These Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun twist on a classic dish. They’re filled with cheese, spinach, and sauce, all rolled up nicely for a tasty treat!
It’s like lasagna decided to wear a fancy dress! 🎉 I love making these because they’re easy to serve and always get smiles at the table.
Whenever I make them, I like to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before baking for that gooey goodness. They are creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles work well here, but you can also use no-boil noodles to save some time. Just adjust the cooking time as per the package instructions.
Ricotta Cheese: If you’re looking for a lighter option, cottage cheese can substitute ricotta. Just blend it a bit for a smoother texture.
Egg: You can skip the egg or replace it with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) if you’re making it vegan. It helps bind the cheese filling.
Cheese: Don’t have Parmesan? Pecorino Romano is a great alternative. For a dairy-free version, opt for plant-based cheeses in the filling and for the topping.
Marinara Sauce: Homemade sauce is delicious, but store-bought works just as well. If you’re in a pinch, Alfredo or even pesto could add fun flavors!
What’s the Best Way to Roll Lasagna Noodles Without Breaking Them?
Rolling lasagna noodles can be tricky if they aren’t cooked just right. Here’s how to get it right:
- Cook noodles until just al dente. This means they’ll still have a slight bite to them after cooking in the oven.
- Let them cool on a towel; this helps prevent sticking and allows for easier handling.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly—this ensures every bite is full of flavor.
- Start rolling from one end, tucking in the filling as you go for a tight roll, but don’t force it!
Being gentle is key; if they break, don’t worry! Just place the pieces in the baking dish as a bonus layer.
Delicious Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roll Ups:
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need around 40 minutes to cook it—25 minutes covered and another 15 minutes uncovered. So, you’re looking at about an hour in total to enjoy these tasty roll ups!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Noodles:
Next, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente (cooked but still firm). Drain the noodles and carefully lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to cool and prevent sticking.
3. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until you have a creamy and well-combined filling.
4. Assemble the Roll Ups:
Now it’s time to assemble! Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle. Starting from one short end, carefully roll up each noodle gently but firmly so the filling stays inside.
5. Layer in the Baking Dish:
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish. Then, place the rolled noodles seam side down in the dish, making sure they’re snug but not overcrowded.
6. Top and Bake:
Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the roll ups, and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Finishing Touches:
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melty, hot, and bubbly with a lovely golden color.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once you’ve pulled your lasagna roll ups out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color!
These roll ups are a delightful way to enjoy classic lasagna flavors in a fun and easy-to-serve format. Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Can I Freeze Lasagna Roll Ups?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked roll ups before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake them, just remove the foil and bake from frozen, adding a little extra cooking time. For baked leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What Can I Use Instead of Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, cottage cheese is a great alternative. You can blend it for a smoother texture. Alternatively, for a vegan option, try using crumbled tofu mixed with some nutritional yeast and herbs for flavor.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free lasagna roll ups, simply replace traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets. Be sure to check the cooking time, as they may differ from regular noodles. Everything else in the recipe remains the same!
Can I Add Meat to This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely add meat! Brown ground beef, sausage, or turkey in a skillet and mix it into the cheese filling or layer it with the marinara sauce for added flavor and protein. Just be mindful to drain any excess fat before adding it to keep the dish from being too greasy.
