Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun twist on the classic dish! Instead of stacking layers, we roll up noodles filled with creamy cheese and tasty sauce. Yum!
They’re super easy to make, and you can even add your favorite veggies or meat inside! I love serving them with a fresh salad for a hearty meal that feels special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Use traditional lasagna noodles for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles that cook well too.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Both options add great flavor! For a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully. For vegetarian, use mushrooms or a mixture of spinach and zucchini.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta gives the rolls a creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, consider using tofu blended with nutritional yeast or a vegan ricotta alternative.
Marinara Sauce: Homemade sauce is always best, but store-bought works great when time is limited. Look for brands with no added sugar or preservatives for a healthier choice.
How Can I Roll the Noodles Without Them Breaking?
Rolling lasagna noodles can be tricky, but with a little care, it’s doable. Start with slightly cooled, cooked noodles. If they’re too hot, they might tear.
- Lay the noodles flat and spread the cheese mixture evenly, leaving space at the edges.
- Then, carefully lift one end of the noodle and roll it tightly towards the other end. A spatula can help!
- Place them seam side down to keep them tight while baking.
Rolling gently and using thin layers helps keep the noodles intact. Enjoy your delicious rolls!
Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roll Ups:
- 8 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 35 minutes of cooking time. So, in total, you’ll be in the kitchen for about 50 minutes. Perfect for a delicious dinner any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important to ensure your roll ups cook evenly and get nice and bubbly!
2. Prepare the Noodles:
While the oven is warming up, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re slightly firm (al dente). Drain well, and then lay them flat on a clean surface or baking sheet to cool. This will prevent them from sticking together.
3. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook until it’s completely brown, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. After it’s done, mix in the minced garlic, a pinch of salt and pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat so it’s not too greasy.
4. Combine with Sauce:
Stir half of the marinara sauce into the cooked meat and set that aside. This will add a lot of flavor and moisture to the rolls!
5. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, the grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg until everything is combined. Add a little salt and pepper to taste. This creamy mixture is what will make your roll ups so delicious!
6. Assemble the Roll Ups:
Take one lasagna noodle and spread a thin layer of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over it. Then, spoon some of the meat sauce over the cheese layer. Carefully, roll the noodle tightly, starting from one end to the other. Place the rolled noodle seam side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat this process for each noodle.
7. Add Sauce and Bake:
Once your roll ups are all in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Then sprinkle the extra shredded mozzarella cheese on top for that gooey goodness!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take them out of the oven, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Lasagna Roll Ups!
These roll ups are a fun way to enjoy lasagna, and they pack all the comforting flavors into perfect little servings. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles?
Yes, you can use oven-ready lasagna noodles! Just follow the package directions for layering them instead of cooking them beforehand. They will soften during the baking process.
Can I Make Lasagna Roll Ups Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the roll ups, place them in the baking dish, and cover them tightly with foil. Refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they come from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can add a splash of marinara sauce if they seem dry!
Can I Customize the Filling?
Yes, definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the cheese mixture. You can also use ricotta alternatives if you’re looking for dairy-free options!