These Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups bring the classic flavors of lasagna into a convenient roll-up form. The noodles are filled with homemade Italian meatballs, ricotta cheese, and covered in marinara sauce. Topped with gooey mozzarella, the dish is baked until golden and bubbly. It's a delicious, family-friendly dinner that's perfect for any night of the week. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
If you love lasagna but want a fun twist on the classic, these Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are just what you need. Packed with flavorful Italian meatballs, creamy ricotta, and savory marinara sauce, these roll-ups are topped with gooey melted mozzarella and baked to perfection. They're a satisfying dish that's sure to please a crowd.
INGREDIENTS
- Lasagna noodles: 12, cooked until al dente
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: 1 lb, for the meatballs
- Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup, to bind the meatballs
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, for flavor in the meatballs
- Egg: 1, beaten, to hold the meatball mixture together
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for an aromatic kick
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon, to add herby flavor
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, to season the meatballs
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, for a touch of spice
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, to cook the meatballs
- Ricotta cheese: 1/2 cup, to spread on the lasagna noodles
- Marinara sauce: 2 cups, divided
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 1/2 cups, for a melty topping
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Step 3:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
- Step 4:
- Spread the cooked lasagna noodles out flat. Spread a small amount of ricotta cheese on each noodle, then place 2-3 meatballs on top. Roll the noodles up carefully.
- Step 5:
- In a greased baking dish, pour 1 cup of marinara sauce and place the lasagna roll-ups seam-side down.
- Step 6:
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 7:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Let the roll-ups cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Helpful Notes
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought meatballs for a quicker preparation.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Rachael Ray recommends adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat.