If you’re a fan of traditional lasagna but looking for a fun, easy-to-serve variation, lasagna rolls are the perfect dish for you! This recipe takes all the flavors of classic lasagna—tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, savory ground beef, and creamy ricotta cheese—and transforms them into elegant, single-serve rolls. Perfect for a family dinner, a cozy date night, or even meal prepping, lasagna rolls are packed with flavor and easy to customize.
Unlike a traditional layered lasagna, lasagna rolls offer the same satisfying taste in a neater, more portion-controlled way. Plus, they cook faster and are easier to serve! Follow along as we break down this delicious recipe, step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Portion Control: Each roll serves as an individual portion, making it easy to serve.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the rolls in advance and bake them when ready to eat.
- Great for Meal Prepping: Store leftovers for a quick and tasty meal during the week.
- Customizable: Add different fillings such as spinach, mushrooms, or sausage.
- Faster Cooking Time: Unlike layered lasagna, lasagna rolls bake faster and more evenly.
Ingredients
To make these mouthwatering lasagna rolls, you’ll need:
For the Pasta & Filling:
- Cooking spray
- 12 dried lasagna noodles (not no-boil)
- 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1 cup packed)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed chilies (optional for spice)
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 1 (15- to 16-ounce) container whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup of the grated mozzarella cheese
- ½ of the grated Parmesan cheese
For the Sauce & Assembly:
- 1 (24- to 32-ounce) jar marinara sauce (such as Rao’s)
- Extra Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven & Baking Dish
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish and a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 12 lasagna noodles and cook 1 minute less than package directions (about 7 minutes).
- Drain and arrange 5-6 noodles in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on top and repeat with another layer of noodles.
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, 1 teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until onions are tender.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in marinara sauce, combine well, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Make the Ricotta Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, ½ cup mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Stir well until creamy and fully incorporated.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna Rolls
- Spread 1 ½ cups of meat sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Lay one lasagna noodle on a clean surface.
- Spread 3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodle.
- Top with 1 tablespoon of meat sauce.
- Roll up tightly from one short end.
- Place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat with remaining noodles.
Step 6: Add Sauce & Cheese
- Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the lasagna rolls.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 7: Bake the Lasagna Rolls
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes until cheese is slightly browned.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the lasagna rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.
- Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad.
Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna Rolls
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Slightly undercooked noodles hold their shape better.
- Use whole-milk ricotta: It provides a richer, creamier texture.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Prep ahead: Assemble the rolls in advance and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Freeze for later: Freeze individual portions for easy meal prep.
What to Serve with Lasagna Rolls
- Garlic Bread: A must-have for soaking up extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich lasagna.
- Steamed Vegetables: A healthy side to balance the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make lasagna rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I freeze lasagna rolls?
Yes! Prepare and freeze them before baking. When ready, bake from frozen at 375°F for 40-45 minutes.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Try adding provolone, asiago, or fontina for extra flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave with a splash of water to keep the moisture.
Print🧀 Lasagna Roll-Ups – A Twist on a Classic! 🍝
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Lasagna is a family favorite, but these Lasagna Roll-Ups make it even more fun! Each roll is packed with creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese—perfect for serving up individual portions of comfort. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal to impress guests, this dish delivers all the flavor of traditional lasagna with a delicious twist. Try it tonight and bring the taste of Italy to your table! 🇮🇹❤️
Ingredients
✔️ Cooking spray
✔️ 1 medium yellow onion, diced
✔️ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔️ 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella cheese, grated
✔️ 2 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
✔️ 12 dried lasagna noodles (not no-boil)
✔️ 1 tbsp olive oil
✔️ 1 ½ tsp kosher salt, divided
✔️ 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
✔️ ½ tsp black pepper
✔️ 12 oz lean ground beef
✔️ 1 jar (24-32 oz) marinara sauce (like Rao’s)
✔️ 1 container (15-16 oz) whole-milk ricotta cheese
✔️ 1 large egg
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep – Heat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13″ baking dish and a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
2️⃣ Cook Noodles – Boil lasagna noodles for 1 minute less than package directions (about 7 min). Drain and layer them on a baking sheet with parchment paper between layers.
3️⃣ Make the Meat Sauce – In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper for 4-5 min. Add garlic and cook 30 sec. Add ground beef, cook until browned (5-7 min), then stir in marinara sauce and remove from heat.
4️⃣ Prepare the Ricotta Mixture – In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, ½ tsp salt, ½ cup mozzarella, and half the Parmesan.
5️⃣ Assemble – Spread 3 tbsp ricotta mixture & 1 tbsp meat sauce on each noodle. Roll up from the short end and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
6️⃣ Bake – Spoon remaining meat sauce over rolls, sprinkle with mozzarella & Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 10 min. Uncover and bake for another 15-20 min until bubbling. Broil for 1-2 min for a golden top.
7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy! – Dish up these cheesy, saucy rolls and enjoy every bite!
Final Thoughts
Lasagna rolls are a fun, delicious twist on classic lasagna, offering all the same flavors in a convenient, easy-to-serve format. Whether you’re making them for a family meal, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Try this recipe tonight and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade lasagna in a whole new way! Don’t forget to share your creations and let us know how they turned out. 😊🍝