Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

I absolutely love this Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe because it transforms a classic comfort food into a fun, approachable dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Instead of the traditional layered lasagna, these roll ups make serving so much easier, and trust me, they’re just as cheesy, saucy, and satisfying.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the individual rolls hold their shape and pack a punch of flavor in every bite. You’ll find that making lasagna roll ups is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a great way to customize portions and get creative with your fillings and sauces.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe lies in simple, quality ingredients that come together beautifully. Picking fresh cheese and the right sauce makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.

• Ricotta cheese: Makes for a creamy, mild filling that balances the savory meats.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese filling so it stays put when rolling.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts gorgeously both inside and on top for that perfect gooey finish.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the blend.
• Dried oregano, basil, parsley: Classic Italian herbs for authentic flavor.
• Ground beef and Italian sausage: A flavorful, meaty sauce foundation — you can use mild or spicy sausage based on your heat preference.
• Yellow onion and garlic: Build depth and aroma in the sauce.
• Marinara sauce: The star of the sauce with tomatoes providing that tangy sweetness.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce juicy and rich without heaviness.
• Lasagna noodles: I like to keep a few extras on hand in case any break while boiling.
• Worcestershire and hot sauce (optional): These add complexity and a little kick if you want it.

Variations

I love to experiment with this Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe to suit whatever mood we’re in. Feel free to swap out meats or cheeses, or add veggies right into the filling — it’s so adaptable.

• Vegetarian Version: I’ve made this using spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini in the cheese filling—my family didn’t even miss the meat!
• Spicy Kick: Adding some red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage gives this a bold flavor twist.
• Dairy-Free Option: Try vegan ricotta and mozzarella alternatives; just make sure they hold together when baking.
• Herb Variations: Fresh basil or thyme make lovely alternatives to dried herbs for a fresher flavor.

How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling

Mix the ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and herbs in a medium bowl until smooth. I like to taste at this point to check the seasoning — a little extra salt or herbs can make a big difference here.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

Start by softening diced onions in olive oil over medium heat for about 10 minutes. This slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Then add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up finely, and cook until browned. Toss in the garlic for the last minute to keep that flavor fresh. After draining excess fat, add chicken broth, marinara sauce, and your optional sauces. Let it simmer gently to meld the flavors while you prepare the noodles.

Step 3: Cook and Prepare the Noodles

Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente, following package instructions carefully. Rinsing the noodles under cold water right after cooking stops them from sticking and prevents overcooking — a little trick I learned the hard way. Lay them out on parchment or wax paper for easy rolling.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll Ups

Spread about 2 ½ tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle, then top with a generous ¼ cup of meat sauce. Roll each noodle tightly, keeping the filling tucked in, and arrange them seam side down in your baking dish. This keeps them from unraveling during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the remaining meat sauce over the roll ups and sprinkle 1 ½ cups of mozzarella on top. Cover with foil sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent sticking, then bake at 375°F for 35 minutes. If you want a bubbly, golden top, remove the foil and broil for a couple minutes—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!

Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. The fresh herbs add a bright finish that makes this dish feel special every time.

How to Serve Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil on top of the baked roll ups. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens up the rich cheese and meat flavors. Sometimes, a pinch of extra Parmesan right before serving takes it over the edge.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette always makes a perfect accompaniment too, soaking up extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to line up the roll ups on a large serving platter lined with fresh basil leaves—it looks so vibrant and inviting. You could also bake them individually in ramekins for charming personal servings, especially if you’re entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, I let the lasagna roll ups cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 4 days and actually taste even better the next day when the flavors have melded.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing these roll ups fully assembled but unbaked. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding extra baking time and checking frequently.

Reheating

To reheat, cover leftovers with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through to avoid drying out. Microwaving works too for single portions but be careful not to overcook or the cheese can get rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s kind of like lasagna made easy and elegant all at once. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a dish to impress friends, it never disappoints. I’m excited for you to try it out—roll up, bake, and enjoy the cheesy, saucy love in every bite!

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