Description
These Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun, saucy twist on traditional lasagna that can be made ahead and baked to bubbly perfection. Filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and savory meat sauce, they are perfect for an easy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Lasagna Roll Ups
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Cheese Filling
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with chopped onion until fully cooked and onions are tender. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, season with salt and pepper to taste, then let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, half of the grated Parmesan, and salt and pepper. Mix well to create a creamy filling.
- Assemble Roll Ups: Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles flat. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling evenly over each noodle. Top each with a spoonful of the meat sauce. Then carefully roll each noodle tightly to form individual roll ups.
- Prepare for Baking: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Place the lasagna roll ups seam-side down in the dish in a single layer.
- Bake: Pour the remaining meat sauce over the assembled roll ups and sprinkle the leftover mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Allow the lasagna roll ups to cool for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- To save time, use pre-cooked noodles or no-boil noodles if preferred.
- Make ahead by assembling roll ups and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef or sausage for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase the sauce and cheese quantities.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
