If you love lasagna but want a simpler, less messy way to serve it, these lasagna roll ups are the perfect solution. Each roll delivers all the classic flavors of hearty beef sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella — in neat, individual portions. This family-favorite comfort dish is easy to make, fun to serve, and absolutely delicious any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love These Lasagna Roll Ups
There’s a lot to love about this twist on traditional lasagna:
- Easy to assemble: Rolling the noodles is much simpler than layering.
- Perfect portions: No cutting or serving stress — just scoop and serve!
- Make-ahead friendly: You can assemble them early and bake later.
- Customizable: Use beef, turkey, or even spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Freezer-safe: Great for batch cooking and meal prep.
Ingredients for Lasagna Roll Ups
For the Sauce
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce (or marinara)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or a splash of broth if avoiding oil)
For the Filling
- 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional for extra nutrition)
For Assembly
- 12 cooked lasagna noodles, drained and patted dry
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Ingredient Notes & Healthy Swaps
- Ground beef substitute: Try ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based mince.
- Cheese alternatives: For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat mozzarella.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the meat sauce and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- No pork used: The recipe is family-safe and pork-free.
- Sauce options: Store-bought marinara works well if you’re short on time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles until al dente (just tender). Drain and lay flat on parchment paper or a clean towel to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Make the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
Step 3 – Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and chopped spinach (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 4 – Assemble the Roll Ups
Spread about 2 tablespoons of cheese filling along each noodle, then spoon a little meat sauce over it. Carefully roll up each noodle and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 5 – Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the roll ups, then sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese.
Step 6 – Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7 – Serve
Let the roll ups rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of flavor.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the noodles — they’ll soften more during baking.
- Spread the filling evenly to prevent uneven rolling.
- Use a piping bag or spoon to make filling cleaner and quicker.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving for neater portions.
- Make extra sauce if you like extra-saucy lasagna.
- For freezer meals, assemble and freeze before baking.
Flavor Variations
- Spinach and Ricotta Roll Ups: Skip the meat and double the spinach.
- Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups: Use shredded chicken and white sauce instead of marinara.
- Vegetable Roll Ups: Add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms inside.
- Spicy Arrabbiata Roll Ups: Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Three-Cheese Roll Ups: Mix ricotta, cottage cheese, and mozzarella for an extra creamy filling.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or roasted carrots for added color.
- Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for presentation.
- Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep lunches.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze (unbaked): Assemble the roll ups, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 15 minutes to cooking time.
- Freeze (baked): Cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
FAQ About Lasagna Roll Ups
Can I make lasagna roll ups ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the roll ups and refrigerate them up to a day in advance. When ready to bake, add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply omit the beef and use sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or extra spinach instead. They’ll still be creamy and flavorful.
Can I use oven-ready noodles?
It’s best to use regular noodles for easy rolling. Oven-ready noodles tend to crack when rolled.
How do I prevent noodles from sticking together?
After draining, lay them flat on parchment paper or drizzle lightly with olive oil. This prevents tearing and clumping.
What sauce works best?
A traditional marinara or tomato basil sauce works perfectly. You can also try Alfredo or pink sauce for variation.
Final Thoughts
These lasagna roll ups deliver everything you love about classic lasagna — gooey cheese, rich sauce, and comforting flavors — in a simpler, portion-perfect form. They’re crowd-pleasing, freezer-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Whether for Sunday dinner or a make-ahead meal, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
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Easy Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe – Family Favorite
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 roll ups 1x
Description
All the classic lasagna flavors wrapped in easy-to-serve rolls with creamy ricotta, rich sauce, and melty cheese.
Ingredients
12 lasagna noodles
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups tomato sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 cup mozzarella cheese
¼ cup Parmesan
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1 cup chopped spinach
2 tbsp parsley
Instructions
1. Cook noodles until al dente.
2. Brown beef, onion, and garlic; add sauce and seasonings.
3. Mix ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach.
4. Spread cheese mixture on noodles, add meat sauce, and roll up.
5. Arrange seam-side down in baking dish.
6. Top with remaining sauce and cheese.
7. Bake 30 minutes at 375°F.
8. Broil briefly until golden and bubbly.
9. Garnish and serve.
Notes
Use turkey or mushrooms for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Can be made ahead and frozen.
Great for family dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
