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This hearty lasagna roll-up recipe transforms the classic Italian dish into individually portioned spirals that look as impressive as they taste. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of savory meat sauce, creamy three-cheese filling, and tender pasta—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special occasions.
I first created these roll-ups for a holiday gathering when I wanted something special yet manageable. The delighted expressions as guests cut into their own perfect spiral convinced me this would become part of my regular rotation—and years later, it remains a top request whenever family visits.
Ingredients
- Ricotta cheese: forms the creamy base of our filling use whole milk ricotta for the richest flavor
- Fresh mozzarella: melts beautifully throughout the dish look for low moisture whole milk variety
- Parmesan cheese: adds that signature nutty aged flavor grate it fresh for maximum impact
- Ground beef and Italian sausage: combination creates depth of flavor beyond what either meat alone provides
- Marinara sauce: choose a high quality jar like Raos for restaurant level results
- Lasagna noodles: cook them just to al dente they will continue softening in the oven
- Fresh garlic and onion: build an aromatic foundation that elevates the entire dish
- Dried herbs: infuse the cheese mixture with classic Italian flavor profile
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare The Cheese Filling:
- Combine ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings in a bowl until well incorporated but not overmixed. This mixture should be thick enough to spread easily without running off the noodles. The egg acts as a binder, ensuring your filling stays put during baking.
- Create The Foundation:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds moisture to the bottom of your rolls. Use just enough to cover the surface—about half a cup works perfectly.
- Develop The Meat Sauce:
- Cook onions slowly until translucent and slightly golden, about 10 minutes. This patient approach caramelizes their natural sugars, creating a sweeter counterpoint to the acidic tomatoes. Brown both meats until finely crumbled, then deglaze with chicken broth to capture every bit of flavor from the pan. Add marinara and simmer gently to meld flavors while you prepare the noodles.
- Prepare The Pasta:
- Cook lasagna noodles just until al dente, then immediately rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking process and makes the noodles easier to handle without tearing. Lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking while you assemble.
- Assemble The Roll Ups:
- Spread each cooled noodle with about 2½ tablespoons of cheese mixture, followed by ¼ cup of meat sauce. Keep a small margin at the edges to prevent overflow. Roll each noodle tightly from one short end to create neat spirals.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Arrange rolls seam side down in your prepared baking dish, top with remaining sauce and cheese, then cover with greased foil. This prevents the cheese from sticking during baking. After 35 minutes at 375°F, you can optionally broil briefly for an irresistibly golden top.
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The first time I served these roll ups to my Italian grandmother, she watched skeptically as I assembled them. But after one bite, she nodded approvingly and asked for my "twist" on the recipe. Coming from someone who rarely praised others cooking, this moment cemented these roll ups as much more than just a convenient alternative to traditional lasagna.
Make Ahead Magic
These roll ups shine as a make ahead meal. Assemble everything up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off, then add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time. The flavors actually develop beautifully during this resting period, making this an ideal preparation for busy weeknights or when entertaining.
Freezer Friendly Options
These roll ups freeze exceptionally well either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked roll ups, assemble in a freezer safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. For freezing after baking, cool completely, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Having these on hand has saved countless weeknight dinners when time is short but you still crave something homemade.
Perfect Pairings
Complete this meal with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness of the dish. A loaf of garlic bread or focaccia makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up extra sauce. For wine lovers, a medium bodied Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato sauce beautifully, while a Pinot Noir offers a lighter alternative that wont overwhelm the flavors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep lasagna noodles from sticking together?
Make sure to cook lasagna noodles in salted water and immediately rinse them with cold water after draining. Lay them flat on parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- → Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups in the baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- → Can I substitute ground meat in the recipe?
Absolutely! You can use all ground beef, ground turkey, or a plant-based alternative instead of sausage or a beef/sausage mix.
- → What type of mozzarella cheese works best?
Low moisture whole milk mozzarella is ideal for its superior melting quality and rich texture. Shred it fresh for the best results.
- → Can I add extra vegetables to the filling?
Yes, sautéed spinach or finely chopped zucchini can be mixed with the cheese filling for added nutrition and flavor balance.