Discover the ultimate comfort food with these cheesy lasagna roll-ups! This recipe combines tender lasagna noodles filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, all rolled up and topped with a rich, savory meat sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing family dinner, these roll-ups are easy to make, portion-friendly, and full of classic Italian flavors. Learn how to customize the filling, prepare ahead for meal prep, and enjoy a delicious twist on traditional lasagna. Ideal for leftovers, freezer-friendly, and sure to become a household favorite!
Ingredients
Cheese Filling:
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon each: salt, dried basil, dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- ½ lb. ground beef
- ½ lb. ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 32 oz. marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles, plus extra in case of breakage
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, salt, basil, parsley, and pepper until well combined. Set aside. - Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to soften and release their natural sweetness.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and sausage. Cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking it into fine crumbles, until browned and fully cooked. Stir in the garlic during the last minute. Drain excess grease.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the remaining marinara sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently. - Boil the 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 rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easy to handle. Lay the noodles flat on parchment or wax paper. - Assemble the Roll-Ups:
Spread about 2 ½ tablespoons of the cheese filling evenly over each lasagna noodle. Spoon about ¼ cup of meat sauce over each noodle, using approximately 3 cups of sauce in total and reserving the rest.
Roll each noodle tightly, keeping the filling intact, and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. - Top and Bake:
Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the roll-ups, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Spray a piece of foil with nonstick cooking spray and cover the baking dish, spray-side down, to prevent the cheese from sticking.
Bake for 35 minutes. If desired, remove the foil and broil at 450°F for 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese. Watch carefully to avoid burning. - Serve:
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Portions: Lasagna roll-ups offer individual servings that are easy to portion and serve.
- Classic Flavors: Enjoy all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a creative, simplified form.
- Great for Leftovers: These roll-ups reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Tips
- Prevent Stickiness: Rinse the lasagna noodles with cold water and lay them flat to avoid sticking.
- Even Rolling: Spread the cheese and meat sauce evenly for consistent rolls.
- Customizable Filling: Adjust the cheese filling by adding chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh herbs.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini in the filling.
- Cheese Lovers: Add ricotta and provolone to the filling for an even creamier texture.
- Spicy Twist: Use hot Italian sausage and extra hot sauce for a spicy kick.
FAQs
Can I make lasagna roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the roll-ups and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely. Assemble the roll-ups and freeze before baking. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
Serving
Pair these lasagna roll-ups with garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Suggestions
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or extra flavor.
- Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy weeknight dinner later.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or fresh basil for a finishing touch.
Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
12
servings30
minutes35
minutesIngredients
Cheese Filling:
15 oz. ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon each: salt, dried basil, dried parsley
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Meat Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
½ lb. ground beef
½ lb. ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
32 oz. marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Lasagna:
12 lasagna noodles, plus extra in case of breakage
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Prepare the Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, salt, basil, parsley, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Meat Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to soften and release their natural sweetness.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and sausage. Cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking it into fine crumbles, until browned and fully cooked. Stir in the garlic during the last minute. Drain excess grease.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the remaining marinara sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently.
- Boil the 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 rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easy to handle. Lay the noodles flat on parchment or wax paper.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups:
- Spread about 2 ½ tablespoons of the cheese filling evenly over each lasagna noodle. Spoon about ¼ cup of meat sauce over each noodle, using approximately 3 cups of sauce in total and reserving the rest.
- Roll each noodle tightly, keeping the filling intact, and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Top and Bake:
- Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the roll-ups, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Spray a piece of foil with nonstick cooking spray and cover the baking dish, spray-side down, to prevent the cheese from sticking.
- Bake for 35 minutes. If desired, remove the foil and broil at 450°F for 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
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