Lasagna Roll-Ups are a creative and convenient twist on traditional lasagna. Instead of layering, each lasagna noodle is rolled with a savory cheese filling and hearty meat sauce, then baked to perfection. This dish is ideal for portion control, easy serving, and make-ahead meal planning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for individual servings
- Easier to assemble and portion than classic lasagna
- Great for freezing or meal prep
- Packed with cheesy, meaty flavor in every bite
- Customizable with different fillings or sauces
- Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cheese Filling:
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Dried basil
- Dried parsley
- Black pepper
For the Meat Sauce:
- Ground beef
- Italian sausage
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Marinara sauce
- Chicken broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce (optional)
Additional:
- Lasagna noodles
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the noodles until al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Make the meat sauce by sautéing onions and garlic, then adding beef and sausage. Cook until browned, then stir in marinara, broth, Worcestershire, and optional hot sauce. Simmer.
- Mix the cheese filling by combining ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Assemble the roll-ups by spreading cheese and meat sauce on each noodle, rolling tightly, and placing seam-side down in a baking dish with a base layer of sauce.
- Top with remaining sauce and shredded mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes. Uncover and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve hot with chopped parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 to 8
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini in the filling.
- Cheesy Deluxe: Add provolone or fontina for extra cheesiness.
- Spicy Kick: Mix crushed red pepper or spicy sausage into the sauce.
- White Sauce Option: Use Alfredo or béchamel instead of marinara.
- Low-Carb: Use thinly sliced zucchini instead of pasta noodles.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze unbaked roll-ups for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheat in the microwave or covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs
What are lasagna roll-ups?
They are individual lasagna noodles rolled with cheese and meat filling, then baked like traditional lasagna.
Can I make lasagna roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance, or freeze for longer storage.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
No-boil noodles generally don’t roll well; traditional boiled noodles work best.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Lay them flat on parchment or lightly oiled foil after boiling.
Can I use just one type of meat?
Absolutely, ground beef or sausage alone works just as well.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, both baked and unbaked versions freeze well for up to 3 months.
What’s a good side dish?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
How do I avoid watery roll-ups?
Drain any excess liquid from the sauce and avoid overcooking the noodles.
Can I make it without eggs?
Yes, though the filling may be slightly less firm without the egg as a binder.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese is a suitable substitute, though the texture is a bit different.
Conclusion
Lasagna Roll-Ups offer all the comfort of traditional lasagna in a fun, convenient format. With their customizable filling, make-ahead options, and freezer-friendliness, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals ahead of time, these roll-ups are sure to become a go-to favorite.
Print
Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (2 roll-ups per serving) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Lasagna Roll-Ups are a fun, elegant twist on traditional lasagna—featuring tender lasagna noodles rolled up with a rich ricotta filling and smothered in savory marinara sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for portion control, make-ahead meals, or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped spinach, cooked ground beef, or sautéed mushrooms for added filling
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add optional fillings if desired.
- Spread 1–2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture onto each noodle. Roll up tightly from one end.
- Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange roll-ups seam-side down.
- Top with remaining sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use oven-ready noodles to skip boiling.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Easily make ahead and freeze before baking.
- Use vegan cheeses for a dairy-free version.
- Details
Nutrition
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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