Let me tell you about my love affair with lasagna roll-ups! It all started when I needed to impress my picky nephew at a family dinner. These little rolled-up wonders turned out to be the perfect solution – all the cozy comfort of traditional lasagna, but way more fun to eat and easier to serve. Honestly, once you try making lasagna this way, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the layered version!

What I adore most is how versatile they are. You can go classic with ricotta and marinara or get creative with different fillings (I’ll share all my favorite variations later). They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, yet fancy enough for company. And here’s the best part – everyone gets their own perfectly portioned little bundle of cheesy goodness. No messy slicing, no fighting over corner pieces!

These lasagna roll-ups have saved me more times than I can count when unexpected guests show up. Just pop them in the oven while you toss together a quick salad, and boom – instant “I slaved all day” meal. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never look at lasagna noodles the same way again.

Why You’ll Love These Lasagna Roll-Ups

Oh my goodness, where do I even start? These lasagna roll-ups are my absolute go-to for so many reasons:

• No more messy layers! Rolling means perfect portions every time – no more uneven slices falling apart on your plate.
• Endless customization – swap in your favorite cheeses, add veggies, or go meaty if that’s your thing.
• Kid-approved magic – something about the roll-up shape makes even picky eaters gobble them up.
• Meal prep superstar – make a batch ahead and bake when needed (hello, busy weeknights!).
• Company-worthy presentation – they look so fancy lined up in the baking dish!

Seriously, once you try this method, you’ll wonder why you ever made lasagna any other way. The best part? They’re actually easier than traditional lasagna – no wrestling with slippery noodles!

Ingredients for Lasagna Roll-Ups

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these heavenly roll-ups (and yes, I’ve measured everything precisely after years of trial and error!):

• 8 lasagna noodles (uncooked – trust me, boiling them first makes rolling way easier)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (pack it in the measuring cup for the perfect amount)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (the good melty kind!)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (freshly grated makes all the difference)
• 1 large egg (room temperature blends better)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (my secret weapon!)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or your favorite jarred brand)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for that golden finish)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Now, let’s talk substitutions because I know we all have our pantry quirks:

• Ran out of ricotta? Cottage cheese works in a pinch (just blend it smooth first).
• Need gluten-free? Gluten-free lasagna noodles work beautifully (just watch the cooking time).
• Fresh vs dried herbs? 1 tbsp fresh basil = 1 tsp dried (but fresh really sings here).
• Want more protein? Cooked ground turkey or Italian sausage can be mixed into the filling.
• Vegetable lovers? Spinach or sautéed mushrooms make fabulous additions.

The key is keeping the filling’s consistency spreadable – too dry and it won’t roll, too wet and it’ll ooze out!

How to Make Lasagna Roll-Ups

Alright, let’s get rolling – literally! These lasagna roll-ups come together so easily once you know the tricks. I’ve made this recipe probably a hundred times, and here’s exactly how I do it to get perfect results every single time.

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

First, boil those noodles in well-salted water (it should taste like the sea!). Cook them just until al dente – about 8 minutes. You want them pliable but still have a little bite. Drain them carefully, then lay them flat on parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel. This prevents sticking and makes rolling a breeze!

Step 2: Mix the Filling

Now for the good stuff! In a bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined – you want it smooth but not overworked. The texture should be spreadable like thick frosting. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat!).

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

Time to roll! Spread about 2 tablespoons of filling evenly on each noodle, leaving a 1-inch border at one end. Roll them up tightly but gently, placing them seam-side down in your baking dish. Pour marinara over top (don’t drown them!), drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden. The smell will drive you crazy – try to wait 5 minutes before digging in!

Tips for Perfect Lasagna Roll-Ups

After making hundreds of these roll-ups (no joke!), I’ve learned all the tricks to make them foolproof:

• Don’t overfill! About 2 tablespoons of filling per noodle is perfect – any more and they’ll burst when rolling.
• Stubborn noodles? A toothpick through the seam keeps them closed while baking (just remove before serving).
• Let them rest for 5 minutes after baking – this helps them set so they don’t fall apart when serving.
• Even cooking tip: Arrange roll-ups in a single layer with a little space between them for even browning.
• Easy cleanup: Line your baking dish with foil or parchment – the cheese bubbles over sometimes!

Trust me, these little hacks make all the difference between good roll-ups and perfect roll-ups!

Serving Suggestions

Here’s how I love to serve these beauties! Two roll-ups make the perfect portion (though my husband always sneaks a third). For a cozy meal, pair them with garlic bread to soak up that extra sauce – I like to brush mine with garlic butter and broil until golden. A simple green salad with balsamic dressing cuts through the richness perfectly.

Entertaining? Arrange them on a platter with fresh basil leaves for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Kids love them with extra cheese melted on top – who am I kidding, adults do too!

Storage & Reheating

These roll-ups keep like a dream! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave (which makes them soggy) and pop them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes instead. The cheese gets all melty again, and the noodles stay perfectly tender. Pro tip: add a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating to keep them moist!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note about the numbers – these values are estimates per serving (2 roll-ups) based on my exact ingredients. Your totals might vary slightly depending on brands and any customizations you make. Each serving comes in around 320 calories with 16g of protein – not bad for something this delicious! Remember, homemade always lets you control what goes in.

Lasagna Roll-Ups FAQ

Let me answer the questions I get asked most about these roll-ups – because trust me, I’ve tried every variation!

“Can I freeze lasagna roll-ups?” Absolutely! Freeze them unbaked in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen – just add 10 extra minutes. They’re perfect for emergency freezer meals!

“Can I use no-boil noodles?” You bet, but here’s the trick: use extra sauce and cover tightly with foil for the first 20 minutes. The noodles need that steam to soften properly.

“How to make ahead?” My favorite trick! Assemble them completely, refrigerate overnight, then bake when needed. They actually taste better as the flavors meld. Just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if they’re fridge-cold.

25 Irresistible Lasagna Roll-Ups That Wow Every Time

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• Author: Christina R. Jones
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious lasagna roll-ups filled with cheese and herbs, baked in marinara sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 lasagna noodles
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Boil lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and lay flat.
2. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning.
3. Spread the cheese mixture evenly on each noodle.
4. Roll each noodle tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the roll-ups and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

Notes

• Let noodles cool slightly before rolling to avoid tearing.
• Add cooked spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 roll-ups
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: lasagna, roll-ups, vegetarian, Italian, baked pasta