Irresistible Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe for Dinner

Crafting an irresistible Italian meatball lasagna roll ups promises a delightful culinary adventure that will surprise your taste buds.

Layers of tender pasta embrace savory ground meat and rich cheese in a comforting embrace.

Melted mozzarella cascades between delicate pasta sheets, creating a symphony of flavors.

Rustic and hearty, this dish brings traditional Italian comfort straight to your dinner table.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, transforming simple components into something magical.

Complex yet approachable, these roll ups blend classic techniques with modern twists.

You’ll find this recipe so satisfying that one bite transports you to a cozy trattoria in naples.

All Ingredients For Italian Lasagna Roll-Ups Success

• Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: A flavorful and hearty meat that forms the core of the meatball mixture.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together and provides structure.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese spread that adds moisture and richness to the lasagna roll-ups.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor to enhance the meatball mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, golden topping for the dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Minced Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that add depth and help bind the meatball mixture.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides a classic Italian tomato sauce base for the roll-ups.

• Lasagna Noodles: The wrapper for rolling the meatballs and creating the main structure of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the meatballs and preventing sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Easy Steps To Tasty Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for some delicious cooking action.

Step 2: Create Magical Meatball Magic

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything together until the mixture feels perfectly combined and ready to rock.

Step 3: Shape Tasty Meatball Treasures

Roll the meat mixture into adorable little meatballs that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 4: Sizzle Those Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the meatballs until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Make sure they’re fully cooked through.

Set them aside on a plate.

Step 5: Build Lasagna Roll-Up Wonders

Spread out your cooked lasagna noodles on a clean surface.

Slather each noodle with creamy ricotta cheese.

Place 2-3 meatballs on top of each noodle and then roll them up like delicious little packages.

Step 6: Prepare The Baking Dish

Pour marinara sauce into a greased baking dish.

Nestle your lasagna roll-ups into the sauce, placing them seam-side down.

Step 7: Cheese And Sauce Finale

Drench the roll-ups with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Let the roll-ups cool for a few minutes, then serve and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Pro Tips For Cheesy Italian Lasagna Roll-Up Layers

• Choose lean ground beef or Italian sausage for a rich, flavorful base that keeps the meatballs moist and delicious.
• Cook lasagna noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, ensuring a perfect texture in every bite.
• Blend ricotta with herbs like basil or parsley to add an extra layer of flavor and freshness to the roll-ups.
• Use a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for a more authentic and robust taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Prepare extra meatballs to freeze for quick meals or keep the roll-ups consistent in size for even cooking and presentation.

Fun Lasagna Roll-Up Variations For Pasta Lovers

• Vegetarian Meatball Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentil-based meatballs, using vegetable breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Swap traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Transformation: Substitute lasagna noodles with zucchini ribbons or eggplant slices, use ground turkey or lamb for a lighter protein, and incorporate feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a Mediterranean-inspired adaptation.

Ways To Serve Italian Meatball Roll-Ups With Sauce

• Family Feast Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette for refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty roll-ups.
• Weekend Celebration Plate: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan to elevate the presentation and add bright, herbaceous notes.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the savory meatball and cheese flavors.
• Casual Gathering Style: Add warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and complete the meal.

Storing Italian Lasagna Roll-Ups For Later Meals

• Store leftover roll-ups 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 months for best quality and taste.
• Place roll-ups on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place roll-ups in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Uncover during the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats for a personalized flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make these roll-ups ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the roll-ups and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free lasagna noodles to create a celiac-friendly version of this dish.

Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups You’ll Love Tonight

• Simplify Meal Prep: Transform traditional lasagna into convenient, individually portioned roll-ups that make serving and eating a breeze.
• Customize with Creativity: Mix and match ground meats, experiment with different cheeses, or add vegetables to personalize this versatile dish.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: Packed with cheesy goodness and tender meatballs, these roll-ups are sure to please even picky eaters at the dinner table.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking process make this recipe a stress-free meal solution for busy families and home cooks.

Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian meatball lasagna roll ups combine savory ground beef, rich marinara, and melted cheese in a comforting pasta embrace. Rolled with love and baked to golden perfection, these rolls promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Pasta and Cheese Components:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 grams) ricotta cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the cooking environment is ready for the lasagna roll-ups.
2. Create the meatball mixture by combining ground beef or Italian sausage with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. Form the seasoned mixture into compact, bite-sized meatballs, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet and thoroughly cook the meatballs until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior and are completely cooked through.
5. Lay lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface, spreading a thin layer of ricotta cheese across each noodle.
6. Position 2-3 cooked meatballs along the length of each noodle, then carefully roll the noodles into tight cylinders.
7. Spread marinara sauce across the bottom of a greased baking dish, then place the rolled noodles seam-side down in a single layer.
8. Generously cover the roll-ups with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
10. Allow the lasagna roll-ups to rest for a few minutes before serving to help them set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier twist, reducing overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Swap traditional wheat lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives for those with wheat sensitivities or celiac requirements.
• Pre-cook meatballs gently to prevent overcooking and ensure tender, juicy texture that melts in your mouth during baking.
• Try fresh herbs like basil or oregano mixed into ricotta for an extra burst of authentic Italian aromatics and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg