Description
Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delicious twist on classic lasagna, featuring tender lasagna noodles filled with a rich ricotta cheese mixture, flavorful Italian meatballs, and plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, these roll-ups make for a comforting and family-friendly main course perfect for any Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Lasagna Roll-Ups
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 fully cooked Italian meatballs, chopped
- 24 ounces marinara sauce, divided
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain them well and lay flat on a clean surface to prevent sticking.
- Make Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble Roll-ups: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle. Sprinkle chopped meatballs evenly over the ricotta layer, then add a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Roll and Arrange: Carefully roll each noodle tightly, starting at one end. Place the roll-ups seam-side down in the baking dish, arranging them close together.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the roll-ups, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to heat through and melt cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the lasagna roll-ups rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use beef, pork, or turkey meatballs based on your preference for different flavors and textures.
- You can assemble the roll-ups ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake, making meal prep easy.
- Ensure noodles are fully cooled and laid flat to avoid cracking when rolling.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the ricotta mixture or marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
