Dreamy Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe: Comfort on a Plate

Crafting delectable cheesy lasagna roll-ups promises an adventure in comfort cooking that will make dinner feel extraordinary.

Pasta lovers can transform classic ingredients into something wonderfully unexpected.

Layers of melted cheese, rich marinara, and tender noodles create a mouthwatering twist on traditional lasagna.

Spiraling these rolls brings visual drama to your plate, making each serving look like a culinary masterpiece.

Sophisticated yet simple, this recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels to experiment.

Warm, gooey, and packed with flavor, these roll-ups guarantee smiles around the dinner table.

Why Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups Are a Crowd Pleaser

• Reimagine Classic Lasagna: Transform the traditional layered dish into fun, individual roll-ups that bring excitement to the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Swap Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey, or create a vegetarian version by using plant-based protein or extra vegetables.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with melty cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta, these roll-ups satisfy both kids and adults with their delicious flavors and interactive eating style.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare these roll-ups ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making them perfect for busy weeknights or planned gatherings with friends and family.

What Goes Into Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups

• Lasagna Noodles: Wide, flat pasta that serves as the base for rolling up the delicious filling.
• Italian Sausage: Flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a smooth and luxurious filling.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Cheeses that provide extra flavor and create a golden, melty topping.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavor foundation for the meat sauce.
• Egg: Binding ingredient that helps hold the cheese filling together.
• Basil: Fresh herb that brings a bright, fresh note to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the recipe.

• Cooking Spray or Oil: Used to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal from the baking dish.

How to Make Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil the Noodles

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Drop in the lasagna noodles and cook them until they’re perfectly tender. Once done, drain and set them aside.

Step 3: Create the Meaty Sauce

• Italian sausage
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Brown the sausage and soften the onions. Drain any excess fat. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance together.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan
• Egg
• Fresh basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything until it’s smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 5: Roll and Assemble

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of your baking dish. Lay out a noodle and spread a generous layer of cheese mixture. Roll the noodle tightly and place it seam-side down in the dish. Continue until you’ve used all your noodles.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Drench the roll-ups with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle a blanket of mozzarella cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the roll-ups rest for a few minutes. Garnish with extra fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Insider Tips for Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups

• Cook lasagna noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when baking, ensuring a perfect texture for rolling.
• Use fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor in the cheese mixture, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version of the recipe, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences.
• Let the roll-ups rest for a few minutes after baking to help them set and make serving easier without falling apart.
• For a gluten-free option, swap traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets or zucchini ribbons for a healthier alternative.

Variations to Customize Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a hearty plant-based version.
• Seafood Sensation: Swap meat sauce with tender crab or shrimp, adding a light cream sauce and fresh herbs for a luxurious seafood alternative.
• Spicy Mexican Kick: Incorporate ground beef seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and add pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-style roll-up.
• Mediterranean Magic: Use ground lamb, add feta cheese, oregano, and mix roasted red peppers into the filling for a Greek-inspired variation.

Pairings That Enhance Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty lasagna roll-ups. The wine's acidity cuts through the cheese's creaminess while matching the tomato sauce's intensity.
• Serve Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the dish. Crisp greens and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty roll-ups.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up extra meat sauce and add a crunchy texture. The garlic's robust flavor enhances the Italian-style meal and provides an additional carbohydrate component.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare herb-roasted zucchini or bell peppers as a side dish.

Storing Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups for Freshness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual roll-ups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place roll-ups on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place roll-ups in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs About Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups

• Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for Italian sausage. Just make sure to brown the beef completely and drain excess fat before adding marinara sauce.

• How do I prevent my lasagna roll-ups from unrolling?

After spreading the cheese mixture, roll the noodle tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. This helps keep the roll-ups intact during baking.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the Italian sausage and replace it with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.

Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful cheesy lasagna roll-ups bring Italian comfort straight to your dinner table, offering a playful twist on classic lasagna. Rich layers of pasta, melted cheese, and savory sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

Dairy:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 large egg

Base and Seasonings:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 2 teaspoons dried basil)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully submerge lasagna noodles and cook until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside on a clean kitchen towel.
3. In a large skillet, brown Italian sausage with finely chopped onions and minced garlic over medium heat. Eliminate excess grease, then introduce marinara sauce. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes and remove from heat.
4. Create a creamy cheese blend by whisking ricotta, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped basil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
5. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay each noodle flat and generously spread the cheese mixture, leaving a small border. Roll each noodle tightly from one end to the other, positioning seam-side down in the dish.
6. Cascade the remaining meat sauce over the rolled noodles. Generously distribute shredded mozzarella across the top. Shield with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
7. Allow the lasagna roll-ups to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.

Notes

• Swap sausage with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Cook noodles slightly firmer than al dente to prevent becoming mushy during baking, ensuring structural integrity of roll-ups.
• Use whole wheat lasagna noodles for added fiber and nutritional boost without compromising taste or texture.
• Prepare roll-ups ahead of time and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, making meal prep convenient for busy schedules.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 488 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg