Lasagna Roll Ups: A Delicious and Easier Twist on Classic Lasagna

Lasagna. The very name conjures images of bubbling cheese, rich sauce, and comforting layers of pasta. It’s a classic Italian dish, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a hearty family meal. But let’s be honest, making a traditional lasagna can be time-consuming and a bit of a production. That’s where lasagna roll ups come in! These delightful little bundles offer all the flavor of lasagna in a more manageable, portion-controlled, and dare I say, more elegant form.

This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating perfect lasagna roll ups that are sure to impress. We’ll cover everything from preparing the meat sauce and cheese filling to assembling and baking these delectable treats. Get ready to ditch the layers and embrace the roll!

## Why Lasagna Roll Ups?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why lasagna roll ups are such a fantastic alternative to traditional lasagna:

* **Portion Control:** Each roll up is a single serving, making it easier to manage portion sizes and avoid food waste.
* **Easier to Serve:** No more struggling to cut and serve messy lasagna slices. Roll ups are neat, tidy, and easy to plate.
* **Faster Cooking:** Because the pasta is already cooked and the filling is evenly distributed, lasagna roll ups generally cook faster than a full lasagna.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the filling to suit your preferences. Add different vegetables, cheeses, or meats to create your own unique flavor combinations.
* **Fun and Visually Appealing:** Let’s face it, lasagna roll ups look pretty! They’re a fun and attractive way to serve lasagna.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious lasagna roll ups. Don’t be intimidated by the length; many of these are pantry staples:

**For the Meat Sauce:**

* 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mixture of both)
* 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 tablespoon olive oil
* Optional: 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or other vegetables

**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 egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

**For the Pasta and Assembly:**

* 9 lasagna noodles
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect lasagna roll ups:

**Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce**

1. **Brown the Meat:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. If using, add chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or other vegetables at this stage and cook until tender.
3. **Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:** Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be!
4. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

**Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles**

1. **Cook According to Package Directions:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Cooking them al dente ensures they hold their shape during the rolling and baking process.
2. **Drain and Rinse:** Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also prevents them from sticking together. Lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking.

**Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling**

1. **Combine the Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

**Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Roll Ups**

1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. You can also spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent the roll ups from sticking.
2. **Spread Cheese Filling:** Lay one lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread about 1/3 cup of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodle, leaving a small border at the edges.
3. **Roll Up the Noodle:** Starting at one end, carefully roll up the noodle into a tight spiral. Place the roll up seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
4. **Repeat:** Repeat the process with the remaining noodles and cheese filling.
5. **Top with Sauce and Cheese:** Spoon the remaining meat sauce evenly over the lasagna roll ups. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.

**Step 5: Bake the Lasagna Roll Ups**

1. **Cover and Bake:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps to heat the roll-ups evenly and prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
2. **Uncover and Bake:** Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Make sure the internal temperature of the filling reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. **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 runny.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

Serve the lasagna roll ups hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. They’re delicious on their own or with a side salad and some crusty bread.

## Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your lasagna roll ups:

* **Use No-Boil Noodles:** If you’re short on time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Simply soak them in hot water for a few minutes to soften them before assembling the roll ups. Follow the package directions for soaking time.
* **Add Vegetables to the Filling:** Sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added to the ricotta cheese filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses in the filling, such as provolone, fontina, or Asiago.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the ground beef and use vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, eggplant, and zucchini in the sauce.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or cheese filling for a little heat.
* **Make it Ahead:** Assemble the lasagna roll ups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freeze for Later:** Lasagna roll ups freeze beautifully. Assemble them completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding extra baking time if needed.
* **Different Sauce Options:** While this recipe uses a classic tomato-based meat sauce, feel free to experiment with other sauces. A creamy béchamel sauce, a pesto sauce, or even a roasted red pepper sauce would all be delicious.
* **Herb Variations:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs in the meat sauce and cheese filling. Fresh rosemary, thyme, or marjoram would all add a unique flavor.
* **Ricotta Cheese Substitutes:** If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese (drained well) or even mascarpone cheese for a richer, creamier filling.
* **Sausage Options:** If using Italian sausage, you can use sweet, mild, or hot sausage depending on your preference.

## Serving Suggestions

Lasagna roll ups are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Family Dinner:** Serve them as a main course for a satisfying family dinner.
* **Potluck:** They’re perfect for potlucks or gatherings because they’re easy to transport and serve.
* **Special Occasions:** Dress them up with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a special occasion.
* **Lunch:** Pack a lasagna roll up in a lunchbox for a delicious and satisfying midday meal.
* **Side Dishes:** Serve them alongside a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

The nutritional information below is an approximate estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

* Calories: 350-450 per roll up
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Large pot
* Colander
* Medium bowl
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Spatula or spoon

## Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

**Yields:** 9 roll ups
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-35 minutes

**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 tablespoon olive oil
* **For the Cheese Filling:**
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* **For the Pasta and Assembly:**
* 9 lasagna noodles
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Meat Sauce:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
2. **Cook the Lasagna Noodles:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking.
3. **Prepare the Cheese Filling:** In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. **Assemble the Lasagna Roll Ups:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay one lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread about 1/3 cup of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodle, leaving a small border at the edges. Starting at one end, carefully roll up the noodle into a tight spiral. Place the roll up seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat the process with the remaining noodles and cheese filling. Spoon the remaining meat sauce evenly over the lasagna roll ups. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. **Bake the Lasagna Roll Ups:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
6. **Let Rest:** Let the lasagna roll ups rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the lasagna roll ups hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

## Conclusion

Lasagna roll ups are a delicious and convenient alternative to traditional lasagna. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. So, ditch the layers and embrace the roll! With this recipe and these tips, you’ll be creating perfect lasagna roll ups that everyone will love. Enjoy!