Description
These delicious lasagna roll ups combine tender pasta, savory meat, and creamy cheeses rolled into perfect individual portions. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella, they make an easy and crowd-pleasing Italian-American main course ideal for weeknight dinners or family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Lasagna Roll Ups
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Garnish
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a parchment-lined surface to cool, preventing them from sticking together.
- Cook Meat Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, then drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Roll Ups: Spread a thin layer of the cheese mixture evenly onto each cooked lasagna noodle. Spoon a portion of the meat mixture on top of the cheese. Carefully roll up each noodle tightly, and place the rolls seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish that has 1 cup of marinara sauce spread on the bottom.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over the lasagna roll ups. Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create a deliciously cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and the roll ups to heat through evenly.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot for a beautiful presentation and fresh herbal note.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat or replace it with sautéed spinach or mushrooms.
- These roll ups freeze well before baking; simply thaw completely before reheating.
- Use fresh pasta noodles if available for an even more tender texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste if using store-bought marinara sauce, which can vary in saltiness.
