Lasagna roll-ups combine the classic flavors of lasagna into simple, single servings. They have soft pasta sheets filled with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. These sheets are rolled with rich meat sauce and baked until bubbly.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or special occasions. It’s easy to make, looks beautiful, and offers all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
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Easier to serve than traditional lasagna
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Perfect for meal prep and freezing
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Great for portion control
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Packed with cheesy, meaty, and saucy goodness
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Fun and elegant presentation
Ingredients List
For the Meat Sauce:
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1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
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¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Cheese Filling:
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1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg, beaten
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon dried parsley
For the Pasta:
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12 lasagna noodles
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1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For Topping:
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Timing
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
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Cook Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour
How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups
Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook lasagna noodles until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
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Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned.
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Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
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Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
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Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
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Add sugar and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
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Stir in fresh basil before removing from heat.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling
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In a mixing bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Then, add the egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
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Stir until fully mixed and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Roll Ups
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Take one cooked lasagna noodle and spread 2 tablespoons of cheese mixture evenly over it.
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Roll the noodle tightly and place it seam-side down in the dish.
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Repeat with the remaining noodles.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Cheese
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Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the roll ups.
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Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake the Lasagna Roll Ups
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
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Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips for the Best Lasagna Roll Ups
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Cook the noodles al dente so they don’t tear when rolling.
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Don’t overfill the rolls—too much filling will spill out.
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Let the roll ups sit before serving to keep them intact.
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Use fresh basil for extra flavor.
Variations to Try
Vegetarian Lasagna Roll Ups
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Skip the meat and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the ricotta mixture.
Cheesy Alfredo Roll Ups
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Replace marinara sauce with creamy Alfredo sauce for a decadent twist.
Spicy Lasagna Roll Ups
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Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes for heat.
What to Serve with Lasagna Roll Ups
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Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
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Caesar Salad – A crisp and fresh contrast to the rich dish.
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Roasted Vegetables – Such as asparagus or zucchini.
How to Store & Reheat Lasagna Roll Ups
Refrigerating:
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Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
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Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
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Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
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Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 420
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Protein: 28g
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Fat: 18g
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Fiber: 4g
This dish can be made lower in calories by using part-skim cheese and lean ground turkey.
FAQs
Can I Use Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles?
No, regular boiled lasagna noodles work best for rolling.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What’s the Best Cheese to Use?
A mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta gives the best flavor.
Conclusion
Lasagna roll ups are a fun and easy way to enjoy traditional lasagna flavors in a more convenient form. They’re cheesy, saucy, and perfect for any occasion.