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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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