Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Creamy Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe: Dinner Magic Everyone Loves

Crafting delectable lasagna roll ups can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary adventure.

Pasta sheets become delightful rolled parcels filled with creamy ricotta and savory herbs.

Melted cheese cascades over each perfectly wrapped bundle, creating irresistible comfort food.

Layers of rich marinara sauce complement the tender pasta pockets with incredible depth.

Home cooks appreciate how these roll ups simplify traditional lasagna preparation while maintaining incredible flavor profiles.

Assembling these delectable rolls requires minimal kitchen skills and delivers maximum satisfaction.

Each bite promises a perfect combination of textures that will make you the star of any mealtime gathering.

Cheese Roll Up Variations For Snack Time Fun

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace lasagna noodles with zucchini strips or gluten-free pasta sheets for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Eliminate meat and add roasted vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or eggplant to the cheese mixture for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Use thin slices of grilled eggplant or large cabbage leaves instead of pasta noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Protein-Packed Variation: Incorporate cooked ground turkey or chicken into the cheese mixture for a leaner protein boost.

Serving Easy Cheese Roll Ups Warm Or Cold

  • Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Serve these cheesy roll-ups alongside a crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
  • Hearty Side Kick: Pair with garlic bread or roasted vegetables to create a complete and satisfying dinner experience that fills everyone's plate.
  • Wine and Dine Delight: Complement the rich flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a smooth Pinot Noir for an elevated dining moment.
  • Crowd-Pleaser Presentation: Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley and offer extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping and personalized flavor.

Storing Easy Cheese Roll Ups For Later Snacking

  • Store leftover cheese roll ups in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Wrap individual rolls separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place rolls on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even warming. Let stand for 30 seconds before serving.

FAQs

  • Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, no-boil noodles work perfectly. Just soften them slightly with warm water before filling and rolling to ensure they’re pliable.

  • Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Skip the meat and add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the cheese mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

  • How do I prevent my rolls from unraveling?

Roll the noodles tightly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish. This helps keep the rolls intact during baking.

  • Can I freeze these cheese roll ups?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Easy Cheese Roll Ups That Everyone Will Love

  • Savor Speedy Comfort: Quickly whip up this cheesy delight that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal perfect for busy families.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding ground meat, switching herbs, or incorporating different cheese varieties to match your taste preferences and pantry supplies.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Deliver a restaurant-quality dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Require just basic cooking skills and standard kitchen tools to create a satisfying meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Checklist For Easy Cheese Roll Ups

Main Ingredients:
  • Lasagna Noodles: Wide, flat pasta perfect for rolling and creating delicious cheese-filled bundles.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that provides a smooth and rich base for the filling.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that adds stretchy texture and classic Italian flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that brings a salty and tangy depth to the filling.
Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds a bold and savory flavor to the cheese mixture.
  • Basil: Fresh herb that provides a classic Italian herb note to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the cheese rolls.
Sauce and Additional Components:
  • Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
  • Egg: Binding ingredient that helps hold the cheese mixture together and adds richness.
  • Optional Meat: Protein that can be added to make the rolls more substantial and hearty.

Steps For Making The Best Cheese Roll Ups

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Get ready for some delicious magic to happen.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodle Canvas

Boil lasagna noodles until they’re perfectly tender.

Carefully drain and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel to dry and cool.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Filling

Gather your filling ingredients:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh egg
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped fresh basil
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.

If you want to add some extra protein, mix in cooked ground beef or Italian sausage.

Step 4: Set the Stage

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom.

Step 5: Roll and Tuck

Spread a delicious layer of cheese mixture onto each lasagna noodle.

Roll them up tightly, creating beautiful little pasta rolls.

Place each roll seam-side down in the saucy baking dish.

Step 6: Dress and Garnish

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolls.

Sprinkle an extra layer of mozzarella cheese on top for that irresistible golden finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

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

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Tips For Gooey Easy Cheese Roll Ups Every Time

  • Lightly oil the towel when laying out lasagna noodles to avoid tearing and sticking during the rolling process.
  • Swap ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for a versatile protein option that suits different dietary preferences.
  • Use freshly grated cheeses instead of pre-shredded for better melting and richer flavor in the filling mixture.
  • Pat lasagna noodles dry after cooking to prevent excess water from making the rolls soggy and losing structural integrity.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like oregano to the cheese mixture for an extra flavor dimension.
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Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Irresistible lasagna roll ups blend Italian comfort with modern culinary creativity, rolling layers of rich cheese, savory meat, and tender pasta into delightful individual portions. Hearty marinara sauce and melted mozzarella complete this crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 cup (237 ml) ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup (237 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup (237 ml) cooked ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)

Seasoning and Herbs:

  • 2 teaspoons garlic paste or minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Sauce:

  • 2 cups (474 ml) marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup (118 ml) grated mozzarella cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375F and prepare a clean workspace. Cook lasagna noodles until perfectly tender, then carefully drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a rich filling by combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, and a blend of seasonings. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optional: incorporate ground meat for additional flavor.
  3. Prepare the baking dish by spreading a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan, creating a flavorful base for the rolls.
  4. Assemble the rolls by spreading 2-3 tablespoons of cheese mixture evenly across each lasagna noodle. Roll tightly from one end to the other, ensuring a compact shape, and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
  5. Complete the dish by drizzling the remaining marinara sauce over the rolled noodles, ensuring complete coverage. Generously sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for a golden, melted finish.
  6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to let flavors meld and settle.

Notes

  • Choose tender, wide lasagna noodles for easier rolling and better texture.
  • Avoid overcooking noodles to prevent tearing and maintain structural integrity during rolling.
  • Add ground beef or Italian sausage to create a heartier protein-packed version for meat lovers.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 287 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 510 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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