender—making next-day lunches extra delicious!

Freezing

Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups are freezer-friendly, too. Assemble the roll-ups but skip baking, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to two months. Simply thaw in the fridge before baking, or bake straight from the freezer with a little extra time.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual roll-ups or the whole dish in an oven-safe pan, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F until heated through. For quick meals, microwave a single roll-up on a microwave-safe plate—just don’t skip the cover to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat in the Bolognese?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work beautifully and make the Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups a little lighter. Just adjust your seasoning as needed to match the protein you choose.

How can I make these roll-ups vegetarian?

Skip the meat and load up your tomato sauce with finely diced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version. The process stays exactly the same and the roll-ups turn out just as rich and satisfying.

Can I prepare Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups ahead of time?

These roll-ups are ideal for prepping ahead. Assemble them up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You can even freeze unbaked roll-ups individually for a quick homemade dinner any time.

What’s the best way to keep the noodles from sticking when assembling?

After boiling, lay your noodles flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you need to stack them, place wax or parchment paper between layers to stop them from sticking together while you prep your fillings.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers blend deliciously into the ricotta mixture. Not only does this boost nutrition, but it adds lovely color too.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that wows both in looks and taste, Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups are an absolute must-try. They’re endlessly customizable, family-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Gather your ingredients and invite some friends or family over—you’ll have a new favorite recipe on your hands in no time!

Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 roll-ups 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups are a delicious twist on classic lasagna, with savory Bolognese sauce and creamy cheese rolled up in lasagna noodles and baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Lasagna Noodles:

8 lasagna noodles

Bolognese Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 1/2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Filling:

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg

Garnish:

Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Noodles: Cook lasagna noodles until al dente, drain, and lay flat on a baking sheet.
Prepare Bolognese: Cook onion, garlic, beef, add marinara, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer, then cool slightly.
Make Cheese Filling: Mix ricotta, Parmesan, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and egg until smooth.
Assemble Roll-Ups: Spread ricotta mixture, Bolognese sauce on noodles, roll up tightly, place in baking dish.
Bake: Top with remaining sauce and mozzarella, bake covered, then uncovered until bubbly.
Serve: Let cool, garnish with parsley if desired.