The Ultimate Comfort Food with a Twist

Let’s talk about lasagna roll ups. If you’re a fan of traditional lasagna, you’re going to love this easy, fun twist on the classic. Imagine all the rich flavors of lasagna—cheesy, saucy goodness—but wrapped up into neat little rolls that make serving a breeze. Lasagna roll ups are basically the same as your typical lasagna, but instead of layering everything in a big dish, you roll the ingredients into individual portions. Not only do these little rolls make for a fun dinner, but they’re also perfect for meal prepping, freezing, or serving at parties. Plus, you can get creative with different fillings and sauces to suit any taste or dietary need.

Oh, and before we dive in, if you’re into Italian-inspired comfort food, you should totally check out this recipe for Italian Sausage Peppers and Onions for another hearty dish to try! Now, let’s roll up our sleeves (pun intended) and get into the good stuff.

What Are Lasagna Roll Ups Anyway?

So, what exactly are lasagna roll ups? Think of them as individual lasagna portions. Instead of building layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese like you do with traditional lasagna, you spread the filling on cooked lasagna noodles and roll them up into little spirals. They’re baked in sauce and topped with even more cheese, just like regular lasagna, but the presentation is way more fun, and the portions are already pre-measured for you. For more tips on perfecting your pasta dishes, check out this guide to different types of pasta.

If you’re like me and love anything that’s both delicious and easy to serve, lasagna roll ups are your new best friend. They’re also super customizable. Whether you want to make a meat-lover’s version, a vegetarian option, or even something gluten-free, there’s a lasagna roll up recipe out there for everyone. Plus, they look great when served—making them perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings where you want to impress without a ton of effort.

Why You Should Try Lasagna Roll Ups

Perfect Portions: With traditional lasagna, slicing can be messy, and portions can get uneven. Lasagna roll ups take care of that by offering neat, individual servings.
Customizable: Whether you’re feeding a crowd with different dietary needs or you just want to mix it up, lasagna roll ups are easy to tweak. Make a vegetarian version, add more veggies, swap out the sauce—anything goes!
Great for Meal Prep: Lasagna roll ups freeze well and can be made in advance, which makes them perfect for meal prepping. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Less Mess: Since you’re working with individual rolls instead of layers, lasagna roll ups are easier to assemble and less likely to get messy when you serve them.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Classic Lasagna Roll Ups

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. The beauty of lasagna roll ups is that they use pretty much the same ingredients as a traditional lasagna recipe. But instead of stacking, we’re rolling! Here’s what you’ll need for a classic version:

The Essentials:

Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles work best. You’ll want to cook them just until they’re al dente—soft enough to roll but firm enough to hold their shape.
Ricotta Cheese: This is the creamy base for your filling. You can also use cottage cheese if you prefer, but ricotta gives that classic lasagna feel.
Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, melty goodness on top. You can never have too much mozzarella.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: You can go classic with ground beef or spicy with Italian sausage. Want to lighten it up? Use ground turkey or chicken instead.
Marinara Sauce: Homemade or store-bought, the choice is yours. If you’re feeling fancy, try simmering your marinara with garlic, onion, and some Italian herbs for an extra punch of flavor.
Egg: This helps bind the ricotta filling so it doesn’t ooze out of the rolls.

Optional Add-Ins:

Spinach: Sneak some veggies into the filling for a healthier take. You can use fresh or frozen spinach—just make sure to squeeze out all the water if you’re using frozen.
Mushrooms: If you’re a mushroom lover, sauté some up and add them to the filling.
Fresh Herbs: Basil and parsley are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with oregano or thyme.

How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups: Step-by-Step

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients, let’s get to the fun part—assembling your lasagna roll ups! Don’t worry, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this process is super easy and pretty foolproof. Follow these steps, and you’ll be digging into cheesy, saucy deliciousness in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

First things first—boil those noodles! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lasagna noodles until they’re al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once they’re done, drain them and lay them out on a flat surface like a baking sheet or parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta, parmesan, egg, and any additional seasonings you’re using. If you’re adding spinach or other veggies, fold them into the cheese mixture. You want everything to be well combined but not too watery.

Step 3: Assemble the Roll Ups

Now for the fun part—rolling! Lay each noodle flat and spread a generous amount of the ricotta filling onto each one. If you’re using meat, sprinkle it evenly on top of the ricotta mixture. Roll up the noodles from one end to the other, like you’re making a little pasta burrito.

Step 4: Layer in Sauce and Cheese

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place each roll-up seam side down in the dish, making sure they’re nice and snug. Once all the rolls are in, pour more marinara sauce over the top, and then sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake the roll-ups for about 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—trust me, you don’t want to burn your mouth on molten cheese!

Variations to Try

One of the best things about lasagna roll ups is how easy it is to switch up the ingredients to suit your taste. Here are a few fun variations to try:

1. Vegetarian Lasagna Roll Ups

For a meatless version, skip the ground meat and load up on veggies. Spinach is a classic choice, but feel free to get creative with mushrooms, zucchini, or even roasted red peppers. To make the dish extra hearty, add a layer of mashed cannellini beans or lentils for protein.

2. Meat Lover’s Lasagna Roll Ups

If you’re feeding a crowd of carnivores, double up on the meat. Use a mix of ground beef and spicy Italian sausage, or go all out with shredded chicken, bacon, or even pepperoni.

3. Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups

For a creamier version, swap out the marinara sauce for a rich, homemade alfredo sauce. This variation is perfect if you’re in the mood for something a little more indulgent. Chicken and spinach pair particularly well with the creamy sauce.

4. Gluten-Free Lasagna Roll Ups

If you need a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles. You can also make this dish low-carb by swapping the noodles for thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant. Just be sure to roast the veggies first to remove some of their moisture.

5. Cheesy Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups

For something a little different, try mixing pesto into the ricotta filling and using a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone for an extra cheesy punch. The fresh, herby flavor of the pesto is a great complement to the creamy cheese.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

Lasagna roll ups are the perfect make-ahead meal. You can assemble them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake. Here’s how:

To Refrigerate:

Assemble the lasagna roll ups and place them in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to account for the cold.

To Freeze:

If you want to freeze lasagna roll ups, follow the same steps for assembling, but instead of refrigerating, place the dish in the freezer. Once frozen, you can transfer the rolls to a zip-top bag or keep them in the baking dish. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating Leftovers:

Leftover lasagna roll ups can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Here are some common questions people have when it comes to lasagna roll ups.

Can I Use No-Boil Noodles for Lasagna Roll Ups?

Yes! No-boil noodles work great for lasagna roll ups, but you’ll need to soak them in hot water for about 30 minutes before assembling the rolls. This softens them enough to roll without breaking.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Lasagna Roll Ups?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Can I Make Gluten-Free Lasagna Roll Ups?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free lasagna noodles, which are widely available at most grocery stores. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you can substitute the noodles with zucchini or eggplant slices.

How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?

To lighten things up, try using part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, and add more vegetables to the filling. You can also use whole-wheat lasagna noodles for extra fiber, or swap the noodles for thinly sliced veggies like zucchini or eggplant to cut down on carbs.

Can I Freeze Lasagna Roll Ups?

Definitely! Lasagna roll ups freeze beautifully. Assemble the rolls, but don’t bake them. Cover the dish with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional content of lasagna roll ups will vary depending on the ingredients you use, but here’s a general estimate for a serving of two meat-based roll-ups with marinara sauce and cheese:

Calories: 450-500 per serving
Protein: 25-30g
Fat: 20-25g
Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Fiber: 5-7g

If you’re looking to make your lasagna roll ups a bit healthier, consider using lean ground meat, part-skim cheeses, and adding more veggies to the filling. Whole wheat or gluten-free noodles are also great options for upping the fiber content or catering to dietary needs.

Pairing Ideas and Serving Suggestions

Lasagna roll ups are hearty enough to stand on their own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are some pairing ideas:

Garlic Bread: Because no Italian meal is complete without some buttery, garlicky bread on the side.
Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons of a Caesar salad balance out the richness of the lasagna rolls.
Roasted Veggies: Try roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or a simple medley of zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or Merlot pairs wonderfully with the rich, cheesy goodness of lasagna roll ups.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a fun twist on a classic dish, lasagna roll ups are the perfect solution. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to impress. Plus, they’re just plain fun to eat!

So next time you’re craving lasagna, give these lasagna roll ups a try—you won’t be disappointed. And while you’re at it, why not check out the World’s Best Lasagna for more comfort food inspiration? You can never have too many lasagna recipes in your arsenal! Happy cooking!