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Ever found yourself craving the comforting layers of lasagna but dreading the time commitment? You’re not alone! Our recipe for lasagna roll-ups delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness of traditional lasagna but in convenient, individually portioned rolls that are perfect for busy weeknights. These adorable pasta pinwheels not only look impressive but also cook faster than layered lasagna, making them your new secret weapon for dinner emergencies.
Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile dish will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation. And while you’re exploring comforting dinner options, you might also enjoy our perfect smoked meat recipe for weekend cooking when you have a bit more time.
Ingredients List
For this recipe for lasagna roll-ups, gather the following ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (full-fat works best for creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (one for filling, one for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry (for added nutrition)
- Optional: 1/2 pound cooked ground beef or Italian sausage (for meat lovers)
Substitution tip: For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat mozzarella.
Timing
This easy Italian recipe comes together much faster than traditional lasagna:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
The beauty of this recipe for lasagna roll-ups is that it takes about half the time of standard lasagna, which typically requires at least 60 minutes of baking alone. Plus, these rolls can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, making dinner assembly lightning-fast when you need it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Boil the lasagna noodles according to package directions, but aim for al dente since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Once done, drain and lay them flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet to prevent sticking while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth. This creamy mixture forms the heart of our recipe for lasagna roll-ups, creating that classic lasagna flavor in each bite.
For a veggie-packed version similar to this spinach lasagna roll-up recipe, fold in the optional cooked spinach at this stage.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, lay each lasagna noodle flat and spread approximately 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over each one. Starting at one end, carefully roll up each noodle and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the lasagna rolls, ensuring each is covered to prevent drying out. Sprinkle the reserved cup of mozzarella cheese on top. This final cheese layer creates that irresistible golden, bubbly crust that makes the recipe for lasagna roll-ups so appealing.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the rolls to set.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (2 roll-ups):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
This pasta dinner provides an excellent source of calcium from the cheese, along with protein to keep you satisfied. The recipe for lasagna roll-ups offers portion control that traditional lasagna doesn’t, making it easier to manage calorie intake while still enjoying a hearty Italian meal.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Looking to lighten up this recipe for lasagna roll-ups? Try these modifications:
- Use whole wheat lasagna noodles for added fiber
- Substitute part of the ricotta cheese with low-fat cottage cheese
- Increase the vegetable content by adding finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or grated zucchini
- For a completely plant-based option, check out our vegan baked mac and cheese recipe for inspiration on dairy alternatives that could work here
- Use lean ground turkey instead of beef for a lower-fat protein option
Serving Suggestions
These lasagna rolls are versatile enough for any occasion:
- For everyday family dinners: Pair with a simple green salad
- For guests: Serve alongside garlic bread and roasted vegetables
- For meal prep: Package individual rolls in separate containers with a side of steamed broccoli
This easy Italian recipe shines as a standalone dish, but for more complex flavor combinations, consider serving with a side of chicken and yellow rice for an Italian-Spanish fusion dinner that will impress.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the simplest recipe for lasagna roll-ups can go awry. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls:
- Overcooking the noodles: They should be al dente, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
- Skipping the cooling step: Not allowing the noodles to cool slightly can make them difficult to handle and may result in burnt fingers.
- Overstuffing the rolls: This leads to messy assembly and filling that oozes out during baking.
- Too little sauce: The rolls need adequate sauce to prevent drying out and to create that lasagna-like texture.
For more tips on working with pasta in rolled dishes, check out alternative methods that might work better for your cooking style.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe for lasagna roll-ups is its meal-prep potential:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: These rolls freeze beautifully! Cool completely, then either freeze the entire dish (covered tightly) or freeze individual portions for quick lunches.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 20 minutes), or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
If you enjoy make-ahead meals like this, you’ll find that many of our recipes, including our popular chicken and yellow rice recipe, follow similar principles of easy storage and reheating.
Conclusion
This recipe for lasagna roll-ups represents the perfect intersection of convenience, flavor, and presentation. By transforming traditional lasagna into individual rolls, you get faster cooking times, easier portion control, and an impressive dish that looks like it took hours to prepare.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, planning meals for the week, or looking to impress dinner guests without spending all day in the kitchen, these lasagna roll-ups deliver on all fronts. We hope you’ll give this recipe a try and discover a new favorite for your busy weeknight dinner rotation!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe for lasagna roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the roll-ups up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since they’ll be cold from the refrigerator.
Can I freeze unbaked lasagna roll-ups?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish completely, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese in lasagna roll-ups?
Cottage cheese is the most common substitute – blend it briefly for a smoother texture similar to ricotta. Cream cheese (softened) mixed with a bit of sour cream can also work in a pinch for a different but delicious flavor profile.
