What are those nights? The ones where the clock is ticking, everyone’s hungry, and the thought of assembling a traditional meal. Does lasagna feel like a marathon? I’ve been there more times than I can count. How did these lasagna roll ups come into my life? My mom used to make something similar when we were kids, but with a few tweaks over the years, this is what I am going to try. What is your favorite weeknight lifesaver? They’re like all the cozy, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna, but in these adorable little spirals. Is it easier to manage things that are more difficult? Honestly, the first time I served these, my kids literally squealed with delight – and then they were so happy. How do you get a comforting lasagna flavor without all the layering drama? You’ve come to the right place. What are some of the best lasagna rolls?
What are Lasagna roll ups?
What are flavor bombs? Think of lasagna roll ups as the speedy, streamlined cousin of your beloved baked lasagno. Instead of layering noodles, sauce, and cheese in a big pan, we take cooked lasagna noodles. How do I roll them up with a creamy ricotta mixture (often jazzed up by herbs and Parmesan), then roll up again? What are some of the best little rolls to bake with marinara sauce? Is mozzarella cheese a good topping for pizza? Once baked, you get these individual, self-contained portions of pure comfort food. What is deconstructed lasagna? Is it about the structural integrity of a big casserole? What a delicious combination of flavors and textures. I love them because they feel a bit fancy, but are secretly so simple.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best lasagna roll up recipes? First off, the flavor is just out of this world good. What’s that classic savory tomato sauce, creamy, herby ricotta filling, and melty, melted chocolate? How do you bake mozzarella cheese? What are some of the best comfort food notes? What I adore about these are how unbelievably simple they are. I can whip these up without breaking a sweat. What is the cost? All the ingredients are pantry staples, and you don’t need anything fancy to make them taste good. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. What are some good side dishes to serve as a main course? Is hit every single time? What sets my version apart, though, is the balance of flavors in the ricotta filling; I always add a little nutmeg, which sounds weird, I know, but trust me, it elevates everything and makes me happy. Adds a subtle warmth that’s just divine.
How do I make Lasagna Roll Ups?
Quick Overview
How do I make lasagna roll ups? I’ll start by cooking some lasagna noodles until they’re perfectly al dente, then whip up a simple, cheesy sauce. What is the recipe for creamy r How do you spread the goodness onto the noodles, roll ’em up, tuck them into a dish with plenty of marinara? What should I do with the sauce and cheese, and let the oven do the rest? It’s a straightforward process that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. How do you prep the filling ahead of time?
Ingredients
For the Main Noodles: What are some examples
12-16 lasagna noodles (the oven-ready kind work great too, just follow package directions, but I’m not a huge fan of lasag noodles): Is there any recipe for this? I prefer the classic ones for texture!
1 tablespoon olive oil (to prevent sticking when boiling)
Salt (for the boiling water): Salt is a salt for
What is the creamy filling?
2 cups ricotta cheese (whole milk is best for creaminess, but part-skim is fine too)!
1 large egg, lightly beaten (this acts as a binder).
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff makes a difference)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried, but fresh is lovely)
1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if that’s what you have)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (my secret weapon for warmth)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
For the Sauce & Topping:
1 jar (24-28 ounces) of marinara sauce (your favorite brand, or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious!)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim melts best)
How do I follow the
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I get the oven to preheat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius)? While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you spread marinara sauce evenly in a dish? How do I keep my little lasagna rolls from sticking?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine your ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Set aside. What is the difference between minced garlic and nutmeg? Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. I always taste a little bit of the ricotta mixture at this stage (don’t worry, the egg is lightly beaten). I was beaten and it’s totally fine! What are some good ways to make sure the seasoning is just right.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
What is the recipe for this step? Is it smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor? The egg acts as a binder, ensuring the filling stays put when you roll up the noodles. What is the heart of flavor? Don’t skimp on seasoning!
Step 4: Combine
This step is more about assembly than mixing. Is it necessary to spread the ricotta over lasagna noodles? Is it like frosting a cake with cheese? I usually leave a small border at the top edge of the noodle so the filling doesn’t ooze out too easily. I always leave it in the freezer for about 5 days. How much when you roll it?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
The filling is already prepared in Step 2. Make sure it’s well combined and seasoned to your liking. What makes a roll-up so delicious? If you want to get fancy, you can stir in some cooked, crumbled Italian sausage or sautéed spinach. Is the ricotta mixture too thick for the noodles? What is a great way to customize your website?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Now for the fun part! Lay one cooked lasagna noodle flat on your work surface. Using a spoon or an offset spatula, spread a generous layer of the ricotta filling over the noodle, making sure to cover it from edge to edge, but leaving about a 1/2 inch border at one of the shorter ends. Starting from the shorter end that has filling all the way to the edge, carefully and tightly roll up the noodle. It might seem a little tricky at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. Place the rolled noodle seam-side down into the prepared baking dish on top of the marinara sauce. Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling, arranging them snugly next to each other in the dish.
Step 7: Bake
Once all your lasagna roll ups are nestled in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly. Don’t be shy with the sauce; it helps keep everything moist and flavorful. What’s the best way to serve mozzarella cheese on top? Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil (this traps the steam and helps cook the cheese evenly). Bake for 20 minutes. If cheese is melted, remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Is it possible to turn a golden brown? Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
What is the most important step that I learned the hard way: let them rest! Once they come out of the oven, let the lasagna roll ups sit in the baking dish for 5-10 minutes. Is it necessary to wait 15 minutes Is it necessary to cook cheeses and sauce in a low oven? If so, why? From falling apart. You don’t really “glaze” them in the traditional sense, but the marinara sauce and melted cheese on top. Top act as the perfect topping.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Serve the lasagna roll ups directly from the baking dish. Is it possible to serve them individually or as a family? What are some of the best ice creams? Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This will add a pop of color.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best lasagna roll ups? What is a good breakfast with coffee? What are some of the best ways to start a day? For a more leisurely brunch, I’ll serve them alongside some scrambled eggs, and green salad with sour cream. What’s a good vinaigrette to serve with bread? If you’re thinking of serving them as a lighter, more elegant dinner, serve them with Caesar salad or some other salad. What are the best companions for asparagus? And for those “just because” cozy evenings or when you need a comforting snack, they’re fantastic on their own. Is it a good idea to serve them on their own, maybe with sliced bread to soak up any extra sauce? My kids love them with garlic knots – they say it’s the ultimate pasta. How can I make it?
What are some tips for perfecting lasagna roll ups?
I’ve made these lasagna roll ups countless times, and through trial and error, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make them even better. For the noodles, make sure you don’t overcook them when boiling; they should be pliable but still have a slight bite (al dente) so they don’t fall apart when you roll them. If you’re using oven-ready noodles, just follow the package instructions carefully, but be aware they can sometimes be a bit trickier to roll. When mixing the ricotta filling, don’t be afraid to season it well. Bland filling makes for bland roll-ups! I always add a touch of nutmeg because it really brings out the richness of the dairy and the sweetness of the tomato sauce – it’s a small addition that makes a huge difference. For the rolling technique, try to keep it firm but not so tight that the noodles crack. And when you’re spreading the filling, leaving a small border along one edge of the noodle helps prevent the filling from squeezing out the ends too much during rolling. If you find your ricotta mixture is a bit watery, you can strain it a bit more or add a touch more Parmesan to thicken it up. Lastly, don’t skip the resting period after baking; it’s essential for the roll-ups to set up properly, making them easier to serve and enjoy.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you happen to have any leftover lasagna roll ups (which is rare in my house! ), you can make them yourself! Is it possible to store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? I usually pop the baking dish straight into the fridge, making sure it’s well-wrapped with foil. I like to bake in a plastic bag. Is there a plastic wrap or lid? When you’re ready to reheat, the best way is to pop them back into a moderate oven (around 350°F or 375°C). 175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain their texture and flavor. Can you reheat individual roll-ups in the microwave? For freezing, I like to place the cooled, baked roll-ups in a freezer-safe container or wrap them. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Can you store them in the freezer for up to 3 months? When you’re ready to enjoy them from frozen, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. First, then reheat as directed above. I generally recommend adding the marinara sauce and cheese *after* reheating if you’re freezing the pasta. Un-sauced/un-cheesed roll-ups to prevent sogginess, but for the full baked dish, just reheat as is.
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of lasagna, made ridiculously easy. These lasagna roll ups are truly a weeknight hero in my kitchen, bringing smiles to faces without adding stress to my evening. They’re perfect for busy families, impromptu dinner guests, or just when you’re craving something deeply satisfying. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Cheesy Baked Ziti or my Creamy Chicken Lasagna Casserole, which offer similar comforting vibes. Give these lasagna roll ups a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Let me know in the comments below how yours turned out, or if you’ve added your own special twist!
Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 container ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 each egg beaten
- 2 tablespoon dried parsley
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in 1.5 cups of marinara sauce, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the beef.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix well.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Lay each cooked lasagna noodle flat. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture onto each noodle. Roll up each noodle tightly.
- Place the rolled-up noodles seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the rolled noodles. Sprinkle with the remaining 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
