Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful twist on the classic lasagna that brings a fun and playful approach to a beloved dish. Picture this: tender pasta wrapped around layers of savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all slathered in rich marinara sauce. The moment you slice into these roll-ups, they’re bursting with flavor and comfort, making them an instant favorite for family dinners. You can serve them hot out of the oven, giving you that cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.
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I first stumbled upon this gem while looking for a way to please my picky eaters. You know how the drill goes—trying to get everyone to appreciate a dish that doesn’t involve a long list of ingredients can feel like a Herculean task! But Lasagna Roll Ups change the game entirely. They are not only easy on the eyes but also easy on the palate, making them perfect for potlucks or cozy family nights. I can assure you: you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep and assemble in about 30 minutes, making it a weeknight winner.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich marinara and gooey cheese creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: They look impressive on a platter; perfect for entertaining!
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for dinner or as leftovers for lunch; they taste even better the next day.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for meatless versions or dairy-free alternatives, perfect for various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 16 ounces lasagna noodles: The backbone of the roll-ups, providing that lovely pasta texture. Use no-boil noodles to save time, if desired.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor in every component. Opt for coarse kosher salt for well-balanced seasoning.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein in our filling. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the meat mixture. Feel free to use shallots for a more delicate flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness. Fresh garlic is key here for a punchy flavor.
- 32 ounces marinara sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for an extra special touch.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: This adds that rustic Italian flavor. Fresh oregano can be used if you have it on hand—just double the amount!
- 1 tablespoon dried basil: Complements the oregano beautifully. Swap it for fresh basil for a bright pop of flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 3/4 teaspoon table salt): This will season the ricotta and meat mix. Adjust according to your taste preference.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a gentle heat. You can adjust this based on your taste for spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a delightful warmth. Omit it if you’re serving kids or those sensitive to spice.
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese: Creamy goodness that binds everything together and offers a rich texture.
- 1 large egg (beaten): Acts as a binding agent, keeping your filling nice and stable.
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided): Because who doesn’t love gooey melted cheese? Use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for added flavor.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded): Adds a salty, nutty finish to your dish. Freshly grated is always the way to go for the best taste.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): A sprinkle on top adds freshness and a pop of color!
How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups

- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the 16 ounces of lasagna noodles. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 1 pound of ground beef along with 1 small diced onion. Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and cook until the meat is browned and the onions are soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease and stir in the 32 ounces of marinara sauce, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of dried basil, 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 beaten large egg, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix until blended. This will be the creamy filling that makes the roll-ups luxurious.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a cooked lasagna noodle and lay it flat on a cutting board. Spread approximately 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture along the noodle, then place about 1/4 cup of the meat sauce on top. Roll the noodle tightly, starting from one end and tucking in the filling as you go. Place the rolled noodle seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles.
- Top and Bake: Once all noodles are rolled and placed in the baking dish, cover them with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving. This adds the perfect finishing touch!
Storing & Reheating
Lasagna Roll Ups can be kept at room temperature for about 2 hours after serving, so make sure to refrigerate any leftovers. For the best results, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the rolled-up lasagna for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Refresh the flavor by adding a sprinkle of water or a drizzle of marinara sauce before reheating.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- If you overcook the noodles, they can break when rolling. Keep them just al dente for best results.
- Remember to let the lasagna roll-ups sit for 5-10 minutes after baking; this helps them set up nicely and makes for cleaner slices.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese; a blend of ricotta, mascarpone, and feta creates an interesting flavor mix.
- For a veggie twist, sauté some spinach or zucchini to mix into your cheese mixture!
- If your store does not carry fresh parsley, feel free to toss on some dried Italian seasoning for added flavor.
Lasagna Roll Ups not only encapsulate comfort and warmth but also allow for a bit of fun during assembly. The key benefits include a flavorful filling, a visually appealing presentation, and their adaptability for various palates. Each bite bursts with Italian flavors, creating a dish everyone will love. Feel free to experiment with variations—add veggies, swap cheeses, or adjust spice levels based on your family’s needs. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be invited to every gathering just to bring your delectable lasagna roll-ups. Enjoy!

Recipe FAQs
Can I make Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Yes! No-boil noodles work really well for this recipe. Just ensure that your sauce is adequately wet to cook the noodles while baking.
Can I freeze Lasagna Roll Ups?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled roll-ups before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. To bake, you can directly place them into the oven from frozen; just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
What can I serve with Lasagna Roll Ups?
These roll-ups pair beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve them alongside sautéed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
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Lasagna Roll Ups
- Prep Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Lasagna Roll Ups offer a comforting twist on traditional lasagna, filled with rich flavors of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and marinara. Perfect for quick meals and 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.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. You will use 12 noodles from the cooked batch.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef while breaking it up. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, kosher salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley together until well combined.
- Add 1/2 cup of sauce to the bottom of the baking dish.
- Lay the cooked noodles on a baking sheet. Spread approximately 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture on each noodle and top with about 1 tablespoon of meat sauce. Roll up each noodle and place it in the prepared baking dish. You should be able to make 16 roll ups. Pour the remaining sauce over the roll ups and sprinkle with the remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove foil and broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese.
Notes
You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the cheese mixture for added nutrition.
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
