If you adore lasagna, you’re going to fall in love with these Lasagna Roll Ups! They pack all the cheesy, savory goodness of traditional lasagna but come in a delightful spiral form that’s easy to serve. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week, freezing for later, or simply looking to impress your family and friends, these roll-ups have got you covered.

Imagine a plate filled with individual rolls, each offering the perfect balance of noodles, hearty meat, creamy cheese, and rich sauce. Plus, they look absolutely adorable on the plate! Let’s dive into how to make these tasty treats that are sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles: Choose the ruffled edge kind for that classic look. Make sure they’re cooked just al dente to avoid falling apart during rolling.
• Onion and garlic: Finely chop these aromatic staples to seamlessly blend into the sauce.
• Ground beef: Opt for 85% lean ground beef for rich flavor without excess grease. You can also use ground turkey, avoiding turkey breast as it can dry out.
• Italian sausage: Choose either mild or spicy based on your preference, and remember to remove the casing if using links.
• Marinara sauce: A good-quality jarred marinara works wonders. My personal favorite is Rao’s roasted garlic, but feel free to use your favorite or even whip up a homemade version.
• Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning: Season the meat and cheese filling generously for maximum flavor.
• Egg: One egg will help bind the ricotta cheese filling and prevent it from oozing out during baking.

How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups

Let’s get rolling! Follow these easy steps for a delicious result.

1. Cook the noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles for about 8-10 minutes until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside.
2. Brown the meat: In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of oil until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking them for about 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the marinara: Stir in the marinara sauce along with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
4. Make the cheese filling: In a bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper until combined.
5. Start assembling: Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Lay the lasagna noodles flat on a surface. Spread the cheese mixture over each noodle, then add a layer of meat sauce on top.
6. Roll the lasagna: Starting from the filled end, carefully roll up each noodle and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
7. Finish with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolled-up noodles and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Rest and serve: Allow the roll ups to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch. Enjoy your meal!

Tips and Variations

Want to elevate your roll ups even further? Here are a few tips and variations you can try:

• Shred your own cheese: For optimal melting, it’s worth taking the extra time to shred cheese yourself instead of using pre-packaged.
• Lay noodles on parchment paper: To prevent the cooked noodles from sticking, spread them in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets.
• Set up an assembly line: Organize your meat sauce, cheese mixture, and toppings to streamline the assembly process.
• Leave room to roll: When spreading the fillings, leave a small border at the far end of each noodle to help avoid spilling from the ends.
• Explore spinach roll ups: Add roughly chopped, sautéed spinach to the cheese filling for a nutritious twist.
• Want some heat? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a zesty kick.
• Cheese swap: Substitute part of the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter filling, or switch to provolone for a different flavor profile.

What to Serve with Lasagna Roll Ups

These delicious roll ups are quite filling, so pairing them with lighter sides is best. A crisp green salad or some warm, garlicky bread complements them beautifully. If you’re looking for something even lighter, consider serving them with roasted vegetables or sautéed garlic greens.

How to Store and Make Ahead

To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw before reheating.

To Reheat: You can microwave refrigerated roll ups until heated through. For frozen ones, use the defrost function first before cooking.

Make-ahead option: Assemble the roll ups, cover them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

To Bake: If using refrigerated roll ups, bake them as directed but add an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time. For frozen roll ups, thaw them in the fridge first before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes! You can make the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, making the assembly quicker when you’re ready to make the roll ups.

What other fillings can I use?

You can add veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers, or even substitute different cheeses to customize the flavor to your liking.

Are these roll ups suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! They freeze wonderfully and can be a great meal prep option. Just make sure to thaw them completely before baking.

How do I avoid soggy noodles?

Ensure the noodles are cooked al dente, and let them cool slightly before spreading the filling. This will help them maintain their structure.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes! Just omit the meat and add more veggies, or use a meat substitute to create a hearty vegetarian option.