If you’re searching for a cozy dinner that feels homemade but won’t have you tangled in endless prep, this Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Imagine tender pasta rolled around a creamy, cheesy filling mixed with savory, well-seasoned meat—each bite bursting with the comforting flavors of a classic lasagna but in a fun, approachable form. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress your guests without fuss. You’re about to discover how simple ingredients come together in a way that makes everyone ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list that packs maximum flavor without any complicated elements. Each item not only enhances the taste but also brings texture and vibrant color to the dish, making the final presentation as delightful as the flavors.
- Lasagna noodles: The foundation of your roll-ups, cooked al dente for perfect flexibility.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds a rich, savory depth—choose sausage for an extra flavor kick.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it balances the meat and provides luscious softness.
- Large egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture for easy rolling and sliceable roll-ups.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts beautifully to create gooey, irresistible cheese layers.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty finish that amplifies every other ingredient.
- Marinara sauce (3 cups, divided): A tangy tomato base that keeps the roll-ups moist and flavorful throughout baking.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the meat and sauce with aromatic warmth, essential for authentic Italian taste.
- Italian seasoning: A flavorful blend of herbs that adds complexity without overpowering.
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and a pop of color.
- Salt: To taste; enhances all the other savory elements perfectly.
How to Make Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the stage for perfectly baked roll-ups. While the oven warms, cook your lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until just al dente—meaning they’ll be tender yet firm enough to hold their shape when rolled. Drain and carefully lay them flat on parchment paper so they don’t stick together or dry out.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked and deliciously caramelized. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, letting those beautiful scents build as you stir everything together. Pour in 1.5 cups of marinara sauce, reduce the heat, and simmer gently to marry flavors and create a rich meat sauce that will complement the creamy cheese filling perfectly.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling
Now for the indulgent part. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the large egg, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and your chopped fresh herbs. This mixture is creamy, slightly tangy, and herbaceous—everything you want wrapped inside those noodles. The egg holds it all together nicely so the filling won’t spill out when you roll them up.
Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spread a hearty layer of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle, then spoon the meat sauce on top. Roll each noodle tightly from one end to the other to create beautiful spiraled bundles packed with deliciousness inside.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Start by coating your baking dish with ½ cup of marinara sauce to keep the roll-ups from sticking and add moisture during baking. Place each roll-up seam side down—that way they hold their shape and don’t unravel. Cover the rolls with the remaining marinara and sprinkle the last cup of mozzarella on top. Cover the dish with foil to lock in steam and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking so the cheese gets golden and bubbly.
How to Serve Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates these roll-ups like a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving. It adds a bright, herbal freshness that cuts through the richness and makes the dish visually inviting. For a little extra flair, a dusting of grated Parmesan can be lovely too.
Side Dishes
Pair these roll-ups with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to add contrast and lighten the meal. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also fantastic for scooping up every last bit of marinara sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables bring color and nutrition to complete the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner party, arrange the roll-ups in a large serving dish and garnish with colorful roasted cherry tomatoes or thin slices of fresh mozzarella and basil leaves. You can also serve individual roll-ups on plates with a drizzle of extra sauce and a sprig of fresh herb, making each presentation feel extra special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lasagna roll-ups taste just as good the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Be sure to press a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid the cheesy rolls sticking together.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. To freeze, assemble the roll-ups but do not bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—adding a few extra minutes if still cold.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep them moist, for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions but expect the texture to be best when reheated in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute work well. Just adjust seasoning to complement the meat choice for the best flavor.
Do I have to boil the noodles before rolling?
Yes, cooking the noodles until al dente is vital. It makes them pliable enough to roll without cracking while ensuring they finish perfectly cooked during baking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Simply omit the meat and use extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini in the cheese filling, paired with extra marinara sauce for added heartiness.
What is the best way to prevent the roll-ups from sticking during baking?
Coating the baking dish with marinara sauce and placing the roll-ups seam-side down helps keep them intact and prevents sticking. Using parchment paper when cooling noodles also helps with handling during assembly.
How can I make the cheese filling creamier?
For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or a little cream cheese to the ricotta mixture. Be careful not to make it too wet, or the filling might be harder to roll.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe truly brings comfort and joy to the dinner table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the classic lasagna experience in a playful, approachable format that anyone can master. Give it a try, and watch your loved ones fall in love bite by bite.
Print
Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy lasagna roll-ups recipe offers a delicious twist on classic lasagna by rolling the layers individually. Featuring seasoned ground beef, a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese filling, and a rich marinara sauce, these roll-ups are baked to bubbly perfection, making a perfect comforting meal for four.
Ingredients
Lasagna Components
- 10 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups marinara sauce (divided)
- Salt, to taste
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce (from the 3 cups divided)
Cheese Filling
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into 1 cup for filling and 1 cup for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna roll-ups.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until they are al dente. Drain them and spread flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking and to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Brown the ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant. Stir in 1.5 cups of marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, one large egg, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and chopped fresh parsley or basil. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy filling.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Spread a layer of the cheese mixture on each lasagna noodle, then spoon some of the meat sauce on top. Roll each noodle tightly from one end to the other.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Coat the bottom of a baking dish with 1/2 cup of marinara sauce. Arrange the rolled noodles seam-side down in the dish to keep their shape during baking.
- Add Toppings: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the roll-ups, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and become bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for garnish before serving your delicious lasagna roll-ups warm.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs if available for a vibrant taste.
- To save time, use no-boil noodles and adjust cooking times accordingly.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meat option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit meat and add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Let the roll-ups rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
