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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.