Short Description
Lasagna rolls are a fun and delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Instead of layering noodles, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish, I roll up each lasagna noodle with a rich, cheesy filling and smother them in marinara sauce. They are easy to serve, perfectly portioned, and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for meal prep and easy to reheat
- Customizable with different fillings and sauces
- Less messy than traditional lasagna
- Great for portion control
- A fun and elegant way to serve a classic dish
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Lasagna noodles
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Spinach (optional)
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and lay them flat on a clean surface.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If using spinach, chop and mix it in.
- If using meat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage in a pan with olive oil until browned. Drain any excess grease and mix it into the cheese filling or layer it separately.
- Spread a layer of filling evenly over each lasagna noodle and roll them up tightly.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the lasagna rolls seam side down in the dish.
- Cover with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Alfredo Style: Swap marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Protein Boost: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for extra protein.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled but unbaked rolls in a covered dish for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding extra baking time.
- Reheating: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
FAQs
How do I keep the lasagna noodles from sticking together?
I recommend adding a little olive oil to the boiling water and stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I make lasagna rolls ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and Parmesan works well as a substitute.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
No-boil noodles don’t roll as easily, so I prefer traditional boiled noodles for this recipe.
How do I prevent the rolls from falling apart?
Make sure to roll them tightly and place them seam side down in the baking dish to keep them secure.
Conclusion
Lasagna rolls are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of classic lasagna in a fun, individually portioned dish. They are simple to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether I make them for a family dinner or prep them for the week, they always turn out amazing!
Print
Lasagna Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Italian
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Short Description Lasagna rolls are a fun and delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Instead of layering noodles, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish, I roll up each lasagna noodle with a rich, cheesy filling and smother them in marinara sauce. They are easy to serve, perfectly portioned, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles – 12 wide pasta sheets, cooked according to package instructions
- Ricotta cheese – 1 ½ cups, creamy and full-fat for best flavor
- Mozzarella cheese – 1 ½ cups, shredded, plus extra for topping
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated for a rich, nutty flavor
- Egg – 1 large, helps bind the cheese filling together
- Spinach (optional) – 1 cup, fresh or frozen (thawed and drained), finely chopped
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional) – ½ pound, cooked and crumbled
- Marinara sauce – 2 cups, homemade or store-bought
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced for extra flavor
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon, to enhance the Italian flavors
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon, for sautéing the meat (if using)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and lay them flat on a clean surface.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If using spinach, chop and mix it in.
- If using meat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage in a pan with olive oil until browned. Drain any excess grease and mix it into the cheese filling or layer it separately.
- Spread a layer of filling evenly over each lasagna noodle and roll them up tightly.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the lasagna rolls seam side down in the dish.
- Cover with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Be sure to cook the lasagna noodles until just al dente, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- If using frozen spinach, squeeze out excess water to prevent a watery filling.
- Let the lasagna rolls rest for 5 minutes after baking to help them hold their shape when serving.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and texture.
- If making ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
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