If you are craving a fresh spin on traditional lasagna that’s both fun to eat and irresistibly cheesy, this Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender pasta sheets rolled around a rich, mouthwatering blend of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all smothered in vibrant marinara. It’s comfort food with a playful twist that makes every bite a delightful surprise. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, these roll-ups deliver on flavor, texture, and smile-worthy presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to making these lasagna roll-ups shine. Each element plays an essential role, whether it’s the savory depth of the meat sauce or the creamy, cheesy filling that keeps every bite moist and satisfying.
- 12 lasagna noodles: Cooked just right to hold their shape and roll easily without breaking.
- 16 oz ground beef (85% lean): Provides hearty flavor and a balanced fat content for juicy texture.
- 32 oz marinara sauce: Adds bright tomato richness and brings the whole dish together.
- 1/2 cup diced onion: Offers a subtle sweetness when cooked down in the sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses aromatic depth that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 tsp sea salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the red sauce.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Brings an earthy, herby finish that’s classic in Italian cooking.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese: Creates creaminess and richness inside every roll-up.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder for the cheese filling, keeping it firm.
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (shredded): Adds a salty, nutty punch to the mixture.
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided): Melts gloriously and gives you that irresistible cheesy pull.
- 1/4 cup parsley (chopped, plus more to garnish): Adds fresh, vibrant color and a mild herbal note.
How to Make Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F. The noodles should be cooked al dente according to the package instructions so they are tender but still sturdy enough to roll without tearing. After draining, rinse them in cold water to cool them down and prevent sticking—this little trick really helps keep your roll-ups neat and easy to handle.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until soft, followed by the minced garlic and seasonings—salt, black pepper, and oregano. Let all those flavors mingle for just a minute before adding the marinara sauce. Bring everything up to a simmer to marry the tastes, then turn off the heat. Don’t forget to spoon a little of this rich sauce onto the bottom of your casserole dish to prevent sticking and add flavor from below.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan, half of the shredded mozzarella, and chopped parsley. This luscious mixture is creamy with just the right amount of firmness to hold inside the noodles, while the herbs and cheeses bring your taste buds that classic Italian vibe we all love.
Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Lay out the cooked noodles flat on a large baking sheet to keep things tidy. Spread about a quarter cup of the cheese mixture over each noodle, then dollop a generous tablespoon of the meat sauce lengthwise down the center. Carefully roll each noodle up, ensuring the filling stays inside, and place them seam-side down in the sauced casserole dish. This method guarantees that every bite has a perfect balance of flavorful filling and rich tomato sauce.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Slather the remaining meat sauce over the top of the roll-ups, then sprinkle with the leftover mozzarella cheese. To keep the foil from sticking to that glorious melted layer, tent it carefully or insert toothpicks between the rolls as little placeholders. Bake covered at 375˚F for 40 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Broil for the Perfect Finish
Finally, remove the foil and turn on the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely until the cheese turns a lovely golden brown with slightly crispy edges—this final touch takes the dish from comforting to show-stopping. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a splash of color and a hint of brightness.
How to Serve Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your lasagna roll-ups with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brings a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. You can also add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for those who like a little kick. These small touches elevate the dish and make it look as appetizing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
While the roll-ups are a complete meal on their own, pairing them with a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is another fantastic companion to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. For lighter options, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts work perfectly alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by serving your Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe on a large wooden board or rustic platter for a communal feel. You can also plate individual roll-ups on colorful plates, garnished with a small salad and a curl of parmesan or basil leaf to create an elegant dining experience. Mini versions work wonderfully for party appetizers as well, offering a bite-sized crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The roll-ups maintain their flavor and texture beautifully, making for effortless next-day meals.
Freezing
This Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe freezes like a dream. Before baking, cover the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—just add extra time if cooking from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the roll-ups with foil and warm in a 350˚F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For a bubbly top, remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the noodles a little softer, so oven reheating is preferred.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
While traditional cooked noodles work best for rolling, you can try no-boil noodles by softening them in hot water first so they become pliable enough to roll without cracking. Just be cautious not to over-saturate the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add lentils to the sauce to boost protein without compromising flavor.
How do I prevent my noodles from sticking together?
After cooking, immediately rinse the noodles under cold water and toss them lightly with a little olive oil. Laying them flat on a baking sheet when assembling also helps keep them separated and roll-ready.
Can I prepare the roll-ups a day in advance?
Yes! Assemble the roll-ups and cover the dish with plastic wrap, then refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove the wrap, add sauce and cheese on top, and bake as usual—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have ricotta?
Cottage cheese is a common substitution that works well. For a richer option, blend cottage cheese with a little cream cheese until smooth to mimic ricotta’s creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is a joyous twist on an Italian classic that’s perfect for every occasion. It’s comforting, cheesy, and surprisingly simple to make, turning an ordinary dinner into a delicious event. Once you give it a try, I’m confident it will become a cherished part of your recipe collection, ready to bring smiles around your table time and again.
Print
Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delicious and hearty Lasagna Roll Ups featuring tender lasagna noodles filled with a savory blend of ricotta cheese and seasoned ground beef, topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this recipe combines classic Italian flavors in a fun and easy-to-serve roll-up format.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles
- 12 lasagna noodles (cooked to package instructions)
Meat Sauce
- 16 oz ground beef (85% lean)
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Cheese Filling
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)
- 1/4 cup parsley (chopped, plus more to garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Preheat oven to 375˚F. Cook noodles in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain. Immediately fill the pot with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula (about 2 minutes). Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano; cook for another minute. Pour in marinara sauce, bring to a simmer, then turn off heat. Spread 1/2 cup of this meat sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Make the cheese filling: In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, the egg, parmesan cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, and chopped parsley until well combined.
- Assemble the roll ups: Lay noodles flat in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Spread about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle. Add a heaping tablespoon of meat sauce in a stripe down the center of each. Roll each noodle tightly and place seam side down in the prepared casserole dish.
- Top and bake: Spread the remaining meat sauce evenly over the top of the rolled noodles. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Cover the dish with foil, ensuring the foil does not touch the cheese (use toothpicks in the rolls if necessary). Bake for 40 minutes at 375˚F.
- Broil and garnish: Remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is lightly golden and bubbly. Garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook the noodles to avoid them tearing when rolling.
- To prevent foil from sticking to cheese, use toothpicks to tent it over the rolls if needed.
- Use fresh parsley to garnish for added color and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 52 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
