Beefy Lasagna Roll Ups: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Lasagna is a beloved comfort food, but sometimes you want a slightly different presentation or portion control. That’s where lasagna roll ups come in! These beefy lasagna roll ups take all the delicious flavors of a traditional lasagna and package them into individual, easy-to-serve rolls. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping. This recipe provides detailed steps and instructions to ensure a delicious and successful outcome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Portion Control:** Each roll up is a perfect individual serving, making it easier to manage portions.
* **Easy to Serve:** No more struggling to cut even slices of lasagna! Roll ups are easy to plate and serve.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by using different cheeses, vegetables, or sauces.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Lasagna roll ups freeze beautifully, making them a great option for meal prepping.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The fun shape and familiar flavors make these a hit with kids.

Ingredients

### For the Meat Sauce:

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

### For the Cheese Filling:

* 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)

### Other:

* 9 lasagna noodles
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
* Cooking spray

Equipment

* Large pot
* Large skillet
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowl
* Cheese grater
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Spatula or spoon

Instructions

This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps. Let’s start by preparing the meat sauce.

### Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. **Brown the Beef:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. It’s essential to remove the excess grease to prevent the lasagna roll ups from being too oily.
2. **Sauté Aromatics:** Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. The aroma of sautéing onions and garlic adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
3. **Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:** Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer. If the sauce is too acidic, add the optional sugar. Simmer the sauce for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more complex and delicious sauce.
4. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, oregano, or basil to your liking. Remember that the flavor will intensify as it simmers.

### Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. **Cook Al Dente:** While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Cook them al dente, which means they should be slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked noodles will be too soft and difficult to roll. Adding a tablespoon of oil to the water can help prevent the noodles from sticking together.
2. **Drain and Rinse:** Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps prevent them from sticking together. Lay the noodles flat on a clean surface (such as a baking sheet lined with parchment paper) to prevent them from sticking together. Alternatively, you can gently toss them with a small amount of olive oil.

### Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The egg helps bind the cheese filling together, preventing it from oozing out during baking. Be sure to use good quality ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture.
2. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the cheese filling and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt or pepper to your liking.

### Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Roll Ups

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents the roll ups from sticking to the dish.
2. **Spread Cheese Filling:** Spread approximately 1/2 cup of the cheese filling evenly over each lasagna noodle. Make sure to spread the filling all the way to the edges of the noodle.
3. **Top with Meat Sauce:** Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the meat sauce over the cheese filling on each noodle. Distribute the meat sauce evenly over the cheese. You can adjust the amount of meat sauce to your preference.
4. **Roll Up the Noodles:** Carefully roll up each lasagna noodle, starting from one end. Secure the roll up by gently pressing the seam together. The roll should be snug, but not too tight, to allow for expansion during baking.
5. **Place in Baking Dish:** Place the lasagna roll ups seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer. The seam-side down placement helps prevent the rolls from unraveling during baking.

### Step 5: Bake the Lasagna Roll Ups

1. **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the lasagna roll ups. The mozzarella cheese creates a delicious, melty topping that adds flavor and texture.
2. **Cover and Bake:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This prevents the cheese from browning too quickly and helps keep the roll ups moist. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. **Uncover and Bake:** Remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the roll ups.
4. **Let Rest:** Let the lasagna roll ups rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents them from being too messy to serve.

Serving Suggestions

* Serve the beefy lasagna roll ups with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
* Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
* Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
* Pair with a glass of red wine for an elegant dinner.

Variations

* **Vegetarian:** Replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers.
* **Chicken:** Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or shredded cooked chicken.
* **Sausage:** Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier flavor.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses in the filling, such as provolone, fontina, or Gruyere.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Different Sauces:** Try using a pesto sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of tomato sauce.
* **Spinach:** Add sauteed spinach to the ricotta cheese filling for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Mushroom:** Add sauteed mushrooms to the meat sauce or the ricotta cheese filling.
* **Pesto:** Swirl a spoonful of pesto into the ricotta cheese filling for a burst of fresh flavor.

Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** Overcooked noodles will be too soft and difficult to roll. Cook them al dente.
* **Drain the Beef Well:** Drain off any excess grease from the ground beef to prevent the lasagna roll ups from being too oily.
* **Don’t Overfill the Noodles:** Overfilling the noodles will make them difficult to roll and may cause the filling to spill out during baking.
* **Use Good Quality Ingredients:** Using good quality ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and tomatoes will result in a more flavorful and delicious lasagna roll up.
* **Let the Sauce Simmer:** Simmering the meat sauce for at least 20 minutes will allow the flavors to meld together and create a richer, more complex sauce.
* **Adjust Seasonings to Taste:** Taste the meat sauce and cheese filling and adjust seasonings as needed to your liking.
* **Secure the Seam:** Place the lasagna roll ups seam-side down in the baking dish to prevent them from unraveling during baking.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the lasagna roll ups will result in dry noodles and a tough texture.
* **Let Rest Before Serving:** Letting the lasagna roll ups rest for 5-10 minutes before serving allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents them from being too messy to serve.
* **Use a Piping Bag:** For even distribution of cheese filling, use a piping bag with a large opening. This will make the process faster and neater.
* **Freeze for Later:** If you have leftovers or want to prepare ahead, freeze the assembled roll-ups before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh parsley and basil will add a brighter, more vibrant flavor to the lasagna roll ups. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use about half the amount.
* **Shred Your Own Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. Shredding your own cheese will result in a better melt and a more flavorful topping.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover lasagna roll ups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
* **Freeze:** Lasagna roll ups can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Alternatively, you can freeze the entire baking dish of roll ups. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

* **Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna roll ups in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Place the lasagna roll up on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information (estimated per roll up)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Enjoy these delicious and satisfying beefy lasagna roll ups! They’re sure to become a family favorite.