There’s nothing quite like the warm, cheesy embrace of homemade comfort food, especially when it comes to a family favorite like Lasagna Roll-Ups. Picture this: soft, tender lasagna noodles enveloping a savory meat sauce and a creamy trio of cheeses, ready to tantalize your taste buds. This dish transforms traditional lasagna into individual servings, making it a delightful option for both busy weeknights and friendly gatherings.
I discovered this easy-to-make recipe when I was in search of a way to bring a bit of culinary joy without the fuss—perfect for those evenings when time is tight, but flavor is non-negotiable. With customizable ingredients to suit any dietary preference, these lasagna roll-ups are sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. Indulge in layers of gooey mozzarella, zesty ricotta, and tangy parmesan, all baked to golden perfection. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Why are Lasagna Roll Ups a dinner favorite?
Simplicity at Its Best: Effortlessly enjoy a comforting meal that requires minimal prep and clean-up.
Rich, Cheesy Goodness: The trio of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan comes together to create a creamy dream in every bite.
Customizable Delight: Whether you’re a meat lover or prefer plant-based options, this recipe adapts to your tastes.
Perfect for Sharing: Individually rolled portions make serving easy, ensuring everyone gets a taste without the mess.
Quick Cooking Time: Bake in just 30 minutes for a delicious weeknight dinner, giving you more time to relax after a busy day.
Lasagna Roll Ups Ingredients
For the Pasta
• Lasagna Noodles – Choose any store-bought variety; 12 sheets create the perfect base for roll-ups.
For the Cheese Filling
• Ricotta Cheese – Adds creaminess and body; substitute with cottage cheese for a lower-fat option.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Provides that delicious melt; can be replaced with other melting cheeses if preferred.
• Parmesan Cheese – Introduces a sharp flavor; nutritional yeast is a great plant-based alternative.
For the Meat Sauce
• Ground Beef – Forms a hearty sauce; swap for turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute for dietary needs.
• Knorr Beef Cube – Enhances the meat’s flavor; consider chicken or vegetable stock cubes for a lighter touch.
• Marinara Sauce – Acts as a moisture agent; homemade or store-bought works beautifully.
• Onion (minced) – Adds base flavor to the sauce; leeks or shallots can be used as alternatives.
• Garlic (minced) – Complements the sauce with aroma; garlic powder is a handy substitute when fresh isn’t available.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings for taste.
For Assembly
• Egg (beaten) – Binds the cheese filling together; a flaxseed egg can serve as a vegan substitute.
• Parsley (minced) – Adds freshness and color; substitute with basil or oregano if desired.
• Basil (chopped) – Another layer of flavor; can be omitted or swapped for Italian seasoning.
With these Lasagna Roll Ups ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a comforting dish that brings the family together!
How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups
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Cook Lasagna Noodles: Begin by boiling 6 cups of salted water. Add 12 lasagna sheets and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them gently and set aside for assembly.
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Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large pot, brown 1 lb. of ground beef over medium heat. Add minced onion and garlic, then sauté until softened. Stir in 23 oz. of marinara sauce and a Knorr beef cube. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool slightly.
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Make Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb. ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, 5 tbsp. parmesan, 1 beaten egg, and 3 tbsp. chopped basil. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.
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Assemble Roll-Ups: Take a lasagna sheet and spread 3-4 tbsp. of cheese filling across it, topping each with 2 tbsp. of the prepared meat sauce. Carefully roll each sheet and place seam-side down in a baking pan. Spread a ½ cup of meat sauce on the bottom of the pan before adding the rolled noodles.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Once done, remove the foil, sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella on top, and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Serve: Once baked, garnish your Lasagna Roll-Ups with minced parsley for an added touch of freshness. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of olive oil before serving for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Lasagna Roll Ups
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Pasta Perfection: Make sure to cook lasagna noodles until they’re al dente. Overcooking will make them too soft to roll, leading to messy outcomes.
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Filling Balance: Spread an even layer of cheese filling and meat sauce. Too much filling can cause the roll-ups to burst during baking, so be mindful of portions.
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Flavor Boost: Don’t skip the garlic and onion in the meat sauce. They provide essential aromatic depth that makes your Lasagna Roll Ups truly irresistible.
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Cleanup Made Easy: Use a non-stick spray on your baking pan. This simple step ensures your roll-ups don’t stick and saves you from a tedious cleanup later.
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Egg Binding: Remember to add the beaten egg to the cheese filling. It acts as a binder, keeping everything together as your Lasagna Roll Ups bake and ensuring the perfect texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups are an excellent choice for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance by assembling the roll-ups and covering them tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. If you want to freeze them, simply place the uncooked roll-ups in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, or thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. This way, you can enjoy that comforting, cheesy goodness just as delicious as if made fresh, with minimal effort!
Storage Tips for Lasagna Roll Ups
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Fridge: Store leftover Lasagna Roll Ups in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for quick meals.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze rolled-up portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
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Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Lasagna Roll Ups, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for approximately 25 minutes, or until heated through for the best texture.
What to Serve with Lasagna Roll-Ups?
Enjoy your Lasagna Roll-Ups with these delightful pairings that create a complete and harmonious meal.
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Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery goodness of garlic bread complements the savory flavors, making each bite even more satisfying.
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Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad adds a crunchy element and zesty dressing, balancing the rich, cheesy roll-ups perfectly.
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Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli provides a nutritious touch and a vibrant contrast to the warm pasta.
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Italian Roasted Vegetables: Medley of seasonal veggies roasted with herbs offers a delightful burst of flavor and color on your plate.
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Red Wine: A glass of robust red wine, like Chianti, enhances the meal and rounds out the flavors of the cheesy roll-ups.
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Tiramisu: End the evening on a sweet note with a creamy tiramisu—its coffee flavor brings a delightful contrast to the savory dinner.
These pairings create a wonderful blend of flavors, textures, and experiences, making your dining table a feast for the senses!
Lasagna Roll Ups Variations & Substitutions
Embrace your culinary creativity and give these Lasagna Roll Ups a personal twist with these delightful variations!
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Meat-Free: Swap ground beef for crumbled tempeh or a medley of sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian treat.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your meat sauce for a little heat, perfect for those who like a spicy edge.
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Cheese Swap: Try using a mix of gouda and fontina for a sensationally creamy filling that adds bold flavors.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets or even zucchini slices as a fresh alternative to keep it lighter and gluten-free.
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Greek Flair: Incorporate chopped spinach and feta in the cheese filling for a Mediterranean vibe that surprises and delights.
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Nutty Texture: Experiment with crushed walnuts mixed into the meat sauce for a surprising crunch and depth of flavor.
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Herb Medley: Instead of just basil, add fresh rosemary or thyme to the cheese mixture, elevating the flavor profile beautifully.
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Creamy Sauce: For a richer finish, blend a bit of cream cheese with the ricotta for an ultra-creamy filling that’s irresistibly smooth.
Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe FAQs
What type of lasagna noodles should I use?
You can use any store-bought variety of lasagna noodles, but I recommend the standard flat sheets for the best rolling experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, try whole wheat or gluten-free noodles for a healthier option!
How long can I store leftover Lasagna Roll Ups?
Leftover Lasagna Roll Ups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their deliciousness during this time, making them perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners.
Can I freeze Lasagna Roll Ups for later?
Absolutely! You can freeze these roll-ups for up to 2 months. To do so, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes.
What can I substitute if I have dietary restrictions?
A variety of substitutions can cater to different dietary needs. For ground beef, consider ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives to suit your preferences. If you’re vegan, use a flaxseed egg instead of a regular egg and substitute the cheeses with plant-based versions.
How can I prevent my Lasagna Roll Ups from bursting during baking?
To avoid bursting, ensure you don’t overfill each noodle with cheese or meat sauce. A balance is key—3-4 tablespoons of cheese filling with 2 tablespoons of meat sauce often keeps everything intact. Also, make sure to cook your noodles al dente, as overcooked noodles are more prone to tearing.
How do I know if my lasagna noodles are cooked properly?
When cooking lasagna noodles, aim for al dente—this means they should be tender but still firm to the bite. This texture allows for easier rolling without breaking. To check, taste a noodle a minute or two before the package time ends for the perfect balance!
Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups: Quick Comfort for Busy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook lasagna noodles in 6 cups of salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown ground beef over medium heat, add minced onion and garlic, sauté until softened, then stir in marinara sauce and beef cube. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, beaten egg, and basil. Mix until creamy.
- Assemble roll-ups by spreading cheese filling across each noodle, then adding meat sauce. Roll up and place seam-side down in a baking pan.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with mozzarella, and broil until golden.
- Garnish with minced parsley and serve warm.