Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

I absolutely love this Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe because it takes all the cozy, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna and gives it a fun, handheld twist that’s just so satisfying. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the flavors melded perfectly inside each neat little roll, making it easier to serve and just a bit more special. Plus, it works beautifully for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings since everyone can grab their own perfect portion.

You’ll find that these lasagna roll ups not only look impressive but also save you from the usual cutting and scooping battle that comes with layered lasagna. The combination of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and rich meat sauce wrapped inside tender noodles turns this recipe into a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, it’s worth giving this Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe a try whenever you crave comfort food with a little extra flair!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together to create a comforting and delicious meal. When shopping, look for a good quality marinara and fresh cheeses for the best flavor.

• Ricotta Cheese: The creamy base of the filling, adds richness and softness.
• Large Egg: Helps bind the cheese filling together for easy rolling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides gooey, melty texture inside and on top.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick to the cheese mixture.
• Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herb that enhances flavor complexity.
• Salt, Dried Basil, Dried Parsley, Black Pepper: These seasonings bring balance and a touch of freshness.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté onions and develop the meat sauce base.
• Yellow Onion: Slowly softened to add sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Ground Beef and Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat combo that makes the sauce hearty.
• Garlic: Added near the end of cooking for a fragrant punch.
• Chicken Broth: Used to deglaze the pan and keep the sauce luscious.
• Marinara Sauce: The tomatoey goodness that brings this dish together; you can choose your favorite brand or homemade.
• Worcestershire Sauce (optional): Adds umami for a richer flavor.
• Hot Sauce (optional): Just a touch for a subtle background heat.
• Lasagna Noodles: Regular noodles work best here; cook until al dente so they roll easily without breaking.

Variations

I love encouraging folks to make this Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe their own! Over time, I’ve tweaked it with different cheeses and meats, and you’ll find it’s super easy to swap in what you love. Don’t be shy about making it fit your taste or dietary needs.

• Vegetarian Version: I swapped the meat for sautéed mushrooms and spinach before and it turned out wonderfully hearty and satisfying.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a bit more hot sauce or some red pepper flakes to the sauce really wakes up the flavors if you like heat.
• Cheese Variety: Sometimes I add shredded provolone or fontina for a different cheesy texture and more depth.
• Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free lasagna noodles worked just fine for me, just watch the cooking time carefully so they don’t get mushy.

How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Step 1: Make the Cheese Filling and Prep Your Pan

Start by mixing ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and all your herbs and seasonings in a bowl until smooth and combined. I usually give it a quick taste here to adjust salt or herbs as needed—it’s the base of your flavor. Then, spoon about half a cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to keep the roll ups from sticking and add moisture.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce Low and Slow

Heat olive oil over medium and soften your diced onion for about 10 minutes—this step is key to mellow the onions and add a bit of sweetness. Toss in ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up finely and cooking until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in garlic in the last minute, pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the brown bits—that’s flavor gold. Then add the remaining marinara, Worcestershire, and hot sauce (if using), bring to a simmer, and let it bubble gently while you handle the noodles.

Step 3: Boil Noodles and Assemble Your Roll Ups

Cook your lasagna noodles in salted boiling water till just al dente—cooking them too soft will make rolling tricky later. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, which also prevents them from sticking. Lay them flat on parchment or waxed paper, then spread about 2½ tablespoons of your cheese mixture evenly on each noodle. Top each with ¼ cup of the meat sauce, then gently roll them up, sealing that cheesy goodness inside.

Step 4: Bake to Perfect Melty Goodness

Place each roll up seam-side down in your baking dish, spread the remaining meat sauce on top, and sprinkle with the last bit of mozzarella. Cover the dish tightly with foil sprayed on the underside with nonstick spray—that trick keeps your cheese from sticking to the foil. Bake at 375°F for about 35 minutes until bubbly and hot all the way through. If you want to get a golden brown top, uncover and broil for a couple of minutes, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

Pro Tips for Making Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

• Even Spreading: I learned that spreading the cheese filling evenly helps each roll taste balanced—don’t be stingy or it’ll dry out during baking.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cooking noodles just until al dente prevents them from tearing when you roll them.
• Cool Noodles Quick: Rinsing noodles with cold water stops cooking immediately and keeps them pliable for rolling.
• Spray the Foil: Spraying the foil with cooking spray prevents the cheesy top from sticking and pulling off when removed.

How to Serve Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving—it adds a burst of color and freshness that lifts the whole dish. Sometimes a little extra Parmesan grated right on top works great too.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette and some garlic bread for soaking up any extra sauce. Roasted veggies like zucchini or broccoli also balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love arranging the roll ups on a large platter with fresh herb sprigs scattered around and even a drizzle of extra marinara sauce artistically spooned on the side. It always wows guests and makes dinner feel a little festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The roll ups reheat beautifully without losing moisture or flavor if properly stored.

Freezing

I’ve had success freezing individual roll ups in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months, perfect for quick meals on busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the roll ups with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. This keeps the cheese melty and prevents drying out better than the microwave.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines comfort food vibes with a fresh format that’s just plain fun to eat and serve. It’s become my secret weapon for feeding a hungry crowd without the stress of slicing a huge pan of lasagna. Give it a try, and I’m confident you’ll love how easy it is to make and how much your family will enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite. Trust me, once you roll these up, you’ll never look back!

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