This recipe for Lasagna Roll Ups provides the perfect combination of hearty flavors and creamy textures, making it a family favorite. Packed with tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and a rich cheese filling, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Designed for easy preparation, this dish combines Italian tradition with a convenient roll-up style, offering an elegant twist to a classic recipe.
Ingredients:
Cheese Filling:
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon EACH: salt, dried basil, dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- ½ lb. ground beef
- ½ lb. ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 32 oz. marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles, plus extras in case of breakage
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups of mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, salt, basil, parsley, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Spread ½ cup marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the Meat Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 10 minutes until softened.
- Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef and sausage, and break it up into fine crumbles. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
- Drain excess grease and return the skillet to the heat. Add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in the remaining marinara sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool them and stop the cooking process. Lay the noodles flat on parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Roll Ups:
- Spread about 2 ½ tablespoons of cheese filling evenly over each noodle. Top with ¼ cup of meat sauce (approximately 3 cups total for all noodles) and reserve the remaining sauce.
- Roll each noodle tightly, keeping the filling intact. Place the rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Top the roll-ups with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with 1.5 cups of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil sprayed with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Bake for 35 minutes.
- Optional: Remove the foil and broil at 450°F for 2-3 minutes to brown the top. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Portions: Individual roll-ups make serving and storing a breeze.
- Rich and Flavorful: A combination of cheeses and savory meat sauce delivers incredible taste.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Cook extra noodles in case some tear during boiling.
- Spray the baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Cheese Blend: Use a mix of cheeses like provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for extra heat.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze before or after baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of ricotta?
Cottage cheese or mascarpone can be used as substitutes.
Serving
Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. Pair with a glass of red wine for an elevated dining experience.
Suggestions
- Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
- Presentation: Serve roll-ups in individual bowls for a restaurant-style presentation.
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.
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