Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

The Coziest Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting a delectable cheesy lasagna roll-ups dish brings pure comfort right to your dinner table.

Pasta lovers will adore this twist on classic Italian cuisine.

Crispy edges and gooey centers make these roll-ups irresistible for anyone seeking a crowd-pleasing meal.

Layers of melted cheese and savory filling create a mouthwatering experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist diving into these incredible roll-ups that reimagine traditional lasagna in the most delicious way possible.

Why Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups Are a Crowd-Pleasing Meal

  • Transform Ordinary Dinner: Reinvent classic lasagna into fun, individual roll-ups that make every bite exciting and personalized.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Versatile recipe satisfies different taste preferences with its perfect blend of meaty sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta.
  • Hands-On Cooking Experience: Simple step-by-step assembly allows even novice cooks to craft a restaurant-quality dish with minimal kitchen skills.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap Italian sausage for ground beef, add vegetables, or experiment with cheese varieties to match family preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups

Pasta Base:
  • Lasagna Noodles: Wide, flat pasta sheets perfect for creating roll-up layers.
Meat and Sauce Components:
  • Italian Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor to the meat sauce.
  • Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce providing a tangy base.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that enhance the overall depth of the meat sauce.
Cheese and Filling Ingredients:
  • Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, soft cheese that creates a smooth filling texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds a nutty and salty dimension.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that provides a gooey, stretchy topping.
  • Egg: Binds the cheese mixture and helps maintain the filling's structure.
Herb and Seasoning Blend:
  • Basil, Salt, Pepper: Fresh herbs and classic seasonings that elevate the flavor profile of the dish.

How to Make Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil the Noodles

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in some salt. Bring it to a rolling boil and toss in the lasagna noodles. Cook them until they’re perfectly tender but still have a slight bite. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create Savory Meat Sauce

Grab a large skillet and brown the Italian sausage with:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Cook until the meat is fully cooked and onions are soft. Drain any excess grease. Pour in marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Grated Parmesan
  • Egg
  • Chopped fresh basil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix everything until smooth and well-blended.

Step 5: Craft the Roll-Ups

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of the baking dish. Lay out a lasagna noodle flat. Spread a generous layer of cheese mixture evenly across the noodle. Roll it up tightly and place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat until all noodles are used.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the remaining meat sauce over the roll-ups. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella on top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the roll-ups cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you want an extra pop of flavor. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in!

Pro Tips for Delicious Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups

  • Swap Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the dish.
  • Cook lasagna noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking and rolling.
  • Use room temperature ricotta cheese for smoother blending and easier spreading on the noodles.
  • Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to the cheese mixture for extra depth.
  • Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup and preventing the roll-ups from sticking.

Variation Ideas for Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups

  • Veggie Lovers' Lasagna Roll-Ups: Replace Italian sausage with sautéed zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers. Use vegetable marinara sauce for extra depth and nutrition.
  • Spicy Southwest Roll-Ups: Add ground beef with chili powder and cumin. Mix in pepper jack cheese and top with jalapeños for a fiery kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Roll-Ups: Swap Italian sausage for ground lamb. Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and sundried tomatoes into the filling. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.
  • Chicken Alfredo Roll-Ups: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of sausage. Replace marinara with creamy alfredo sauce. Add roasted garlic and fresh parsley for enhanced flavor.

Pairings That Work Well With Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups

  • Savor Robust Red Wine Pairing: Choose a full-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich meat sauce and cuts through the creamy cheese, enhancing every delicious bite.
  • Elevate with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the lasagna's heaviness, adding a zesty and refreshing contrast to the hearty roll-ups.
  • Match with Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare crispy, buttery garlic bread to soak up extra meat sauce and provide a crunchy texture that perfectly accompanies the soft, cheesy lasagna rolls.
  • Recommend Sparkling Water Cleanse: Select a sparkling water with a slice of lemon to refresh the palate between bites, helping to cleanse the mouth from the rich and creamy flavors of the dish.

Storage Guidelines for Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups

  • Store leftover lasagna roll-ups in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them flat to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.
  • Wrap individual roll-ups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
  • Place roll-ups on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture until warmed through.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place roll-ups in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning.

FAQs About Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups

  • Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef, ground turkey, or even make a vegetarian version by using plant-based meat alternatives or skipping the meat entirely.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love cheesy, rolled pasta dishes. The combination of meat sauce and melted cheese makes it appealing to children, and you can adjust the spiciness level to suit their taste.

  • How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the roll-ups earlier in the day and refrigerate them before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re cold from the refrigerator.

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Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 70 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy, indulgent cheesy lasagna roll-ups bring Italian comfort to your dinner table with a playful twist on classic pasta. Rolled pasta sheets nestled with rich ricotta and marinara create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheese:

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Protein and Vegetables:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Sauce:

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped fresh basil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for optimal roll-up placement.
  2. Create pasta foundation by boiling salted water and cooking lasagna noodles until perfectly tender, then carefully draining and setting aside for future assembly.
  3. Develop robust meat sauce by sautéing Italian sausage with diced onions and minced garlic over medium heat until meat browns and vegetables soften, eliminating excess grease, then integrating marinara and allowing flavors to meld for 5 minutes.
  4. Craft creamy cheese mixture by blending ricotta, Parmesan, egg, chopped basil, salt, and pepper until thoroughly incorporated, ensuring smooth and consistent texture.
  5. Construct individual roll-ups by spreading thin meat sauce layer in baking dish, then laying each noodle flat, distributing cheese mixture evenly, and rolling tightly from one end to create compact cylinders, positioning seam-side down.
  6. Complete preparation by covering rolled noodles with remaining meat sauce, generously sprinkling mozzarella across surface, then covering with foil and baking 25 minutes, followed by uncovering and baking additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
  7. Finalize dish by allowing roll-ups to rest briefly, garnishing with fresh basil leaves, and serving warm for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

  • Perfectly cook lasagna noodles to al dente for ideal texture, avoiding mushy or hard pasta.
  • Use lean Italian sausage or ground turkey to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of the dish.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the rolling process and ensure evenly distributed filling.
  • Allow roll-ups to rest briefly after baking, helping them set and making them easier to serve without falling apart.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 740 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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