Name: Lasagna Roll Ups
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles.; 1 cup ricotta cheese.; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.; 1 large egg.; 1 cup cooked ground beef or Italian sausage (optional).; 2 teaspoons garlic paste or minced garlic.; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil.; 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings.; ½ teaspoon salt.; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.; 2 cups marinara sauce.; ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese for topping.

A close-up of lasagna rolls baked in a black dish, topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley. | recipesbyclare.com

I stumbled on this roll up version when trying to make lasagna more fun for my kids. Now it's our go-to comfort meal that looks fancy but is actually so simple. The individual rolls make serving a breeze and everyone gets that perfect cheesy edge piece.

What Makes These Special

Forget wrestling with layers of traditional lasagna. These rolls give you everything you love about the classic in neat little bundles. Plus you can make them ahead and pop them in the oven whenever you're ready.

Everything You Need

Lasagna Noodles: 12 good quality ones are worth it.
Ricotta Cheese: Full fat makes it extra creamy.
Mozzarella Cheese: I always grate my own.
Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated not the powder.
Egg: Helps bind everything together.
Marinara Sauce: Homemade or your favorite jar.
Italian Seasonings: For that classic flavor.
Optional Meat: When you want it extra hearty.

Let's Make Some Rolls

Start With The Noodles: Get them just right al dente they'll keep cooking in the oven.
Mix The Filling: Blend those cheeses with herbs and egg until creamy.
Roll Them Up: Spread fill and roll each noodle place them seam side down.
Bake To Perfection: Cover with sauce cheese and let the oven work its magic.

A close-up of a deliciously layered lasagna topped with melted cheese and herbs, placed on a dark plate with a background of fresh basil leaves. | recipesbyclare.com

On The Side

We love these with a big green salad and garlic bread. Sometimes I'll roast some veggies too. It's comfort food that still feels balanced.

Plan Ahead

These rolls are perfect for busy days. Make them when you have time pop them in the fridge and bake when needed. Such a lifesaver on hectic weeknights.

Freezer Friendly

I always make extra to freeze. Just wrap them well and they'll keep for months. Perfect for surprise guests or when you need some comfort food fast.

My Best Tips

Don't skip the al dente step it's crucial. Fresh grated cheese melts so much better than pre-shredded. And always always put them seam side down.

Saving Leftovers

These reheat beautifully in the oven microwave or air fryer. Just add a splash of water to keep them from drying out.

Switch Things Up

Sometimes I add spinach mushrooms or artichokes for extra flavor. You can even swap the marinara for alfredo sauce when you want something different.

A fork holds a slice of lasagna, revealing layers of pasta, cheese, and marinara sauce, garnished with fresh herbs. | recipesbyclare.com

Perfect Party Food

These are my secret weapon for potlucks. They're easy to transport look impressive and everyone loves having their own perfect portion.

Why These Work

It's all the comfort of lasagna but more fun to eat and serve. Plus you can customize each roll for picky eaters everyone wins.

Adding More Veggies

Sneak in extra nutrition with finely chopped vegetables in the filling. They blend right in with all that cheese and sauce.

Going Gluten Free

My celiac friends love these made with gluten free noodles. Just check all your ingredients and they're just as delicious.

Extra Cheesy

That final layer of cheese on top is everything. Let it get slightly golden and bubbly for the perfect finish.

Make It Fancy

A drizzle of pesto some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes takes these from everyday to elegant in seconds.

Kid Friendly Fun

My kids love helping roll these up and choosing their own toppings. It's a great way to get them excited about dinner.

Cheese Adventures

Try mixing up your cheese blend with fontina or gruyere. Each different cheese brings its own special flavor to the party.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?: Yes, assemble the roll ups, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
→ Can I freeze these roll ups?: Yes, these freeze well. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
→ Why are my noodles breaking when I roll them?: Make sure not to overcook the noodles. Keep them al dente and lay them on a clean towel to prevent sticking while you work.
→ Can I make these vegetarian?: Absolutely! Simply skip the meat and use just the cheese filling. You can also add spinach or other vegetables to the filling.
→ Why do we need the egg in the filling?: The egg helps bind the cheese mixture together and creates a better texture. It also helps the filling stay in place while rolling and baking.

Easy Cheese Roll Ups