Delicious and Fun Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups
When it comes to traditional Italian dishes, lasagna holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a family favorite, especially when prepared using Mom’s beloved homemade recipe! Today, though, we’re putting a fun spin on this classic by creating American-Italian lasagna roll-ups—a dish that’s not only easy to make but also delightful to serve!
This recipe offers an all-in-one meal in one pan, making it perfect for gatherings. Each person gets their own saucy roll-up, which adds to the charm and convenience. You can customize the filling to your liking—opt for creamy cheese, flavorful meats, or vibrant vegetables. Plus, they freeze wonderfully, allowing you to save some for later!
Whether you’re planning a potluck or simply hosting a dinner party, this casserole dish will surely impress. Feel free to save time by using a jar of pre-made meat sauce or whip up your favorite homemade version! If you’re a lasagna lover, don’t miss out on our Zucchini Lasagna or our quick Lasagna Soup—both are fabulous choices when you’re short on time.
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 ounces) lasagna noodles
- 2 containers (16 ounces each) whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (optional)
- 2 cups of your choice of meat (ground sausage, crushed meatballs, sliced pepperoni, etc.)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 jars of tomato meat sauce or your homemade Italian meat tomato sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the beaten eggs, grated cheese, parsley, and seasonings (salt, pepper, and garlic powder).
- For Spinach Filling: Add the thawed, drained spinach to the ricotta mixture along with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- For Meat Filling: Use about 2 to 3 cups of your chosen cooked meat. Crushed cooked meat options can include slices of pepperoni, loose-cooked sausage, or a combination of meatballs.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle.
- If using meat, add a small amount of crushed meat on top of the ricotta mixture before rolling the noodle. For pepperoni, place about 6 slices on each noodle.
- Carefully roll each lasagna noodle tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish on a layer of sauce.
- Pour additional sauce on top of the rolled noodles, making sure to cover them completely, then sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Extra Tips for Your Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Feel free to use frozen meatballs—crushed or homemade seasoned ground beef works great too!
- Adding a teaspoon of fennel seed can give the meat a delicious sausage-like flavor.
- You can prepare these roll-ups up to two days in advance; simply store them in the fridge and bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Vegetarians can swap in thin slices of zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers instead of meat.
- If you’re not a spinach fan, you can use other leafy greens like escarole or kale.
- For an extra flavor boost, try making your own traditional tomato sauce or use a store-bought option to save time.
Vegetables and Meat Suggestions
Here are some other tasty meat and vegetable options you could incorporate into your roll-ups:
- Diced artichoke hearts
- Thinly sliced eggplant or zucchini
- Sliced fresh tomatoes
- Thinly sliced mushrooms
- Julienne peppers
- Steamed chopped broccoli or cauliflower
- Ground lamb, pork, or turkey
- A mixture of different ground meats