Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself loving lasagna but dreading the hours it takes to assemble and bake, this Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These roll ups capture all the cheesy, saucy goodness of traditional lasagna, but with a fun and convenient twist that makes serving (and eating!) a breeze. I love making this when I want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen—or just when I crave comfort food that feels a little special.

What’s really great is that this Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe lets you prep ahead, freeze, and reheat without losing any of that melty, rich flavor. Plus, they’re portion-controlled, so no fighting over who gets the bigger slice. Honestly, once you try this, I bet it’ll become a go-to when feeding family or even for potlucks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe works together to build layers of flavor and texture that keep every bite satisfying. From the creamy ricotta filling to the garlicky spinach and tangy marinara, these ingredients balance nutrition and comfort beautifully. Here are a few tips for shopping and prepping:

• Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good-quality one for a noticeable flavor boost in your sauce or when brushing noodles.
• Dry lasagna noodles: Choose no-boil noodles to save time, or regular dry noodles—you’ll just want to boil them al dente, so they don’t get mushy when rolling.
• Homemade marinara sauce: If you’re short on time, store-bought works perfectly fine—just pick a brand with bold, fresh flavors.
• Part-skim ricotta cheese: It adds creaminess without too much fat, keeping the filling light but rich.
• Large egg: Acts as a binder to keep the filling from sliding out once rolled up.
• Shredded mozzarella: I usually reserve some for topping to get that bubbly, golden crust.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and a little sharpness that balances the ricotta.
• Frozen spinach: Make sure to thaw and squeeze it dry thoroughly—excess moisture can make your filling runny.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the filling with warmth and flavor, way better than powder.
• Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that pairs perfectly with tomato and cheese.
• Salt and pepper: Always season your filling well—you’ll thank me later!
• Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch brings a subtle warmth that elevates the spinach and cheese combo beautifully.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe because it’s so easy to make your own. Sometimes I swap in ground turkey or sausage for a meatier version, and other times I go full veggie with mushrooms and zucchini added to the filling. Don’t be afraid to mix and match—it’s all about making it your own!

• Meat option: Adding cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the filling offers more protein and a heartier bite. I do this when I’m feeding big eaters or want a crowd-pleaser.
• Vegan twist: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella, and replace the egg with a flax egg for a vegan-friendly take that still packs flavor.
• Seasonal spin: Swap the spinach for roasted butternut squash or sautéed kale depending on the season—I love this in fall!
• Cheese upgrade: Try adding dollops of goat cheese or fontina inside for a richer, creamier filling.

How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your noodles just right

Start by boiling your lasagna noodles until they’re al dente—firm but pliable. This step is key because overcooked noodles will tear when rolling, and undercooked ones won’t soften enough during baking. Once boiled, carefully lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to cool and absorb any extra water. Keep them separated so they don’t stick together.

Step 2: Mix the filling with love

In a large bowl, combine ricotta, egg, half of your shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, thawed and squeezed spinach, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and just a pinch of nutmeg. Stir everything gently but thoroughly. The egg helps hold it all together, so don’t skip it! Give it a little taste and adjust the seasoning—you want the mixture flavorful but balanced.

Step 3: Roll it up carefully

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Take each noodle, lay it flat, and spoon a generous amount of filling evenly across the noodle, leaving about an inch at the edges free. Then roll the noodle tightly but gently from one end to the other. Place each roll seam-side down in the baking dish in a single layer.

Step 4: Sauce and cheese up

Once all your roll ups are snug in the pan, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the last bit of mozzarella over everything so it melts and bubbles beautifully while baking. This step turns your roll ups into a cheesy, saucy masterpiece that’s guaranteed to wow.

Step 5: Bake to perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes, remove the foil, and bake for another 10 minutes so the cheese on top can brown nicely. Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure you get a golden crust without burning. When you see those bubbly edges and gooey cheese, you know it’s done!

How to Serve Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top right before serving. It adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note that lightens the rich cheese flavors. Sometimes, I also add a small drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want a little kick.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these roll ups with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread for an extra comforting touch. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the cheesy, saucy main dish perfectly without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family dinner, I place the roll ups lined up in a baking dish just as they are. But for special occasions, I’ve rolled them into individual portions and served them on pretty plates with a decorative drizzle of basil pesto and Parmesan shards. Little touches like that elevate the presentation and make everyone feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover lasagna roll ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When putting them away, I add a little extra marinara on top so they don’t dry out. Reheating is a breeze and they almost taste as good as fresh.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I wrap each roll up individually in plastic wrap and then place them all in a freezer bag or container. You can freeze them before or after baking. When I freeze before baking, I just thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual, which is perfect for busy weeknights.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the roll ups with foil and warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through—usually about 15-20 minutes. This keeps them moist and lets the cheese melt again nicely. You can also microwave them if you’re in a hurry, but the oven method keeps the texture better.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe really feels like a hug on a plate. I love how it transforms a classic comfort food into something playful and practical without sacrificing any flavor or heartiness. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping, or trying to impress guests, these roll ups offer a combo of simple prep and big flavor that you’re going to adore. Give it a try—and I bet it’ll earn a spot in your dinner rotation, just like it has in mine!

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