If you crave classic lasagna but want something a little more fun and portion-perfect, The Best Lasagna Roll Ups are here to change your dinner game. Each noodle is rolled into a tender spiral stuffed with a savory beef marinara, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melty mozzarella. The result? A casserole that’s easy to serve, irresistibly cheesy, and bursting with Italian comfort—ideal for feeding a hungry crowd, prepping ahead, or stashing in the freezer for a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making The Best Lasagna Roll Ups truly shine. These basic, wholesome components play a huge role in creating layers of flavor and the melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes every spiral unforgettable.
- Lasagna noodles (12, cooked): Flat and sturdy, these become your perfect rolling canvas—cook them just until tender to avoid tearing.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Adds hearty flavor and substance; you can swap for turkey or plant-based crumbles if you like.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp, divided): For browning the beef and giving the sauce a touch of richness.
- Marinara or spaghetti sauce (24 oz): A jar of good-quality sauce brings all the tomatoes, herbs, and Italian flair—homemade or store-bought, your call!
- Yellow onion (1/2 cup, diced): Sautéed onion adds subtle sweetness and depth to your meat sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Just the right amount of garlicky goodness for an authentic Italian kick.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp): A tiny sprinkle gives the dish gentle warmth, not outright heat.
- Salt (1/2 tsp) and black pepper (1 tsp): Essential for flavor balance—don’t skip these!
- Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp): Brings all the classic herbs together in one simple blend.
- Ricotta cheese (16 oz): The creamy, mild base for your cheesy filling—full-fat makes it extra luscious.
- Egg (1 large): Helps bind the cheese mixture so it stays put inside each roll up.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, finely shredded): Adds a nutty, salty punch to the ricotta filling.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (3 cups, divided): Gooey, stretchy, and totally essential for ultimate cheesiness.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Sprinkle into the cheese mix and garnish with extra for bright color and fresh flavor.
How to Make The Best Lasagna Roll Ups
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s lovely and caramelized, add diced onion and let it soften for about 3 minutes. Stir in crushed red pepper, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and those fragrant minced garlic cloves—wait just a minute for the kitchen to fill with amazing aromas! Pour in your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce, bring it to a simmer, and let the flavors meld for five minutes. Set this saucy goodness aside—you’ll need it soon.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Filling
While your meat sauce gets cozy, grab a mixing bowl. Combine ricotta cheese, a large egg, shredded Parmesan, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella, and fresh parsley. This dreamy mixture is what makes The Best Lasagna Roll Ups so rich and satisfying. Stir until combined and smooth—don’t overmix, just until everything comes together.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll Ups
Lay out your cooked lasagna noodles on a clean surface, like a cutting board or parchment. Spread a generous spoonful of the cheesy ricotta mix onto each noodle, covering end to end for maximum coverage. Add a spoonful of the savory meat sauce on top, then carefully roll each noodle up jellyroll style. Place each finished roll, seam side down, in a baking dish that’s already been coated with about a third of a cup of meat sauce to keep everything juicy while baking.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Once your baking dish is lined with roll ups, pour the rest of your meat sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese (the more, the merrier), and cover the dish with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 38 minutes—just long enough for everything to bubble and meld. Remove the foil and give it another two minutes to let the cheese turn golden and irresistible.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
When you pull the pan out and the cheese is gorgeously melted, sprinkle with extra fresh parsley for that burst of color and herby flavor. Serve these beautiful spirals warm—you’ll have everyone reaching for seconds, guaranteed!
How to Serve The Best Lasagna Roll Ups
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley just before serving adds a pop of color and freshens up every plate. For a touch of extra indulgence, dust with a little grated Parmesan or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who like it spicy. If you really want to impress, a drizzle of good olive oil over each roll brings out all the Italian flavors even more.
Side Dishes
Pair The Best Lasagna Roll Ups with a bright green salad tossed in a zippy Italian vinaigrette, or go classic with garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini, make a lovely contrast to the cheesy richness of the main dish. Don’t forget a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon to round out your Italian feast!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, fan the roll ups out in a circular pattern in your baking dish for a beautiful “rose” effect. For an appetizer party, slice them crosswise for bite-sized spirals on skewers or toothpicks—bonus points for a bowl of warm marinara for dipping. Individual ramekins make each portion extra special and easy to plate for dinner parties, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover roll ups in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors develop even more overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to. Be sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before popping it into the fridge.
Freezing
The Best Lasagna Roll Ups are honestly made for the freezer! Assemble the dish and stop just before baking. Cover it well with foil and freeze for up to three months. To cook from frozen, add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time, or thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results.
Reheating
For single servings, a minute or two in the microwave works beautifully. To reheat the whole dish, cover it with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly—about 20 to 25 minutes. If you’re worried about the cheese drying out, add a splash of extra sauce before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make The Best Lasagna Roll Ups vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or a medley of sautéed mushrooms and spinach. You’ll keep all the comfort and flavor, minus the meat.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese works in a pinch and gives the filling a lighter texture. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture first to prevent the roll ups from becoming watery.
How far in advance can I make The Best Lasagna Roll Ups?
You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead of time. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge, then bake just before serving for fresh, bubbling results.
Which type of marinara sauce is best?
Go for a robust, flavorful sauce you love—homemade or store-bought. If you prefer a chunkier sauce or one with added herbs, it’ll lend your roll ups unique character. Taste and adjust for seasoning as needed.
What’s the best way to keep the noodles from tearing?
Cook them just to al dente, then lay them out flat on a drizzle of oil or parchment after draining. Work gently when spreading the filling, and if any noodles tear, patch them together—the cheese and sauce will hold them perfectly during baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a twist on a classic or want a dish that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat, The Best Lasagna Roll Ups are guaranteed to make any mealtime feel extra special. Give this recipe a try and see just how effortlessly it can become your new comfort food favorite. Buon appetito!
PrintApple Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe
These Lasagna Roll Ups are a deliciously portioned twist on classic lasagna, featuring tender noodles rolled with savory beef marinara, creamy ricotta, Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or freezing ahead, these comforting, cheesy spirals are sure to impress with every bite.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 roll ups 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 lasagna noodles (cooked to package directions)
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 24 oz marinara or spaghetti sauce
Cheese Filling
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Assembly & Topping
- 1/3 cup meat sauce (for baking dish)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until fully browned. Add the diced onion and cook for another 3 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Build the Sauce: Add crushed red pepper, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute, then pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, and chopped parsley. Mix well until evenly blended.
- Prepare the Noodles: Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread the cheese mixture onto each noodle, then top each with a spoonful of the beef marinara sauce.
- Roll and Arrange: Gently roll each noodle up jellyroll style. Spread 1/3 cup of the prepared meat sauce onto the bottom of your baking dish and place the roll-ups seam-side down in the dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon the remaining meat sauce evenly over the roll-ups, then sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 38 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with additional fresh parsley if desired. Let rest a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Cook lasagna noodles just until al dente for best results—they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- This dish freezes beautifully either before or after baking. Wrap well and freeze up to 2 months.
- Try swapping ground beef for Italian sausage or use a plant-based alternative for a lighter dish.
- You can assemble the roll-ups ahead and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 65mg