Lasagna Roll Ups

Lasagna Roll-Ups are a fun and creative twist on traditional lasagna, where individual lasagna noodles are filled with a flavorful mixture of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and herbs, then rolled up and baked in marinara sauce. Each roll-up is like a mini lasagna, allowing for perfect portion control and a fun presentation. The noodles are soft and tender, and the cheese filling is creamy and rich, while the marinara sauce adds a savory depth of flavor. The dish is often topped with melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that golden, cheesy finish.

I first made Lasagna Roll-Ups when I wanted to serve lasagna but was looking for something a little different, and they turned out to be a big hit! They’re easier to serve and great for gatherings since everyone can have their own individual serving. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can add ground meat, spinach, or even mushrooms to the filling, or swap the marinara sauce for a white sauce for a different twist. Whether for a family dinner, a party, or a cozy meal, Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delicious and crowd-pleasing option!

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Potlucks
Meal prepping
Comfort food cravings
Lasagna lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Lasagna Roll-Ups will become your new favorite comfort food:

Simplified Lasagna: All the classic lasagna flavors without the layering hassle.
Individual Servings: Each roll-up is a perfect, personalized portion, making it easy to serve.
Creamy Ricotta Filling: The ricotta mixture adds a creamy, savory layer inside each roll.
Savory Marinara Sauce: Topped with a rich, tangy tomato sauce that complements the cheese and meat perfectly.
Melty Mozzarella: A generous amount of mozzarella cheese bakes on top for a gooey, delicious finish.
Customizable: Feel free to add vegetables, switch up the meats, or make it vegetarian.
Great for Meal Prep: These can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer for an easy, reheat-able meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a dinner party or a family meal, everyone loves a good lasagna roll-up.
Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for freezing and enjoying on busy days when you need a quick meal.
Comfort Food: It’s the ultimate cozy meal that brings warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Lasagna Roll-Ups:

12 lasagna noodles
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

Fresh basil leaves
Extra Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Highlights

Ricotta Cheese: Provides a creamy texture and rich flavor in each roll-up.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy topping.
Ground Meat: Choose your favorite, whether beef, turkey, or a meatless alternative.
Marinara Sauce: The base for the sauce adds a rich, tangy flavor that ties the dish together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Noodles:

Cook Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

The Meat Sauce:

Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until browned.
Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:

Mix Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-mixed.

Assemble the Roll-Ups:

Spread Sauce on Bottom of Pan: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom.
Fill the Noodles: Lay a cooked lasagna noodle flat, and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture along the center. Carefully roll the noodle into a cylinder.
Place Roll-Ups in Pan: Place the rolled noodles seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all noodles are filled and arranged in the dish.

Bake:

Top with Sauce and Cheese: Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the roll-ups. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Let the roll-ups rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, if desired.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Lasagna Roll-Ups:

With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crispy garlic bread for a classic Italian meal.
With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
For a Family Meal: Serve in a large casserole dish for an easy family dinner.
As a Party Dish: These make great individual servings for potlucks or gatherings.
With Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients.
With Extra Parmesan: Top with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
For Meal Prep: Store leftovers in individual containers for easy reheating.
For a Comforting Dinner: Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
As a Gift: Bake a batch and share with family or neighbors as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Additional Tips

Avoid Overcooking Noodles: Cook the noodles al dente, as they will soften further while baking.
Cool Noodles Slightly: Lay the noodles flat to cool slightly so they are easier to handle.
Extra Sauce: Make extra sauce if you like your roll-ups saucy and juicy.
Use Fresh Mozzarella: For an even creamier texture, use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded.
Freezer-Friendly: These roll-ups freeze well, so make an extra batch to enjoy later.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Roll-Ups: Skip the meat sauce and use a mixture of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta.
Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups: Use shredded cooked chicken in place of the ground meat.
Spicy Roll-Ups: Add red pepper flakes or spicy beef sausage to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version of this dish.
White Sauce: Make a creamy white sauce with béchamel instead of marinara for a twist on flavor.
Pesto Lasagna Roll-Ups: Spread pesto over the noodles before adding the ricotta mixture for an herby flavor.
Extra Cheese: Add layers of provolone or cheddar for a more cheesy version of the dish.
Zucchini Roll-Ups: Swap noodles for thinly sliced zucchini to make a low-carb option.
Meat-Free Marinara Sauce: Use a simple marinara sauce with no meat for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Lasagna Roll-Ups with Alfredo Sauce: For a richer option, use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara.

Special Equipment

9×13-inch Baking Dish: A standard size for assembling and baking lasagna roll-ups.
Skillet: For cooking the meat and simmering the sauce.
Large Pot: To cook the lasagna noodles.
Mixing Bowls: For preparing the ricotta filling and combining the sauce.
Aluminum Foil: To cover the pan while baking, keeping the roll-ups moist.
Spatula: For spreading the ricotta mixture evenly onto the noodles.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

FAQ Section

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the roll-ups and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze the roll-ups?
Yes, freeze the assembled roll-ups before baking. When ready to eat, bake from frozen or thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Can I substitute ricotta with something else?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or a dairy-free alternative like tofu for a different filling.
How long do these last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara works perfectly if you’re short on time, though homemade can add more flavor.
Can I make these without meat?
Absolutely! Simply use a vegetable or mushroom-based sauce for a meatless version.
How do I cut the roll-ups neatly?
Use a sharp knife and slice gently to avoid the cheese spilling out.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish if serving a crowd.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or cheddar.

Conclusion

Lasagna Roll-Ups offer all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a fun, easy-to-make format. With a creamy ricotta filling, savory meat sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella, these roll-ups are a guaranteed hit. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, they bring the classic lasagna experience to a whole new level of simplicity and flavor. Make a batch today and enjoy the comforting goodness of these irresistible roll-ups!