Introduction
Imagine the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna, but rolled into perfect, individual portions that are as fun to make as they are to eat. That’s exactly what you get with these Lasagna Roll-Ups—a delightful twist on the classic that combines tender lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta filling, and rich marinara sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. The aroma of melted mozzarella and savory herbs wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone excited for dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, these roll-ups are sure to impress with their beautiful presentation and irresistible taste.
What makes Lasagna Roll-Ups so special is their versatility and ease. Each roll is a perfect portion, making serving a breeze. Plus, they’re ideal for meal prep or freezing for later. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that feels both elegant and comforting—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 10-12 lasagna noodles
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spread about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Working with one noodle at a time, spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly over the surface of each noodle.
- Gently roll up each noodle from one end to the other, being careful not to squeeze out the filling. Place the roll-ups seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the roll-ups, making sure they are well covered. Sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the roll-ups cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Don’t overcook the noodles—al dente is key so they hold their shape when rolled.
- Spread the filling evenly but not too thick, so the rolls stay tight and neat.
- Use a good-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Cover with foil while baking to keep the rolls moist and prevent the cheese from burning.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.
Variations and Substitutions
For a healthier twist, try using whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles. You can also substitute part-skim ricotta and mozzarella to reduce fat and calories. If you want to add more vegetables, finely chopped spinach or shredded zucchini can be mixed into the ricotta filling. For a meatier version, add cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or ground turkey to the marinara sauce before pouring it over the roll-ups.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Lasagna Roll-Ups store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions. For longer storage, freeze the roll-ups in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQ
Can I make Lasagna Roll-Ups ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the roll-ups in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?
After draining, lay the noodles flat on a kitchen towel or parchment paper, and don’t let them overlap.
Can I freeze Lasagna Roll-Ups?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking. If freezing before, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time.
What can I serve with Lasagna Roll-Ups?
A simple green salad and garlic bread make perfect side dishes.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese works well for a lighter texture and is a great substitute.
Nutrition Estimate (per serving)
Approximately 320 calories, 18g protein, 28g carbohydrates, 15g fat. Nutrition values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Lasagna Roll-Ups
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10-12 noodles lasagna noodles Cook until al dente
Cheese Filling
- 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Plus extra for topping
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste Salt and pepper
Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade
Garnish
- to taste Fresh parsley or basil Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assembly
- Spread about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Working with one noodle at a time, spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly over the surface of each noodle.
- Gently roll up each noodle from one end to the other, being careful not to squeeze out the filling.
- Place the roll-ups seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the roll-ups, making sure they are well covered.
- Sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese.
Baking
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the roll-ups cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
