Lasagna Roll-Ups offer a delightful and inventive take on the classic layered lasagna. Instead of stacking ingredients in a traditional casserole format, this recipe allows you to spread the filling onto individual pasta sheets, roll them up, and bake them until golden and cheesy. This method creates perfectly portioned servings that are not only easy to serve but also ideal for meal prep or freezing. With all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna packed into a neat, individual roll, this dish is perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or simply enjoying a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Faster, Neater Version of Lasagna: Enjoy all the classic flavors without the hassle of layering.
- Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing: These roll-ups are easy to store and reheat, making them a lifesaver for busy weeks.
- Customizable Creations: Tailor the recipe to your taste by swapping fillings or adding extra ingredients.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special gathering, these roll-ups are sure to impress.
- Individual Portions: Each roll-up is a self-contained serving, eliminating the guesswork when dishing out food.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Lasagna noodles
- Ricotta cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Ground protein options (choose your favorite)
- Marinara sauce
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
To make this dish truly your own, feel free to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and vegetables. For instance, adding Italian seasoning or fresh basil can elevate the flavor profile, while sautéed mushrooms or roasted zucchini can provide a hearty texture.
Directions
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the dish will bake evenly and achieve that irresistible golden-brown finish.
- Cook the Noodles: Follow the package instructions to cook the lasagna noodles. Once they’re done, drain them carefully and lay them flat on parchment paper or a clean surface. Cooking them al dente helps prevent tearing during the rolling process.
- Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant. Next, incorporate your chosen ground protein, seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Cook until fully browned, then stir in about one cup of marinara sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Mix the Cheese Blend: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, a beaten egg, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and any additional seasonings you prefer. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth and creamy filling.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture onto each lasagna noodle, followed by a spoonful of the meat sauce. Gently roll each noodle from one end to the other, ensuring the filling stays intact.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Lightly coat the bottom of a baking dish with marinara sauce to prevent sticking. Place the roll-ups seam side down in the dish, arranging them snugly to keep their shape during baking.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the tops of the roll-ups, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the leftover mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for an indulgent, cheesy topping.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8–10 roll-ups (approximately 4 servings)
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
This recipe is designed to be both efficient and satisfying, offering enough servings to feed a small family or provide leftovers for later in the week.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground protein and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables for a plant-based twist.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Incorporate provolone, fontina, or goat cheese into the ricotta mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a touch of heat.
- Chicken Alfredo Variation: Swap the marinara sauce for Alfredo sauce and include shredded chicken and spinach for a creamy alternative.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles, which are widely available at most grocery stores.
These variations allow you to cater the dish to your dietary preferences or switch things up based on what’s in your pantry.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Freezer: Freeze the roll-ups individually or in a tray. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months.
- Reheating: If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave for quick single servings.
Proper storage and reheating ensure that these roll-ups remain as delicious as the day they were made.
FAQs
Can I make Lasagna Roll-Ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve.
Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
While ricotta is traditional, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or a blend of cheeses if you prefer.
Can I freeze Lasagna Roll-Ups?
Yes, they freeze beautifully either before or after baking.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Of course! A high-quality marinara sauce works wonderfully, or you can use your own homemade version.
How many noodles do I need?
Plan for about 8–10 noodles, depending on the size of your baking dish and how many servings you want to prepare.
What’s the best way to prevent noodles from tearing?
Cook them al dente and handle them gently. Laying them flat immediately after draining helps avoid sticking.
Can I double the recipe?
Certainly! Use two baking dishes or a larger casserole dish if needed.
Are Lasagna Roll-Ups good for meal prep?
They’re fantastic for meal prep, offering easy portioning, storage, and reheating throughout the week.
Conclusion
Lasagna Roll-Ups are a creative and convenient way to enjoy the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna. With their individual portions, customizable ingredients, and ease of preparation, these roll-ups are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family, planning meals for the week, or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Give it a try and bring a modern twist to a timeless classic!
Lasagna Roll-Ups
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Lasagna Roll-Ups are a fun twist on traditional lasagna, featuring pasta sheets rolled with a rich ricotta filling, topped with marinara and melted cheese.
Author: Beth
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
SCALE
1x
2x
3x
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture on each noodle and roll tightly.
- Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Place roll-ups seam-side down in the dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use oven-ready noodles to save time—no boiling required.
- Add cooked ground protein or spinach to the ricotta mixture for variation.
- Can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Nutrition
Serving Size: 2 roll-ups
Calories: 380
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 65mg
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Lasagna Roll-Ups
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on a clean surface or parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture onto each lasagna noodle, then roll tightly.
- Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place the roll-ups seam-side down in the dish and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
