Lasagna Roll Ups

Introduction

Imagine all the comforting layers of a classic lasagna, but transformed into perfectly portioned individual bundles. These Lasagna Roll Ups deliver the same rich, hearty flavors in an elegant, fun-to-serve presentation that’s sure to impress.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 90 minutes

Servings: 14

Ingredients

• 14 lasagna noodles (no boil, oven ready noodles)
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (smashed and minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 56 ounces crushed tomatoes (2 – 28 ounce cans)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons fresh grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink.
3. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and fennel seeds to the meat. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and fresh oregano. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook while you prepare the cheese filling.
5. In a medium bowl, combine Ricotta cheese, beaten egg, dried parsley, salt, 1 cup of shredded Mozzarella, and the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until fully combined.
6. Lay out the oven-ready lasagna noodles on a clean surface. Spread a generous 1/4 cup of the Ricotta cheese mixture evenly over each noodle.
7. Spread about 1/2 cup of meat sauce over the cheese layer on each noodle.
8. Starting at one end, tightly roll up each noodle. Place each roll-up seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
9. Pour the remaining sauce over and around the roll-ups in the baking dish.
10. Top the roll-ups with the remaining 2 cups of shredded Mozzarella cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
11. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
13. Let the roll-ups rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly for easier serving.

Variations

• Prep-Ahead Method: Assemble the roll-ups completely up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time when cooking from cold.
• Mini Appetizers: Use half of each noodle (break carefully before filling) to create smaller roll-ups perfect for parties.
• Casserole Style: Instead of rolling, layer sauce, broken lasagna noodles, the cheese filling, and meats in a dish for a deconstructed casserole version.
• Individual Portions: Bake roll-ups in individual ramekins or small oven-safe dishes for a beautiful single-serve presentation.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your sauce is thick, not watery, before assembling. A thin sauce will make the roll-ups soggy.
• Don’t overfill the noodles. Using about 1/4 cup of cheese mixture per noodle ensures they roll up neatly without oozing out the ends.
• Let the dish rest after baking. This crucial step allows the roll-ups to firm up, preventing them from falling apart when you serve them.
• Even if using “no-boil” noodles, make sure they are completely surrounded by sauce in the baking dish to ensure they cook through properly.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the whole dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

FAQ

Can I use regular lasagna noodles that need to be boiled?

Yes, but you must boil them first according to package directions until al dente, then lay them flat on parchment paper to cool and prevent sticking before filling and rolling.

Do I have to use both meats?

You can use all sausage (1.5 lbs total) or all ground beef (1.5 lbs total) if you prefer. The flavor profile will change slightly.

Can I make these vegetarian?

This recipe, as written, cannot be made vegetarian without modifying the ingredients list, which includes meats. A vegetarian variation would require ingredient changes.

Can I freeze the roll-ups?

What does the egg do in the cheese mixture?

The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the ricotta filling together inside the roll-ups, preventing it from becoming too runny during baking.

My sauce seems too chunky for spreading. What should I do?

If your crushed tomatoes are very chunky, use the back of a spoon to break them down a bit more in the pot, or use an immersion blender for a few pulses to achieve a more spreadable consistency.