Lasagna Roll Ups

If you’re looking for a fun and elegant way to enjoy traditional lasagna, lasagna roll ups are the perfect solution. This dish takes everything you love about classic lasagna—savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta—and transforms it into a visually stunning and portion-friendly meal. Lasagna roll ups are great for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep, offering all the flavor and satisfaction of lasagna with a creative twist.

In this article, we’ll dive into why lasagna roll ups are a favorite, how to make them step-by-step, and tips to customize them to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love Lasagna Roll Ups

Perfect Portions: Each roll up is an individual serving, making it easy to serve and enjoy.
Customizable: Fill the rolls with your favorite ingredients, from traditional ricotta and spinach to creative meat or veggie fillings.
Elegant Presentation: These neatly rolled lasagna sheets look impressive and are perfect for entertaining.
Great for Meal Prep: Lasagna roll ups are easy to store and reheat, making them ideal for leftovers or make-ahead meals.
Kid-Friendly: Their bite-sized appeal and cheesy goodness make them a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients for Lasagna Roll Ups

Here’s what you’ll need to make this versatile and flavorful dish:

Pasta:

Lasagna Noodles: Boiled until al dente and ready to roll.

Filling:

Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, the base of most lasagna fillings.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded, for a gooey, melty texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the filling.
Egg: Helps bind the filling together.
Spinach (optional): Fresh or frozen, for added nutrients and color.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for flavor.

Sauce:

Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce to coat the rolls.
Meat Sauce (optional): Ground beef or sausage cooked in marinara sauce for a heartier option.

How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups

Prepare the Noodles

Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente, following the package instructions.
Drain and lay the noodles flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and seasonings.
If using spinach, chop it finely and fold it into the cheese mixture.

Assemble the Roll Ups

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish.
Lay out a lasagna noodle and spread 2–3 tablespoons of the cheese filling evenly along its length.
Roll the noodle up tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.

Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the marinara or meat sauce over the roll ups, ensuring each roll is covered.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top for a bubbly, cheesy crust.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Expanded Tips for Success

Perfecting lasagna roll ups requires attention to detail to ensure they are flavorful, neatly rolled, and visually appealing. Here’s a deeper dive into these tips to help you achieve delicious and perfectly cooked roll ups every time.

1. Cook Noodles Properly

Why It’s Important: Overcooked noodles become too soft and fragile, making them prone to tearing during rolling. Undercooked noodles, on the other hand, can result in a chewy texture after baking.
Pro Tip:
- Cook the noodles just until al dente (firm to the bite). Follow the package instructions but reduce the cooking time by about a minute since they will cook further in the oven.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil to the boiling water to help prevent the noodles from sticking together during cooking.
- Rinse the noodles under cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process.

2. Prevent Sticking

Why It’s Important: Cooked lasagna noodles tend to stick to one another if stacked, making them difficult to separate without tearing. Laying them flat ensures they are easy to work with when assembling the roll ups.
Pro Tip:
- Place the drained noodles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Lightly brush the noodles with olive oil to keep them pliable and prevent them from drying out while you prepare the filling.

3. Use a Uniform Filling

Why It’s Important: An even layer of filling ensures every bite is flavorful and prevents uneven cooking. Unevenly distributed filling can result in rolls that don’t bake uniformly.
Pro Tip:
- Use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the filling evenly across the noodle, leaving about 1 inch of space at the end to avoid spillage when rolling.
- If you’re adding additional ingredients like spinach or meat, distribute them evenly over the cheese mixture before rolling.

4. Don’t Overfill

Why It’s Important: Too much filling can make the rolls difficult to handle and cause them to burst or unravel during baking. It can also lead to uneven cooking or messy presentation.
Pro Tip:
- Aim for 2–3 tablespoons of filling per noodle. Adjust based on the size of your noodles and the thickness of your filling.
- Gently press the filling into the noodle to ensure it adheres well and doesn’t spill out during rolling.

5. Let It Rest

Why It’s Important: Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve without the rolls falling apart. The resting time also allows the flavors to meld for a more cohesive taste.
Pro Tip:
- Cover the dish lightly with foil and let it rest for 5–10 minutes on the counter before serving.
- If you’re making the dish ahead of time, it’s even better the next day! Store it in the fridge, and reheat in the oven before serving for intensified flavors.

Additional Tips for Success

6. Choose the Right Pan

Why It’s Important: Using a pan that’s too large can cause the rolls to spread out, while a pan that’s too small can crowd them, leading to uneven cooking.
Pro Tip:
- Use a baking dish that allows the rolls to fit snugly side-by-side without being cramped. This helps them retain their shape during baking.

7. Use Quality Cheese

Why It’s Important: Fresh, high-quality cheese melts better and adds more flavor to your lasagna roll ups. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Pro Tip:
- Shred your own mozzarella and Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- If using ricotta, drain any excess moisture to avoid a watery filling.

8. Cover and Bake

Why It’s Important: Covering the dish with foil while baking prevents the rolls from drying out and ensures even cooking.
Pro Tip:
- For the first 20–25 minutes of baking, keep the dish covered with foil. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese on top to brown and bubble.

9. Taste the Sauce

Why It’s Important: The sauce is a key component of lasagna roll ups, so it needs to be well-seasoned to complement the flavors of the filling.
Pro Tip:
- Taste the marinara or meat sauce before adding it to the dish. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic.

10. Garnish for Presentation

Why It’s Important: Adding fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving elevates the dish visually and enhances the flavor.
Pro Tip:
- Garnish with chopped basil, parsley, or even a drizzle of olive oil for a professional touch.

By following these expanded tips, your lasagna roll ups will be flavorful, beautifully rolled, and perfectly cooked every time. These simple techniques ensure your dish is as visually impressive as it is delicious!

Creative Variations

1. Meat Lovers’ Roll Ups

Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the filling for a heartier option.
Use a meat-based marinara sauce for extra protein and flavor.

2. Vegetarian Roll Ups

Skip the meat and load the filling with finely chopped vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Add fresh basil or pesto to the filling for a herby twist.

3. Cheesy Alfredo Roll Ups

Swap marinara sauce for a creamy Alfredo sauce.
Add shredded rotisserie chicken or spinach to the filling for a comforting, creamy variation.

4. Gluten-Free Roll Ups

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Ensure all sauces and cheeses are gluten-free.

5. Spicy Roll Ups

Add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a spicy marinara sauce to give the dish a kick.

Serving Suggestions

Lasagna roll ups are a complete meal on their own, but pairing them with complementary sides and drinks can elevate your dining experience:

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Side Salad: A fresh Caesar or arugula salad adds a crisp contrast to the rich pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a healthy side.
Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti complements the flavors beautifully.
Dessert: End with a light dessert like tiramisu or a fruit parfait to balance the meal.

FAQs About Lasagna Roll Ups

1. Can I make lasagna roll ups ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the rolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the sauce just before baking for best results.

2. Can I freeze lasagna roll ups?

Absolutely! Place the assembled rolls in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

3. Can I use no-boil noodles?

Yes, but ensure the noodles are softened by soaking them in hot water before rolling.

4. What’s the best cheese for lasagna roll ups?

Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are classic choices, but you can experiment with Gruyère or Asiago for a gourmet twist.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

Lasagna roll ups are a fun and versatile way to enjoy the flavors of traditional lasagna with a creative twist. With their perfect portions, customizable fillings, and elegant presentation, they’re a hit for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress.

For more comfort food inspiration, check out our Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup or Hot Crab and Artichoke Dip to complement your meal!