Ever had a plate of comfort wrapped in a warm embrace?
Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful twist on the classic lasagna that take your taste buds on a flavor adventure. Imagine cheesy pasta rolls stuffed with a creamy ricotta blend, all drizzled with a rich marinara sauce. They’re quick to prepare, perfect for family dinners, and an absolute crowd-pleaser that your guests will talk about long after the last bite.
Why make this recipe
These roll-ups aren’t just delicious; they’re surprisingly easy to make—perfect for a busy weeknight! Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one dish, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal and less time battling the mountain of dishes. Who wouldn’t want that? And let’s face it, it’s hard to resist gooey cheese and comforting pasta, no matter what age you are! 😉
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 12 lasagna noodles (cooked to package instructions)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 24 ounces marinara spaghetti sauce
- ½ cup yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (finely shredded)
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese (divided as 1½ cups + 1½ cups)
- ¼ cup parsley (chopped)
Directions
Ready to dive into deliciousness? Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Throw in the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink—around 3-4 minutes. Break it up with a spatula.
- Add ⅓ cup of the diced onion and cook until transparent, about 3 minutes. Toss in the crushed red pepper, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Sauté for another minute.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes before setting aside.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil, adding 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the lasagna noodles al dente as per the package instructions, drain, and cover them in cold water to keep them from sticking.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, and parsley. Mix until it’s all integrated.
- Lay out the cooked noodles and spread the ricotta mixture evenly over them. Top each noodle with a spoonful of the meat mixture.
- Spread ⅓ cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish and roll up the noodles jellyroll-style, placing them seam-side down.
- Cover the roll-ups with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle the leftover 1½ cups mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 38 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
How to make Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe (Overview)
Let’s break it down into bite-sized pieces!
- Cook the meat—sauté the beef until it’s all brown and delicious, and blend in aromatic ingredients.
- Boil the noodles—but remember to keep them al dente! No one likes mushy pasta.
- Fabulous filling—blend your ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and mozzarella. It’s the heart of these roll-ups!
- Roll away—spread the cheese, add the meat, and roll it all up like a delicious burrito.
- Bake it—let the oven work its magic, and enjoy that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen.
Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic—it makes all the difference! 🧄
How to serve Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
These Lasagna Roll Ups are perfect for any occasion! Serve them straight out of the oven, and watch your family’s eyes light up.
- For a pop of color, sprinkle some extra chopped parsley on top.
- Pair it with a vibrant, fresh salad or some crunchy garlic bread to complement the gooeyness of the cheese.
- And don’t forget a glass of red wine to tie it all together! 🍷
How to store Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They freeze beautifully too! Just wrap them well and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw and reheat in the oven until bubbly. Quick and easy, just how we like it!
Tips to make Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
- Make-ahead magic: Assemble the roll-ups a day in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Cheese swap: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for that unique flavor—mozzarella isn’t the only star of the show!
- Vegetarian option: Swap the beef for sautéed spinach and mushrooms or even a plant-based ground meat for a healthful twist.
Variation
Feel like switching up the flavor profile?
- Add your favorite veggies like spinach or zucchini for an extra nutrient boost.
- Make it vegan by using tofu instead of ricotta, and skip the egg (or use a flax egg as a binder).
- Spice things up with Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a zesty kick!
FAQs
1. Can I make Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
2. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Try cottage cheese for a similar texture or blend tofu for a vegan alternative.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat before enjoying. 😊
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add ⅓ cup of diced onion and cook until transparent, about 3 minutes. Add the crushed red pepper, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Sauté for another minute.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes before setting aside.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil, adding 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the lasagna noodles al dente according to the package instructions, drain, and cover with cold water.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, 1½ cups mozzarella, and parsley. Mix until integrated.
- Lay out cooked noodles and spread the ricotta mixture evenly over them. Top each noodle with a spoonful of the meat mixture.
- Spread ⅓ cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish and roll up the noodles jellyroll-style, seam-side down.
- Cover the roll-ups with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle the leftover 1½ cups mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 38 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.