Description
This delicious recipe for The Best Lasagna Roll Ups combines tender rolled lasagna noodles filled with a creamy ricotta and cheese mixture, savory ground beef seasoned with Italian herbs, and marinara sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or family meal, these roll ups offer a comforting twist on classic lasagna with less fuss and great presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Noodles and Filling
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Topping
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Additional shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the lasagna roll ups.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain well and lay them flat on a parchment-lined surface to cool, preventing sticking.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil then add ground beef, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the cooked meat aside.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy, forming your cheese filling.
- Assemble Roll Ups: Spread a thin layer of cheese mixture evenly onto each cooled lasagna noodle. Add a spoonful of the cooked meat mixture on top of the cheese layer. Roll each noodle tightly from one end to the other.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Place each roll up seam-side down into the dish over the sauce.
- Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the roll ups. Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the filling to heat through.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting lasagna roll ups.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat or substitute with sautéed spinach or mushrooms.
- These roll ups freeze well before baking; simply thaw before reheating for a convenient meal.
