Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun twist on classic lasagna. You take tender pasta sheets, fill them with cheesy goodness, and roll them up, all topped with rich marinara sauce!
These tasty rolls are great for sharing, and they look pretty fancy, too. I love serving them with a side salad. Who can resist a cheesy pasta treat? 🍝😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles work best, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free varieties if preferred.
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted if you’re looking for something lighter.
Ricotta Cheese: If you’re in a pinch, cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta. Just blend it a bit for a smoother texture.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought sauce is tasty, but homemade sauce using crushed tomatoes, garlic, and basil will elevate your dish. Feel free to add some red pepper flakes for a kick!
Cheeses: Mozzarella is key for its melt factor. Try using provolone for a different flavor or vegan cheese if dairy is a concern. A mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano can be delightful as well.
How Do I Properly Assemble the Roll Ups?
Assembling lasagna roll ups can seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! The goal is to spread the filling evenly and roll them tightly. Here’s how:
- Start with a cooked lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface.
- Spread an even layer of the ricotta mixture across the noodle, leaving a little space at the end for sealing.
- Add some meat and marinara mix, but don’t overload it; less is more in rolling!
- Carefully lift the edge and start rolling it up tightly, finishing seam side down to keep it from opening during baking.
With practice, you’ll get it down! Enjoy the fun of making these tasty rolls.
Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roll Ups:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (divided)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus 35 minutes of baking time. So, you’ll be enjoying your delicious lasagna roll ups in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Also, lightly grease a baking dish to make sure your roll ups don’t stick.
2. Cook the Noodles:
Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until they are al dente. Once done, drain them and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel so they don’t stick together.
3. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it smells wonderful. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat and stir half of the marinara sauce into the cooked meat mixture. Remove it from heat.
4. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Give it a light season with salt and pepper, and mix until everything is well combined.
5. Assemble the Roll Ups:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Lay one lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the ricotta cheese mixture on top, then add a spoonful of the meat and marinara mixture. Carefully roll up the noodle, starting at one end, and place it seam-side down in the greased baking dish. Repeat this with all the noodles until you have a delicious collection of roll ups.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese:
Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of all the rolled noodles. Don’t be shy with the sauce! Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella cheese on top for that cheesy goodness.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley before serving. Now, dig in and savor your cheesy, savory lasagna roll ups!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to increase the baking time slightly since no-boil noodles absorb more liquid while cooking. You might also want to add a little extra marinara sauce to keep the roll ups moist.
Can I Freeze Leftover Lasagna Roll Ups?
Absolutely! You can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. If frozen post-baking, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
What Vegetables Can I Add to the Filling?
You can sneak in some cooked spinach, mushrooms, or even diced zucchini into the ricotta mixture for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to chop them finely and sauté to remove excess moisture!
How to Reheat Leftover Roll Ups?
The best way to reheat leftovers is in the oven! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the roll ups in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Add a splash of marinara sauce if they seem dry.
