Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna roll ups are a delightful twist on the classic baked dish we all know and love. Picture this: tender, wide lasagna noodles enveloping a savory mixture of beef, ricotta, and rich marinara, then sprinkled generously with gooey mozzarella. These roll-ups not only have a comforting flavor profile but also look beautiful on the plate, making them a hit for family dinners or gatherings. They are perfect for anyone who craves Italian comfort food but wants to try something a little different.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly winter night when the thought of a warm, cheesy meal was just too inviting to resist. As I rolled up the lasagna and watched them transform into neat little parcels of joy, I felt a wave of excitement. It’s that hands-on experience that makes cooking fun and rewarding—plus, they’re versatile and can be modified to suit various dietary needs. I can honestly say that these lasagna roll ups will quickly become a favorite in your home, just like they did in mine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just a little prep, these roll ups come together in about 30 minutes.
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with rich, savory goodness that perfectly balances the creamy ricotta and zesty marinara.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These roll ups are as fun to eat as they are to look at, sure to impress family and friends.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to festive parties, they fit right in.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap out the meat for a plant-based alternative to cater to vegetarians.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 16 ounces lasagna noodles: Choose wide noodles that hold the filling well. You can also opt for oven-ready noodles to save time.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: This enhances the flavor of the filling and the pasta.
- 1 pound ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce fat; turkey or plant-based meat are great alternatives.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds wonderful sweetness and depth. Feel free to use shallots for a milder flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic is key for flavor intensity. You can substitute with garlic powder in a pinch but fresh is best.
- 32 ounces marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or homemade for a taste that feels personal.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Classic herb that brings a warm, earthy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon dried basil: Complements the marinara and gives it that traditional Italian essence.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 3/4 teaspoon table salt): This ties everything together; adjust based on your taste preferences.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A pinch of warmth is always welcome in savory dishes.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust to your heat preference; it adds a wonderful kick!
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese: The creamy texture forms the heart of the roll ups. Substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- 1 large egg (beaten): This helps bind the ricotta mixture together; you may skip it for a vegan option.
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided): Use a good melting cheese—fresh mozzarella makes it extra delicious!
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded): For a sharp flavor boost, it works beautifully with the other cheeses.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): A splash of color and freshness; you can use basil if you prefer.
How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Boil 16 ounces of lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water to prevent sticking, then lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel.
- Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef along with 1 small diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Combine with Sauce: Stir in 32 ounces of marinara sauce, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of dried basil, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 beaten egg, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth, and fold in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
- Assemble the Roll Ups: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Take a lasagna noodle and place a generous amount of the ricotta mixture at one end. Roll it up tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all noodles are filled.
- Top and Bake: Pour the remaining meat sauce over the rolled noodles and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top (1 1/2 cups). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Storing & Reheating
Leftover lasagna roll ups can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap each roll up tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through. Note that the texture may soften slightly, but a sprinkle of fresh cheese before baking can help revive it.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure the lasagna noodles are al dente when cooking; they will continue to cook while baking.
- Avoid overstuffing the roll ups to prevent them from bursting while baking.
- Using room temperature ingredients for the filling ensures a smooth texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different sauces or cheeses, like adding ricotta with spinach for extra zing.
- Let the dish cool slightly after baking; this will help it hold its shape when serving.
Lasagna roll ups really offer a fantastic twist on classic lasagna while maintaining all the comfort and flavor you love. They are not only easy to customize but also wonderfully satisfying. Don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredients and fillings to make it truly your own. Whether shared with family or enjoyed alone, these delightful roll ups are sure to have everyone craving seconds!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make lasagna roll ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the roll ups, cover them tightly, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just extend the baking time by a few minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of beef in this recipe?
Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute work wonderfully in these roll ups. You can even throw in sautéed vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms, for a veggie-packed version!
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Make sure to rinse the cooked noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process. Also, laying them out flat and using a bit of olive oil can prevent sticking.
Can I freeze the lasagna roll ups?
Yes! These roll ups can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap them in plastic wrap, then foil, to prevent freezer burn, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for a longer baking time.
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📖 Recipe Card
Lasagna Roll Ups
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These lasagna roll ups are a delightful comfort food featuring savory beef, creamy ricotta, and a zesty marina sauce, perfect for quick dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 32 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 3/4 teaspoon table salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Boil water in a large pot, add 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft, about 3 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Introduce the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Lay the cooked noodles on a baking sheet. Spread about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture on each, topping with a tablespoon of meat sauce. Roll each noodle and arrange them in the baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over roll ups and top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove foil and broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese.
Notes
Use only 12 cooked lasagna noodles to make roll ups, reserving any extras for any breaks.
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Fresh basil can be used instead of dried for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
