Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful twist on the classic lasagna that brings together all your favorite flavors in a fun and easy-to-serve format. Instead of layering the noodles, we roll them up with a delicious filling, creating a beautiful presentation that is sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply feeding your family, these roll-ups are a hit every time. Plus, they are adaptable, allowing you to get creative with the fillings and sauces. Let’s dive into how you can make these scrumptious Lasagna Roll Ups right in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Keep Making It
Lasagna Roll Ups are not just visually appealing; they are also incredibly versatile. The flavors meld perfectly together, with the savory ground beef and rich marinara sauce pairing beautifully with the creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella. They are also a great way to use up leftover ingredients, making them a fantastic choice for meal prep. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again because it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be tailored to suit any taste!
What You’ll Gather
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked to package instructions
- 16 oz ground beef, 85% lean
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste for red sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped, plus more to garnish
Equipment & Tools
- Large pot – for boiling the noodles
- Skillet – for cooking the beef and sauce
- Mixing bowl – for combining the cheese filling
- Baking dish – to hold the rolled lasagna
- Aluminum foil – for covering the dish while baking
Cook Lasagna Roll Ups Like This
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Begin by cooking your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to cool slightly. This will make them easier to roll.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring until the onion becomes translucent.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Seasoning
Pour in the marinara sauce, followed by the sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Step 4: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, large egg, parmesan cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and chopped parsley. Stir until well blended.
Step 5: Assemble the Roll Ups
Spread a ladle of the meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Take a lasagna noodle and spread a generous amount of the cheese filling over the top. Roll the noodle tightly, then place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all noodles are filled and arranged in the dish.
Step 6: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Once all the roll-ups are in the baking dish, pour the remaining meat sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese generously over everything.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Lasagna Roll Ups cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy the layers of flavor and texture in every bite!
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
- For a gluten-free version, substitute lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives or use zucchini slices.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or lentils for a lighter option.
- Use dairy-free cheese substitutes to make the dish vegan-friendly.
- Omit the egg in the ricotta mixture and use a flax egg or silken tofu as a substitute.
Things That Go Wrong
Cooking can be unpredictable! Here are a few common issues you might encounter with your Lasagna Roll Ups:
- Overcooked Noodles: If the noodles are too soft, they may tear while rolling. Make sure to cook them al dente.
- Too Much Filling: Overfilling the noodles can lead to messy roll-ups. Use just enough filling for a snug roll.
- Dry Roll Ups: Ensure there is enough sauce in the bottom of the dish to keep the roll-ups moist during baking.
- Uneven Cooking: If your oven runs hot, check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid burning.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
Lasagna Roll Ups are great for meal prep and can be stored for later enjoyment. Here’s how:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: To freeze, assemble the roll-ups and place them in a freezer-safe dish before baking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Troubleshooting Q&A
What if my roll-ups fall apart when I try to serve them?
Make sure to cool the roll-ups slightly before serving. Also, ensure you are using enough sauce so they don’t dry out and fall apart.
Can I use a different type of meat in the filling?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute like lentils can work beautifully in your Lasagna Roll Ups.
How do I ensure my cheese filling is creamy?
Mix the ricotta with the egg and cheese thoroughly to create a smooth filling. Adding a splash of milk can also help achieve creaminess.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the roll-ups a day in advance and keep them in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Weekend Projects
- Creamy Turkey And Spinach Lasagna – A lighter lasagna option loaded with spinach and turkey.
- Mushroom Lasagna – A vegetarian delight that highlights the earthy flavors of mushrooms.
Next Steps
Now that you have mastered the art of creating these delicious Lasagna Roll Ups, consider experimenting with different fillings and sauces to suit your taste. Try adding fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even switching up the cheeses. The possibilities are endless, and each variation can bring something new to the table. Happy cooking!
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Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by cooking your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to cool slightly. This will make them easier to roll.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring until the onion becomes translucent.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, followed by the sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, large egg, parmesan cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and chopped parsley. Stir until well blended.
- Spread a ladle of the meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Take a lasagna noodle and spread a generous amount of the cheese filling over the top. Roll the noodle tightly, then place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all noodles are filled and arranged in the dish.
- Once all the roll-ups are in the baking dish, pour the remaining meat sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese generously over everything.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Once out of the oven, let your Lasagna Roll Ups cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy the layers of flavor and texture in every bite!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives or use zucchini slices.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or lentils for a lighter option.
- Use dairy-free cheese substitutes to make the dish vegan-friendly.
