Lasagna Roll Ups: Easy Recipe & Delicious Variations

Lasagna roll ups: Forget everything you thought you knew about lasagna! We’re taking this classic Italian comfort food and giving it a fun, modern twist. Imagine all the cheesy, saucy goodness of traditional lasagna, but in perfectly portioned, easy-to-serve rolls. Intrigued? You should be!

Lasagna, with its rich history rooted in Italian culinary tradition, has been a family favorite for generations. From its humble beginnings as a simple pasta dish, it has evolved into the layered masterpiece we know and love today. But let’s be honest, sometimes slicing and serving a traditional lasagna can be a bit of a messy affair. That’s where these delightful lasagna roll ups come in!

People adore lasagna for its comforting flavors, the satisfying combination of pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and of course, plenty of melted mozzarella. These roll ups capture all of that deliciousness in a more convenient and elegant form. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a fancy dinner party. Plus, they’re incredibly customizable – feel free to add your favorite vegetables, meats, or cheeses to create your own signature version. Get ready to experience lasagna in a whole new way!

Ingredients:

• For the Meat Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, casings removed)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• For the Cheese Filling:
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• For the Lasagna Roll-Ups:
• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be!
4. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley just before removing the sauce from the heat. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch more salt or a little sugar if the sauce is too acidic.

Preparing the Cheese Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Make sure there are no lumps of ricotta cheese remaining.
2. Taste the cheese mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more Parmesan cheese for a saltier flavor, or a pinch more garlic powder for extra zing.

Cooking the Lasagna Noodles:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package directions, but cook them until they are al dente. You want them to be pliable enough to roll, but not so soft that they tear easily. I usually cook them for about 8 minutes.
2. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them immediately and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also prevent them from sticking together.
3. Lay the noodles out on a clean kitchen towel or a sheet of parchment paper to dry slightly. This will make them easier to handle.

Assembling the Lasagna Roll-Ups:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce (about 1 cup) evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will prevent the lasagna roll-ups from sticking and add flavor to the bottom.
3. Lay one lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread about 1/3 cup of the cheese filling evenly over the noodle, leaving a small border at the edges.
4. Carefully roll up the noodle from one end to the other, like a jelly roll. Place the roll-up seam-side down in the baking dish, on top of the meat sauce.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the remaining lasagna noodles and cheese filling, arranging the roll-ups in a single layer in the baking dish.
6. Spoon the remaining meat sauce evenly over the lasagna roll-ups, making sure they are all well covered.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the meat sauce.

Baking the Lasagna Roll-Ups:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the lasagna roll-ups moist and prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
3. Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden brown.
4. Let the lasagna roll-ups cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and make them easier to handle.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Meat Options: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef or Italian sausage. For a vegetarian option, you can use a mixture of chopped vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers in place of the meat.
• Cheese Variations: You can add other cheeses to the cheese filling, such as provolone, fontina, or Asiago.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you don’t like spice, you can omit them altogether.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna roll-ups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: You can freeze the lasagna roll-ups before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the roll-ups in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. To freeze after baking, let the lasagna roll-ups cool completely, then cut them into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and then microwave or bake in the oven until heated through.
• Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the meat sauce and cheese filling. Fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary are all great additions.
• Vegetables: Add chopped spinach or kale to the cheese filling for extra nutrients.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the lasagna roll-ups with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Troubleshooting:

• Noodles are tearing: If your lasagna noodles are tearing when you try to roll them, they may be overcooked. Try cooking them for a shorter amount of time next time. You can also try using a wider noodle.
• Roll-ups are falling apart: If your lasagna roll-ups are falling apart, the cheese filling may be too wet. Make sure to drain the ricotta cheese well before using it. You can also add a little breadcrumbs to the cheese filling to help absorb excess moisture.
• Sauce is too thin: If your meat sauce is too thin, simmer it for a longer amount of time to allow it to thicken. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to the sauce to thicken it quickly.
• Sauce is too thick: If your meat sauce is too thick, add a little water or broth to thin it out.
• Cheese is not melting: If your mozzarella cheese is not melting properly, make sure you are using a good quality cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These lasagna roll ups are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. They’re a delightful twist on a classic, offering all the comforting flavors of lasagna in a fun, individual portion. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both impressive and surprisingly easy to make, this is it. Seriously, ditch the traditional baking dish for once and embrace the roll!

Why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the sheer deliciousness, it’s incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s also fantastic for entertaining. Imagine serving these at your next gathering – your guests will be wowed by the presentation and the incredible taste. Plus, portion control is a breeze! No more struggling to cut even slices of lasagna. Each roll up is a perfectly contained serving of cheesy, saucy goodness.

But the best part? You can totally customize these to your liking. Feeling meaty? Add some browned Italian sausage or ground beef to the ricotta mixture. Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms would be delicious additions. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or the cheese filling. And if you’re a cheese lover (like me!), feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan would be heavenly.

Speaking of serving suggestions, these lasagna roll ups are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a classic choice. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are always a welcome addition. And for a heartier meal, consider serving them with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.

For a fun variation, try using different types of pasta sheets. Whole wheat lasagna sheets will add a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Or, for a gluten-free option, use zucchini slices instead of pasta. Just be sure to salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture before assembling the roll ups.

I’m absolutely confident that you’ll love these lasagna roll ups as much as I do. They’re a crowd-pleaser, a time-saver, and a guaranteed way to impress your family and friends. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to roll!

I can’t wait to hear about your experience making these lasagna roll ups. Did you try any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I love seeing how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking! Don’t forget to tag me in your social media posts so I can see your creations! I’m sure you’ll find that making these is a rewarding experience and a delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian dish with a modern twist. Enjoy!