Let me tell you about these Lasagna Rolls—they’re like a warm, cheesy hug wrapped up in a pasta shell. Every bite is pure comfort, with layers of gooey cheese, savory marinara, and tender pasta that are nothing short of magical. And here’s the best part: they’re so much easier to serve and portion than traditional lasagna! No more messy layers that slide apart. These rolls are perfect for individual servings that are both delicious and beautiful.
If you’ve ever craved lasagna but didn’t want to deal with the heavy lifting, this recipe is the answer. The beauty of Lasagna Rolls is that they give you all the indulgence of a classic lasagna, but with the added fun of being able to roll it all up like a little pasta burrito. Plus, they bake up in the oven until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Just trust me—you’ll love them!
Why You’ll Love Lasagna Rolls
This recipe isn’t just about food—it’s about creating that perfect bite. These Lasagna Rolls are your go-to dish when you want comfort, but with a little extra flair. They’re ideal for a cozy dinner at home, impressing guests, or meal prepping for the week.
Is this Lasagna Rolls for you? Let’s see. Lasagna Rolls are…
- Cheesy, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying – Every bite is packed with melty cheese and savory sauce.
- Easy to serve and perfect for meal prep – These rolls make portioning lasagna easy, so everyone gets the same perfect bite.
- Perfectly balanced – The pasta, cheese, and sauce come together beautifully, giving you all the best flavors of lasagna.
- Fun to make – There’s something so satisfying about rolling each lasagna noodle into a little bundle of joy.
- A family favorite – Kids love them, adults love them. Everyone’s happy when these Lasagna Rolls are on the table.
Quick Tip: To make the rolls even more decadent, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before baking. It adds that beautiful golden crust you just can’t resist.
Ingredients in Lasagna Rolls
Here’s the beauty of this dish—it’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Lasagna Noodles: The foundation of the roll! Cooked al dente to provide the perfect bite.
Ricotta Cheese: This is the secret to that smooth, creamy filling. It adds richness and pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy mozzarella. Do I even need to say more?
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that balances out all the creamy goodness.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: For that savory, meaty layer. You can skip this if you prefer a vegetarian option, or go for a meatless crumble.
Marinara Sauce: The flavorful, tangy sauce that ties it all together. Choose your favorite jar or make your own for an extra personal touch.
Egg: Helps bind the cheese filling together and gives it that perfect creamy texture.
Garlic and Fresh Herbs: These aromatics give the dish that extra depth of flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions:
Let’s dive into the steps to create this cheesy masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is a crucial step to ensure that your rolls bake evenly and turn golden on top.
Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
Boil the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Be sure to cook them al dente since they’ll bake a little longer in the oven.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a skillet, cook your ground beef or sausage until browned. Add garlic, herbs, and marinara sauce, and let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
Make the Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
Assemble the Rolls:
Spread a thin layer of cheese filling over each lasagna noodle, then spoon a little meat sauce on top. Carefully roll up the noodle, securing the filling inside.
Place in Baking Dish:
Place the rolls seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Top with more marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan for that gooey, golden finish.
Bake to Perfection:
Cover with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to melt the cheese and get a crispy top.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, let the rolls rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color!
How to serve Lasagna Rolls?
Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a balsamic vinaigrette makes a great contrast to the richness of the rolls.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce—who can resist that?
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli are great side dishes to complement the richness of the rolls.
As a Standalone: These Lasagna Rolls are hearty enough to enjoy on their own. A little sprinkle of fresh basil on top takes them over the top!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 2 rolls
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can assemble the rolls the day before and store them in the fridge, then bake them the next day when you’re ready to eat.
Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Use dairy-free cheese and meat alternatives if needed.
Storage Tips: Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat in the oven to keep that cheesy texture.
Double the Batch: These rolls freeze wonderfully! Make extra and freeze them for a convenient meal later.
Tips & Variations/Quick Tips:
- Secret Tip: For extra cheesy goodness, layer some extra cheese between the rolls before baking. You’ll be glad you did!
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use ricotta alternatives like cottage cheese for a lighter version.
- For a twist: Try spinach and mushroom filling for a veggie-packed version.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these Lasagna Rolls ahead of time?
A1: Yes, absolutely! Assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just bake them when you’re ready to eat.
Q2: Can I freeze these Lasagna Rolls?
A2: Yes, they freeze wonderfully! Just make sure to wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Q3: How do I reheat leftovers?
A3: To reheat, simply cover them with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual rolls.
Q4: Can I make a vegetarian version?
A4: Yes, skip the meat and load up on extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes, these Lasagna Rolls are perfect for making in bulk! Just increase the ingredients and bake in a larger dish.
These Lasagna Rolls are the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and fun. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, they’re sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, roll up those noodles, and prepare to be amazed! Enjoy, and happy cooking!
Lasagna Rolls
Ingredients
- For the sauce:
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 small onion small-diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- For the rolls:
- 12 dried lasagna noodles
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft (about 10 minutes). Drain grease.
- Stir in marinara, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook lasagna noodles per package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Place on a sprayed sheet pan, lightly coat with cooking spray, and cover with a towel.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Spread ½–1 cup sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- On a clean surface, spread 3 tablespoons of filling on each noodle. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat for all noodles.
- Top rolls with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is lightly browned.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
