Easy Cheese Roll Ups

Featured in: Satisfying Hearty Mains

These lasagna roll ups offer all the flavors of traditional lasagna in neat, individual portions. Filled with three cheeses and topped with marinara, they're easier to serve and portion than regular lasagna.

Tags: #beef #sausage #pasta #cheese

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:51:42 GMT
A close-up of lasagna rolls baked in a black dish, topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley.
A close-up of lasagna rolls baked in a black dish, topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley. | recipesbyclare.com
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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.
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
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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.
A fork holds a slice of lasagna, revealing layers of pasta, cheese, and marinara sauce, garnished with fresh herbs. | recipesbyclare.com
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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.

4.60 from 357 votes

Lasagna Roll Ups

Preparation Time:
30 Minutes
Cook Time:
30 Minutes
Total Cooking Time:
60 Minutes
Number of Servings:
6
A close-up of lasagna rolls baked in a black dish, topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley.
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A fun twist on classic lasagna with rolled noodles filled with three cheeses and optional meat, topped with marinara. Perfect for portion control.

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make It

1.

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente, drain and lay on clean towel.

2.

2. Make Filling: Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, basil, seasonings, salt and pepper. Add meat if using.

3.

3. Prepare Pan: Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in 9x13-inch baking dish.

4.

4. Roll: Spread 2-3 tablespoons cheese mixture on each noodle. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in dish.

5.

5. Top: Pour remaining marinara over rolls. Sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella.

6.

6. Bake: Cover with foil, bake 25 minutes. Uncover, bake 5 more minutes until bubbly. Rest before serving.

Extra Information

  1. Can be made ahead and refrigerated.
  2. Keep noodles al dente for easier rolling.
  3. Can be made vegetarian by omitting meat.

Essential Tools

  • 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Large pot for noodles.
  • Aluminum foil.

Allergy Warnings

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (pasta).

Nutrition Details (Per Portion)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 481
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 49 g
  • Protein: 29 g