Name: Easy Lasagna Roll Ups- Beef & Ricotta Dinner
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 lb ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup chicken broth; 12 lasagna noodles; 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Lasagna roll ups are more than just a meal; they’re a delightful twist on a beloved classic, offering all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a fun, bite-sized package. If you’ve ever found yourself craving that rich, cheesy, saucy goodness but perhaps a little intimidated by the layering process of a full-sized lasagna, then you’re in for a treat. These lasagna roll ups capture that same soul-warming essence, but with an ingenious design that makes them incredibly easy to serve and even more enjoyable to eat. People adore them because they deliver that familiar, satisfying taste of perfectly cooked pasta, creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce (or your favorite vegetarian alternative!), and melted mozzarella, all neatly bundled into individual portions. What truly makes these lasagna roll ups special is their inherent charm and versatility. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, impressive enough for entertaining, and wonderfully adaptable to your personal taste preferences.

Ingredients:

15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
½ lb ground beef
½ lb ground Italian sausage, hot or mild
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
12 lasagna noodles
24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Preparing the Filling and Meat Sauce

The foundation of any delicious Lasagna Roll Up lies in a flavorful filling and a rich meat sauce. Let’s get started by preparing these essential components.

First, in a medium-sized bowl, combine the creamy ricotta cheese, the large egg, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup), and all of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture forms the luscious interior of our roll-ups. To this, I like to add a generous pinch of flavor: 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, ½ teaspoon of dried parsley, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Gently stir everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. Don’t overmix, just ensure everything is incorporated. Set this delightful ricotta mixture aside for now.

Next, it’s time to craft our savory meat sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until it becomes softened and translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a crucial aromatic base for our sauce. Once the onions are ready, add the ground beef and the ground Italian sausage to the skillet. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until it’s browned all over. Drain off any excess grease, as this can make the final dish feel heavy.

Now, it’s time to introduce the garlic. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor. Pour in the ½ cup of chicken broth. This might seem like a small amount, but it helps to deglaze the pan, lifting all those delicious browned bits from the bottom, and adds a subtle depth of flavor to the sauce. Stir in about half of your marinara sauce (approximately 12 oz). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – a little more salt or pepper can make a big difference.

Assembling the Lasagna Roll Ups

With our rich meat sauce and creamy ricotta filling ready, we can now move on to assembling the Lasagna Roll Ups. This is where the magic truly happens!

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 12 lasagna noodles and cook them according to the package directions until they are al dente. This means they should be tender but still have a slight bite to them. Overcooked noodles will be difficult to roll and can break apart. Once cooked, carefully drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean surface, perhaps a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, to prevent them from sticking together. It’s helpful to drizzle them with a tiny bit of olive oil if they seem prone to sticking.

Now for the assembly! Working with one cooked lasagna noodle at a time, spread a generous layer of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the noodle, leaving a small border along one of the longer edges. This border will help seal the roll-up. Don’t overload it, or it will be difficult to roll. After spreading the ricotta, spoon a couple of tablespoons of the meat sauce mixture over the ricotta layer. Again, aim for an even distribution without piling it too high.

Starting from the end opposite the border you left, carefully and snugly roll up each lasagna noodle. The goal is to create a compact roll that holds its shape. If any of the noodles are a bit brittle, just be gentle. Place each rolled-up noodle seam-side down in a 9×13 inch baking dish that has been lightly coated with a bit of the remaining marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking and add extra moisture. Continue this process until all 12 lasagna noodles are filled, rolled, and nestled together in the baking dish.

Baking to Golden Perfection

The final stage is baking our beautiful Lasagna Roll Ups to a bubbling, golden perfection. This is where all those wonderful flavors truly come together.

Once your Lasagna Roll Ups are arranged in the baking dish, evenly spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the tops of the rolls, ensuring they are well covered. This will help keep them moist during baking and add another layer of delicious tomato flavor. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce. The cheese will melt and become wonderfully gooey, creating that classic, irresistible lasagna topping.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is important to ensure that the roll-ups cook through evenly and the cheese melts without burning the top. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be absolutely divine!

Allow the Lasagna Roll Ups to rest for about 5-10 minutes after removing them from the oven. This resting period is crucial as it allows the roll-ups to set slightly, making them easier to serve and preventing them from falling apart. Serve hot, and enjoy the delightful layers of creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese in every bite of these fantastic Lasagna Roll Ups.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a delightful and surprisingly simple way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of lasagna without the fuss! These Lasagna Roll Ups are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a special occasion. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; it’s a fantastic base for you to experiment and make your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings and sauces!

Serve these bubbling hot, perhaps with a side of fresh garlic bread and a crisp green salad, for a complete and satisfying meal. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley just before serving for an extra burst of color and freshness. Experiment with different cheeses, like ricotta mixed with spinach, or a spicy sausage filling for a kick. Ultimately, the goal is to create a dish that brings joy to your table, and these Lasagna Roll Ups are sure to do just that.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the roll-ups and store them in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are chilled.

What kind of noodles work best for Lasagna Roll Ups?

While traditional lasagna noodles are ideal as they are designed to be wide and pliable, you can also use wide egg noodles or even sheets of fresh pasta if you prefer. Just ensure they are cooked al dente according to package directions.