Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups with Marinara Sauce

Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade Italian comfort food with this must-try recipe for Lasagna Roll Ups. These individual portions of savory meat sauce, creamy three-cheese filling, and tender pasta are sure to impress both your taste buds and your dinner guests. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply craving a cozy family meal, these roll-ups offer a delicious twist on the classic lasagna that everyone will love.

I first discovered the magic of Lasagna Roll Ups during a holiday gathering, and they quickly became a staple in my recipe repertoire. The convenience of these perfectly portioned spirals, coupled with the heartwarming reactions from friends and family, convinced me that this dish was a true winner. Even my Italian grandmother, known for her discerning palate, couldn’t resist the irresistible blend of flavors in these roll-ups, making them a standout favorite in my kitchen.

To make mealtime even easier, these Lasagna Roll Ups can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for future enjoyment. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution or a make-ahead dish for entertaining, these roll-ups deliver on taste and convenience. Serve them with a side of fresh arugula salad and a glass of your favorite wine for a complete dining experience that’s sure to leave everyone satisfied.

Quick Benefits

• Impressive presentation: Lasagna roll-ups are individually portioned spirals that look as impressive as they taste, making them a great choice for special occasions or family dinners.
• Make-ahead convenience: These roll-ups can be assembled up to 24 hours before baking, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully during the resting period, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or when entertaining.
• Freezer-friendly: Lasagna roll-ups freeze exceptionally well either before or after baking, providing a convenient homemade meal option for busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups with Marinara Sauce Recipe

• Impressive Presentation: The individual spiral shape of these lasagna roll-ups makes for a stunning presentation that will impress guests at any gathering.
• Balanced Flavors: Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory meat sauce, creamy three-cheese filling, and tender pasta, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal.
• Family Favorite: This recipe is a hit with both family dinners and special occasions, making it a versatile and beloved dish for all occasions.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The ability to assemble these roll-ups up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate allows for easy meal prep, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when entertaining.
• Freezer-Friendly: These roll-ups freeze exceptionally well, both before and after baking, offering a convenient option for preparing ahead of time or saving leftovers for later.
• Customizable: The recipe offers flexibility in choosing meat options (beef, turkey, plant-based), adding vegetables to the filling, and adjusting spice levels to suit personal preferences.
• Accompaniment Options: Pair the roll-ups with a simple arugula salad, garlic bread, or focaccia for a complete meal. Wine pairing suggestions are also provided to enhance the dining experience.

Ingredients for Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups with Marinara Sauce

Cheese Filling

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Meat Sauce

• 32 oz marinara sauce
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• ½ lb ground beef
• ½ lb ground Italian sausage, hot or mild
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Lasagna Assembly

• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 12 lasagna noodles plus extra in case of breakage

How to Make Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups with Marinara Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, salt, basil, parsley, and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 4: Cook Onions

In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 10 minutes until softened.

Step 5: Cook Meat

Cook ground beef and sausage in a pan over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula, for 8-10 minutes until fully browned. Add garlic during the last minute of cooking and drain excess grease.

Step 6: Prepare Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the cooked meat and deglaze the pan with a silicone spatula. Stir in the rest of the marinara sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Bring to a boil, then simmer.

Step 7: Cook Noodles

Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Place noodles on parchment or wax paper.

Step 8: Fill and Roll Noodles

Evenly spread 2 ½ tablespoons of cheese mixture on each noodle. Top with ¼ cup of meat sauce (3 cups total). Roll noodles tightly and place seam-side down in baking dish.

Step 9: Add Toppings

Spread the remaining meat sauce over the rolled noodles and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 10: Bake Lasagna Rolls

Spray foil with non-stick spray and cover baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes. Optionally, broil at 450°F to brown cheese, monitoring closely.

Step 11: Serve

Take the dish out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve while hot.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Lasagna Roll Ups, there are several convenient ways to store and enjoy this delicious dish. If you have leftovers or want to prepare in advance, the roll ups can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap and when ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.

For long-term storage, the Lasagna Roll Ups freeze exceptionally well. You can freeze them before or after baking depending on your preference. If freezing unbaked, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. If you prefer to freeze them after baking, allow the roll ups to cool completely, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer not to use ground beef or Italian sausage, you can easily substitute them with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative to make the dish vegetarian or lighter. This swap will still provide a flavorful and protein-rich filling for the lasagna roll-ups.

For a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat entirely and bulk up the filling with sautéed spinach, finely chopped zucchini, or other vegetables of your choice. These additions will add extra nutrition, color, and flavor to the roll-ups without compromising on taste.

If you don’t have mozzarella cheese on hand, you can substitute it with a similar melting cheese like provolone or fontina. These cheeses will still give the dish a creamy and gooey texture when melted. Just make sure to shred the cheese fresh for the best melting results.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try plating the lasagna roll-ups on individual mini cast iron skillets or small ramekins to give each guest their own personalized portion. This not only looks elegant but also keeps the roll-ups warm throughout the meal, adding a cozy touch to your dining experience. Serve with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top for a finishing touch!

To add a fun twist to the presentation, try stacking the lasagna roll-ups vertically on a rectangular serving platter, alternating the direction of the spirals for a visually appealing display. This not only showcases the beautiful layers of the roll-ups but also creates a stunning centerpiece for your dinner table. Drizzle some extra marinara sauce over the top and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. Your guests will be impressed by the unique presentation and eager to dig in!

FAQs for Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups with Marinara Sauce

Can I prepare the Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups in the baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I substitute the beef and Italian sausage in the recipe?

Absolutely! You can use all ground beef, ground turkey, or a plant-based alternative instead of sausage or a beef/sausage mix.

What type of mozzarella cheese is recommended for this recipe?

Low moisture whole milk mozzarella is ideal for its superior melting quality and rich texture. Shred it fresh for the best results.

Can I add extra vegetables to the cheese filling?

Yes, sautéed spinach or finely chopped zucchini can be mixed with the cheese filling for added nutrition and flavor balance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful twist on classic lasagna that never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, these individually portioned spirals are sure to be a hit. The make-ahead and freezer-friendly options make them a convenient choice for busy weeknights or planned get-togethers, ensuring you can enjoy a homemade meal with ease.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a culinary adventure with Lasagna Roll Ups. The combination of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and tender pasta will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe to suit your preferences, whether it’s adding extra veggies or opting for a different protein. Embrace the joy of cooking and savor every bite of these delicious Lasagna Roll Ups!