Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun twist on the classic dish! You take pasta sheets, fill them with creamy cheese, and roll them up—easy and tasty!
These little bundles of joy always make me smile! I love serving them with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Standard lasagna noodles work best, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free varieties if needed. No matter which you choose, make sure they are cooked al dente for easy rolling!
Ground Beef: This recipe calls for beef, but you can easily switch to ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try using cooked lentils or your favorite plant-based meat substitute.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta gives the filling its creamy texture. If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese blended with a little bit of cream or yogurt works nicely as a substitute.
Marinara Sauce: Any jarred marinara can work, but homemade is always a treat if you have time! You can tweak it with extra herbs or spices to suit your taste.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a favorite for its melting quality. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese that melts well. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor if you want a sprinkle of umami!
How Do I Roll Lasagna Noodles Without Breaking Them?
Rolling lasagna noodles can be tricky, but don’t worry! Here are some tips to help you keep your noodles intact:
- Cook the noodles until they’re al dente. They should be firm enough to hold their shape but soft enough to roll.
- Lay the noodles flat on a clean towel after draining. If they stick together, it makes rolling harder.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodle, leaving some space at the edges. This prevents overflow when rolling.
- Roll gently but firmly from one end. Chocolate company is key—don’t rush! If a corner breaks, just tuck it in gently during the rolling process.
Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roll Ups:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 40 minutes of preparation and cooking time. You’ll spend around 15 minutes prepping the ingredients and assembling the roll ups, then about 25 minutes baking them until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Noodles:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until they’re al dente, according to package instructions. Once they’re cooked, drain them and lay them flat on a towel, so they cool down without sticking together.
2. Cooking the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the minced garlic. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any extra fat from the skillet.
3. Making the Sauce:
Stir in 1 cup of the marinara sauce into the meat mixture. Add the dried Italian seasoning, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Allow this to simmer for a few minutes, then remove it from heat.
4. Preparing the Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Stir everything until it’s well combined, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
5. Assembling the Roll Ups:
Take each lasagna noodle and spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly over it. Then, add about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture on top of the ricotta. Carefully roll up each noodle from one end to another.
6. Baking the Roll Ups:
Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish. Place the rolled noodles seam-side down into the dish. Pour any leftover meat sauce over the rolls and finish off by sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Final Bake and Serve:
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and enjoy your delightful and cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups!
Can I Use No-Cook Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! No-cook lasagna noodles can save you some time. Just layer them directly in your baking dish without pre-cooking. You might need to add a bit more sauce to ensure they get cooked through during baking.
How Can I Store Leftover Lasagna Roll Ups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven or microwave. If using the oven, cover with foil to keep the moisture in.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You could also use a meat substitute or lentils for added protein!
What Should I Serve with Lasagna Roll Ups?
These delicious roll ups pair perfectly with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You could also serve them with steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal!
