Lasagna is a timeless dish that brings comfort to any table with its layers of pasta, rich sauce, gooey cheese, and savory filling. But sometimes, you crave something just a little different. Enter lasagna roll-ups: a creative spin on the classic dish, offering individual servings of lasagna that are both easy to serve and even easier to customize. These rolls feature all the comforting flavors of lasagna, but they’re rolled up into neat, bite-sized portions, making them perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, hosting a dinner party, or meal prepping for the week ahead, lasagna roll-ups are an excellent choice. You can fill them with meat, vegetables, or even make them gluten-free or vegan. Plus, they freeze well, making them a great option for future meals.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making lasagna rolls—from the ingredients to the baking process—along with helpful tips and tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly every time. Let’s dive in!
Check out our full list of Quick Weeknight Dinner Ideas for more easy recipes!
What Are Lasagna Roll-Ups?
Lasagna roll-ups are essentially a deconstructed version of traditional lasagna. Instead of layering sheets of pasta on top of each other, you roll the pasta into individual servings. Each noodle is filled with a mixture of cheese, meat, vegetables, or even a combination of all three, and then it’s topped with sauce and baked. The result is a perfectly portioned serving that’s easier to serve and even more customizable.
Why Choose Lasagna Roll-Ups?
- Perfect Portion Control: Unlike traditional lasagna, which requires slicing and can result in uneven portions, roll-ups are already pre-portioned, making them ideal for dinner parties or family meals.
- Great for Meal Prep: These rolls are great for meal prepping. You can prepare them in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer, saving time on busy days.
- Customizable: You can swap out ingredients based on your dietary preferences. Whether you prefer a meat-filled version or want to go vegetarian, this dish can be adapted to suit any taste.
- Kid-Friendly: The bite-sized nature of the rolls makes them fun for kids to eat. Plus, they’re easy for little hands to pick up!
Ingredients
One of the best things about lasagna roll-ups is how versatile they are.
You can stick with the traditional ingredients or make them your own by swapping in different cheeses, proteins, or even adding some extra vegetables. Below is a basic recipe with the ingredients needed for a classic lasagna roll-up, followed by suggestions for variations.
Basic Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lasagna noodles | 12-15 sheets |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 ½ cups |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 ½ cups, shredded |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup, grated |
| Ground beef or turkey | 1 lb |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
| Egg | 1 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Fresh basil (optional) | 2 tbsp, chopped |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Optional Add-ins:
- Fresh spinach
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Ground chicken or pork
- Plant-based cheese (for dairy-free options)
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start preparing your lasagna rolls! Follow these steps to create this delicious dish from scratch.
Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Start by boiling the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water. Follow the package instructions to cook them until they are al dente (slightly firm). Overcooking the noodles can lead to soggy roll-ups that fall apart, so make sure to cook them just enough to soften but still hold their shape.
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and lay them out on a flat surface, such as parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel, to prevent them from sticking together. Allow them to cool slightly before filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the noodles are cooling, you can prepare the filling. Here’s how:
- Cook the Meat: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add your ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken). Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it’s browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Once done, drain any excess fat and let it cool slightly.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg. Mix well until everything is smooth and combined. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil for added flavor. The egg helps bind the cheese mixture together, ensuring it stays intact when rolled.
- Add the Meat: Once the meat has cooled slightly, stir it into the cheese mixture. You can also add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini at this stage for added flavor and texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Roll Ups
Now comes the fun part—assembling your roll-ups!
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.
- Spread Sauce: Pour a small amount of marinara sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. This creates a flavorful base layer and prevents the noodles from sticking.
- Fill the Noodles: Lay one lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of the meat and cheese filling over the entire noodle, leaving a small border at the edges. Make sure the filling is evenly spread.
- Roll the Noodle: Carefully roll the noodle up, starting from one end. Don’t roll too tightly, as you don’t want the filling to spill out. Place the roll seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Repeat: Continue filling and rolling the remaining noodles. Arrange them tightly in the baking dish, making sure they are evenly spaced.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Once your roll-ups are assembled, it’s time to bake them!
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the roll-ups, making sure they are all covered. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna roll-ups to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and makes them easier to slice and serve.
Variations of Lasagna Roll Ups
One of the best things about lasagna roll-ups is how customizable they are. Here are some delicious variations you can try based on your taste preferences:
Vegetarian Lasagna Roll Ups
For a meat-free version, replace the ground meat with sautéed vegetables such as:
- Spinach: Sauté fresh spinach with garlic and olive oil until wilted.
- Mushrooms: Use a mix of mushrooms for a savory, earthy flavor.
- Zucchini or Eggplant: Thinly slice zucchini or eggplant and sauté until tender. You can even roast them for extra flavor. You can also use tofu ricotta for a completely dairy-free filling.
Gluten-Free Lasagna Roll Ups
If you’re gluten-free, you can swap the traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets. Many brands offer gluten-free lasagna noodles that are sturdy enough to hold up in the roll-ups. You can also use zucchini or sweet potato slices as an alternative for the noodles.
Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups
For a fully plant-based version, replace the ricotta with a vegan cheese alternative, such as cashew cheese or tofu-based ricotta. Use plant-based marinara sauce or homemade vegan sauce and swap out any meat for lentils, beans, or vegetables like mushrooms and spinach.
How to Store and Reheat Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna roll-ups are perfect for making ahead and storing for later.
Storing in the Refrigerator:
Once baked, let the lasagna roll-ups cool to room temperature. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
Lasagna roll-ups freeze really well. After assembling but before baking, cover the dish with foil and freeze. When you’re ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating:
To reheat lasagna roll-ups, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through. If frozen, cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make Lasagna Roll Ups Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the roll-ups a day or two in advance. Simply assemble the roll-ups, cover them with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Can I Freeze Lasagna Roll Ups?
Absolutely! You can freeze lasagna roll-ups before or after baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, cook directly from frozen.
How Do I Make Lasagna Roll Ups Vegetarian?
To make lasagna roll-ups vegetarian, use sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers in place of the meat. You can also add extra cheese or tofu for protein.
What Sauce Should I Use for Lasagna Roll Ups?
Marinara is the most popular choice, but you can also use Alfredo, pesto, or a mix of both for a creamy variation.
Conclusion: A Fun Twist on Classic Lasagna
Lasagna roll-ups are the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of classic lasagna in an individual, easily customizable form. Whether you’re cooking for one or preparing a family meal, these roll-ups are sure to impress. They’re delicious, versatile, and perfect for meal prepping or serving at a dinner party.
Try making them today and enjoy a fun twist on a traditional favorite!