Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delightful Lasagna Roll Ups recipe! A clever twist on classic lasagna, these individual portions are made with tender lasagna noodles generously stuffed with a creamy blend of two cheeses, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil. Each roll-up is then bathed in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, creating a truly irresistible and easy weeknight dinner or impressive meal for guests.
Effortless Elegance: Why Lasagna Roll Ups are Your New Favorite Pasta Dish
Craving the comforting flavors of lasagna without the fuss of layering a traditional casserole? Lasagna Roll Ups offer a brilliant, family-friendly solution that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. This recipe quickly becomes a household favorite, celebrated for its ease of serving and reduced mess compared to a large, communal lasagna dish. Each person gets their own perfectly portioned roll-up, ensuring an enjoyable and tidy dining experience.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its streamlined preparation. While traditional lasagna can be time-consuming with multiple layers, these roll-ups come together fairly quickly. The longest part of the process is simply waiting for your lasagna noodles to boil to that perfect al dente stage. Beyond its immediate convenience, another fantastic advantage of this dish is its remarkable freezer-friendliness. Prepare a large batch and store individual servings for future busy evenings, making it an ideal make-ahead meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or quality.
Your Lasagna Roll Up Questions Answered
Here are some of the most common questions about making and enjoying these delightful lasagna roll ups:
Absolutely! Adding meat is a fantastic way to enhance the heartiness and flavor of these lasagna roll ups. To do so, simply brown and crumble one pound of ground meat, such as lean ground beef or flavorful Italian sausage. For an extra layer of taste and texture, you can sauté some finely diced onions and green peppers with the meat until softened. Season your meat mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. After you’ve spread the creamy ricotta cheese mixture onto each cooked lasagna noodle, generously sprinkle a portion of the seasoned meat mixture over the cheese. Gently press it down so it adheres to the cheese before rolling up the noodle. If you happen to have any extra meat mixture, feel free to stir it into the remaining marinara sauce before spreading it over the assembled roll-ups in the baking dish. This ensures every bite is packed with savory goodness.
Yes, spinach is a wonderful addition that boosts both nutrition and flavor! You can incorporate one 10-ounce package of frozen spinach, ensuring it’s thoroughly thawed and excess water has been squeezed out to prevent a watery filling. Alternatively, a handful of fresh spinach, finely chopped, can be wilted slightly and mixed into the ricotta cheese blend. Spinach adds a lovely earthy note and vibrant color, complementing the rich cheese and sauce beautifully.
Lasagna roll ups are quite a complete meal on their own, but pairing them with a few simple sides can elevate the dining experience. I love serving them with a crisp, refreshing side salad, perhaps with a light vinaigrette, to cut through the richness of the cheese. Classic garlic bread is also an absolute must for soaking up every last drop of that delicious marinara sauce. For a healthier option, consider roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini, which add texture and nutritional value without overpowering the main dish.
Don’t worry if you don’t have the exact dish size specified! This recipe is quite flexible. You can actually arrange the roll-ups more tightly together to fit them into a slightly smaller 9×9-inch baking dish. Alternatively, if you have a larger 9×13-inch baking dish, you can spread them out a bit more. The key is to ensure they fit comfortably in a single layer and are evenly covered with sauce and cheese for optimal baking. Adjust baking time slightly if using a dish that significantly alters how spread out or crowded the roll-ups are, though 25 minutes is generally sufficient.
Leftover lasagna roll ups are fantastic and store exceptionally well! Simply transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. For longer storage, these roll ups are perfect for freezing. Wrap individual roll ups tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn. They will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or microwave for a quicker option, ensuring they are heated evenly to avoid cold spots.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Lasagna Roll Ups
Crafting delicious lasagna roll ups starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips for each:
- Lasagna Noodles (9 sheets): The foundation of our roll-ups! It’s crucial not to overcook these noodles. Aim for an al dente texture, cooking them according to package directions, typically 7-8 minutes. If they become too soft or mushy, they’ll be difficult to handle and prone to falling apart when you try to roll them. Remember to salt your boiling water generously; this seasons the noodles from the inside out and helps prevent sticking.
- Ricotta Cheese (15-ounce container): This creamy Italian cheese is the heart of our filling. I strongly recommend sticking with ricotta for this recipe. While cottage cheese is often used in some lasagna-style dishes, it tends to be much “wetter” than ricotta. This higher moisture content in cottage cheese can make the filling too loose, causing it to squish out during the rolling process and making your roll-ups challenging to form and hold together. Ricotta provides the perfect firm yet creamy consistency.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, divided use): Mozzarella offers that iconic melty, gooey stretch that we all love in lasagna. While store-bought pre-shredded cheese is incredibly convenient and works perfectly fine, you can certainly grate fresh mozzarella for an even creamier melt. You have full control over the amount; use as little or as much cheese as your heart desires for the perfect cheesy experience. We’ll divide this into two parts: one cup for the filling and one cup for topping.
- Minced Garlic (1 Tablespoon): Garlic infuses the cheese filling with a fragrant, savory depth. Both jarred minced garlic and freshly minced cloves are acceptable. However, if you have the time, mincing fresh garlic will always yield a more potent and vibrant flavor profile that truly elevates the dish.
- Fresh Basil (2 Tablespoons, finely chopped + more for topping): Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic, and slightly peppery note that is simply divine with tomatoes and cheese. While fresh basil is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor, you can substitute it with about 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil or 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning if fresh herbs aren’t available. The additional fresh basil for topping after baking adds a beautiful burst of color and fragrance.
- Black Pepper (Pinch): A simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them. Freshly ground black pepper will offer the best aroma and taste.
- Marinara or Pasta Sauce (24-ounce jar, divided use): The choice of sauce can make a significant difference in the overall flavor of your lasagna roll ups. My personal favorite is Rao’s roasted garlic pasta sauce; its rich, authentic flavor adds incredible depth to this dish. While it can be a bit pricier, a good quality marinara is truly worth the investment. However, feel free to use your favorite brand that fits your budget, or even make it from scratch using my homemade marinara sauce recipe here. If you enjoy a very saucy lasagna, don’t hesitate to purchase a larger jar or have an extra one on hand. We’ll divide the sauce, using one cup for the bottom of the dish and the rest to cover the roll-ups.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Assemble Delicious Lasagna Roll Ups
Follow these simple instructions to create perfect, individual lasagna roll ups that are sure to impress:
- Prepare the Noodles: Begin by boiling your lasagna noodles in a large pot of generously salted water. Cook them just until they are al dente, meaning they are firm but still pliable enough to roll without breaking. Refer to the package directions, typically around 7-8 minutes. Avoiding overcooking is crucial; soft, mushy noodles will be difficult to handle. Once cooked, drain the noodles and let them cool for a few seconds, then carefully lay them out side by side on a clean, flat surface, such as a large cutting board or clean kitchen towels, to prevent sticking and make them easier to work with.
- Craft the Creamy Filling: While your noodles are cooking, prepare the rich and flavorful cheese mixture. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the entire 15-ounce container of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly until well combined and smooth. At this point, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your roll-ups are assembled.
- Spread the Filling: With your cooked noodles laid flat, divide the ricotta cheese mixture evenly among the 9 noodles. Using a spoon or an offset spatula, spread the mixture down the center of each noodle, leaving a small border (about half an inch) around the edges. This border helps contain the filling when rolling and prevents it from oozing out excessively.
- Roll ‘Em Up: Carefully and gently, roll up each lasagna noodle, starting from one end and working your way to the other. Try to keep the roll-ups relatively tight and compact to ensure the filling stays securely inside. Place each rolled noodle seam-side down on your clean surface as you complete it.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Pour approximately one cup of your marinara sauce into the bottom of an 11×7-inch baking dish (or an alternative size, as discussed in the FAQ section). Spread the sauce evenly across the bottom to create a flavorful bed for your roll-ups and prevent them from sticking.
- Arrange and Sauce: Carefully transfer each lasagna roll-up into the prepared baking dish, placing them seam-side down on top of the marinara sauce. Arrange them snugly next to each other. Once all roll-ups are in place, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top, ensuring each roll-up is generously covered.
- The Final Cheesy Touch: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese generously over all the sauced roll-ups. Remember, you can adjust the amount of cheese here to your personal preference – whether you like a lighter topping or an extra-cheesy crust!
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the roll-ups and prevent the cheese from browning too quickly while ensuring even heating. Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25 minutes, or until the lasagna roll ups are warmed through and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. For a slightly golden-brown top, you can remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Garnish and Serve: Once fully cooked, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. For an extra touch of freshness and aroma, sprinkle more fresh chopped basil over the hot roll-ups. Allow them to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This short resting period allows the cheese and sauce to set, making them easier to scoop and enjoy without falling apart.
Serve your warm, cheesy lasagna roll ups with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete and utterly satisfying Italian-inspired meal!
Explore More Delicious Pasta Recipes!
If you loved these Lasagna Roll Ups, you’re in for a treat! Discover more comforting and flavorful pasta dishes to add to your repertoire:
- Easy Manicotti
- Homemade Baked Lasagna
- Deep Fried Lasagna
- Easy Skillet Lasagna
- Lasagna Soup
- Mexican Lasagna
- Lasagna For Two
- Crock Pot Beef Ragu
Originally published: May 2015
Photos updated and republished: November 2023
Lasagna Roll Ups
Print Recipe
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20 minutes
25 minutes
45 minutes
4
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 15 ounce container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided use
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh chopped basil + more for topping (dried basil can be used or Italian seasoning – see notes below)
- pinch of black pepper
- 24 ounce jar marinara or pasta sauce, divided use
Instructions
- Boil lasagna noodles and cook just until al dente. Note: follow the package directions for making the lasagna noodles which includes salting the water. You don’t want the noodles too soft or they won’t hold together while rolling up.
- While noodles are cooking, mix together ricotta, garlic, basil, black pepper, and one cup shredded mozzarella cheese in a bowl. At this point, go ahead and start preheating your oven to 350F degrees.
- Remove noodles from the water (let them drip for a few seconds) and lay out side by side on a clean surface.
- Divide the ricotta cheese mixture evenly and spread the mixture down the middle of each of the 9 lasagna noodles. Leave a slight border around the edges.
- Roll up each noodle, doing your best to make sure nothing squeezes out in the process.
- Spread around one cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a 11×7-inch casserole dish.
- Then place each roll seam side down into the dish.
- Cover the rolls with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Finally, top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover dish loosely with foil and bake at 350F degrees for about 25 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melted.
- When fully cooked, remove from oven and top with more fresh chopped basil. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes & Tips for Success
- For further details on substitutions or answers to frequently asked questions, please refer to the comprehensive FAQ section and ingredient list provided above in the article.
- Baking Dish Flexibility: If you don’t have the exact 11×7-inch dish, don’t worry! You can fit these roll-ups tightly into a 9×9-inch dish, or spread them out more in a 9×13-inch baking dish. The baking time generally remains the same, but always ensure the dish is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Herb Alternatives: If fresh basil is not available, you can use about 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil or 1/2 teaspoon of a good quality Italian seasoning in the ricotta mixture for a similar aromatic profile.
- Sauce Quality Matters: The choice of marinara sauce significantly impacts the overall flavor. My top recommendation is Rao’s, especially their roasted garlic flavor, which pairs incredibly well with the other ingredients. However, use any high-quality sauce you love and can easily find.
- Adjusting Sauce and Cheese: Feel free to customize the amount of sauce and cheese to your liking. If you prefer an extra saucy or exceptionally cheesy dish, simply use a larger jar of marinara or add more mozzarella cheese on top before baking.
- Preventing Sticky Noodles: Adding a splash of olive oil to your boiling water can help prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking together. Also, once drained, rinse them briefly with cool water to halt the cooking process and prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Make Ahead Tip: Assemble the lasagna roll ups completely (up to step 8), cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Main Course
American
Nutrition Information
Carbohydrates: 57g |
Protein: 35g |
Fat: 29g |
Sodium: 940mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 6g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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