Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun twist on traditional lasagna! Instead of layers, we take yummy noodles and roll them up with cheesy goodness inside, plus tasty tomato sauce on top.
These rolls are easy to make and perfect for sharing. I love serving them with a little sprinkle of herbs—because who doesn’t enjoy a bit of green? 🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: I recommend using regular lasagna noodles for this dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try whole wheat noodles or gluten-free varieties. They still roll up nicely!
Ricotta Cheese: This gives a creamy texture inside the rolls. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute it with tofu blended with a bit of lemon juice or use cashew cheese for a nice flavor.
Cheese: Mozzarella is fantastic for its meltiness, while Parmesan adds depth. If you can’t get these, using a blend of cheddar and cream cheese works really well too!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nutrition and color. If you don’t have fresh, frozen chopped spinach can do. Just thaw and drain it well.
Marinara Sauce: A homemade sauce is great, but store-bought works perfectly too. If you’re into spicy, try a arrabbiata sauce for a kick!
How to Roll Lasagna Without It Falling Apart?
Rolling lasagna can be tricky! Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Ensure the noodles are cooked al dente. Overcooked noodles become too soft and fall apart during rolling.
- Allow the noodles to cool slightly and lay them flat to make spreading the filling easier.
- Spread the filling evenly but don’t overstuff. Using about 2-3 tablespoons per noodle keeps them from breaking when rolling.
- Start rolling tightly from one end to the other, keeping firm but not too forceful, to maintain structure.
Following these tips will keep your lasagna roll ups intact and looking beautiful on your plate!
Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time and an additional 40 minutes for baking. So, make sure to spare about 1 hour and 10 minutes in total before you can enjoy your delicious Lasagna Roll Ups!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Noodles:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente, which means they should be firm to the bite. Once done, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay the noodles flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet to keep them from sticking together.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, the egg, and if you’re using it, the chopped spinach. Add in the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
3. Assemble the Roll Ups:
Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle. Be careful not to overfill! Start rolling each noodle from one end to the other, ensuring it’s tightly rolled but not too tight that it breaks.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish:
In a baking dish, spread about 1 cup of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. This will keep the roll ups moist as they bake.
5. Place the Roll Ups:
Next, arrange the rolled noodles seam side down in the baking dish in a single layer. Once they’re all in, spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top, making sure each roll is well coated.
6. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the marinara sauce, adding an extra cheesy goodness that melts into perfection.
7. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, take the dish out of the oven. Sprinkle with some fresh chopped basil or parsley for an appealing finish. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy, saucy Lasagna Roll Ups!
Can I Use No-Cook Lasagna Noodles?
Yes, no-cook lasagna noodles can be used! Just make sure to add a bit more marinara sauce to the baking dish to keep them moist during cooking, as they absorb more liquid.
How to Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Meat to the Filling?
Absolutely! You can add cooked ground beef, turkey, or even sausage to the cheese mixture for a heartier meal. Just make sure the meat is cooked and crumbled well before mixing it in.
What’s the Best Way to Freeze Lasagna Roll Ups?
If you want to freeze them, assemble the roll ups but don’t bake them. Instead, cover with foil and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
