Italian Dinner

Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Tender pasta sheets wrapped around a rich cheese and savory meat filling, baked in a flavorful tomato sauce for an easy crowd pleasing weeknight dinner.

When you slice into these lasagna roll ups, the layers curl like little pillows, revealing a creamy, cheesy center and a gentle tomato aroma that instantly makes the kitchen feel like home.

This is a fantastic recipe for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners because you can prep it in advance, it reheats beautifully, and it tastes like you spent all day at the stove even when you did not.

I first made these during a rainy Sunday when I wanted something comforting but not fussy, and now they are a go to weeknight favorite in my house because they are fun to eat and simple to customize.

Recipe at a Glance

⏱Prep Time20 mins

🔥Cook Time30 mins

🕐Total Time55 mins

🍰Servings6 roll ups

🇺🇸CuisineItalian

🔢Calories320 per roll up

Ingredients

Filling

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

8 ounces ground beef or Italian sausage

1 can 15 ounce crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Mixture

15 ounces ricotta cheese

1 large egg

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

Salt and pepper to taste

Assembly

9 no boil lasagna noodles or 9 regular lasagna noodles, cooked according to package if needed

Additional shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for topping

Substitutions & Variations

★Use ground turkey or plant based crumbles in place of beef or sausage for a lighter option.

★Swap ricotta with cottage cheese blended smooth if you do not have ricotta on hand.

★Choose gluten free noodles for a gluten free version, and use a gluten free pasta sauce.

★Add spinach or zucchini to the filling for extra vegetables without changing the texture much.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Cook the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add chopped onion, and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2

Brown the Meat

Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet, cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat, then stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 8 to 10 minutes to develop flavor.

3

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.

4

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it is ready when you are assembling the roll ups.

5

Spread the Sauce

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9 by 13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.

6

Fill the Noodles

Lay a lasagna noodle flat on the counter, spread a spoonful of cheese mixture along the center, and top with a spoon of meat sauce. Roll the noodle up gently but firmly.

7

Arroll and Bake

Place each filled noodle seam side down in the baking dish, spread remaining sauce over the top, and sprinkle with mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese.

8

Bake Until Bubbly

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

9

Rest Before Serving

Let the lasagna roll ups rest for 5 minutes after baking so the sauce thickens slightly and they are easier to serve.

10

Garnish and Enjoy

Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for color and brightness, then serve hot with a simple green salad.

Pro Baker Tips

✓If using no boil noodles, add a splash of water or extra sauce to the baking dish to keep the noodles tender.

✓For deeper flavor, use homemade or high quality store bought marinara sauce.

✓You can assemble the roll ups a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake just before guests arrive.

✓To reheat leftovers, cover with foil and warm in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes.

Storage & Serving Notes

◆Store leftover roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

◆Reheat in the microwave or rewarm in the oven covered with foil until hot throughout.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these juicy roll ups with a light salad and some crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

›Classic green salad with vinaigrette

›Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread

›Steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant based crumbles, and use a vegetarian friendly cheese or more ricotta.

Why did my roll ups turn out mushy?

This usually happens if the filling is too wet or the noodles are very soft. Use no boil noodles with extra sauce, and avoid overcooking regular noodles before rolling.

Can I freeze the assembled roll ups?

Yes, assemble the roll ups, cover tightly with foil and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the covered baking time until hot and bubbly.

Can I make this in a muffin tin?

Yes, you can place one rolled noodle in each muffin cup, add filling, and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 minutes for a fun individual portion version.

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Go Make It!

These lasagna roll ups turn a classic casserole into an easy, portion friendly dinner that everyone can enjoy, and they prove weeknight meals can feel special without extra stress in the kitchen.