Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lasagna Roll Ups take the best parts of lasagna and make them more personal and easy to serve. The creamy ricotta filling, combined with tender noodles and rich marinara sauce, makes for a dish that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. These roll-ups are great for portion control, and they bake beautifully in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors. Plus, they’re easy to customize—add your favorite ingredients like ground meat, mushrooms, or extra cheese. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a special gathering, these roll-ups are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Lasagna Roll Ups:
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12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
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2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 large egg
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2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
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3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
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Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Preparing the Noodles:
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Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Making the Filling:
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Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped spinach, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Assembling the Roll Ups:
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Stuff the noodles: Take each lasagna noodle and spread a generous amount of the ricotta filling along the entire length of the noodle. Roll the noodle up tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
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Top with sauce: Once all the noodles are rolled up and placed in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the roll-ups. Sprinkle with additional shredded mozzarella cheese.
Baking:
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Bake the roll-ups: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving:
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Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let the roll-ups cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the lasagna roll-ups with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4-6
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
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Add Meat: You can add ground beef, or turkey, to the ricotta mixture for added protein. Brown the meat and mix it into the filling for extra flavor.
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Vegetarian Option: For a completely vegetarian option, skip the meat and load up the filling with extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
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Cheesy Version: Add extra layers of cheese to the sauce, such as provolone or gouda, for a more indulgent dish.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish gluten-free. Check that the marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover lasagna roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze the assembled roll-ups before baking. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make the roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the roll-ups, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. If frozen, bake them from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes of cooking time.
Can I use other types of cheese for the filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute ricotta with cream cheese, mascarpone, or a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for a different texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
After cooking and draining the noodles, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking. You can also lay them flat on a baking sheet or clean kitchen towel to avoid overlap.
Can I make this dish without spinach?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can omit it from the filling and add other ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a veggie-packed filling.
Conclusion
Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun and easy way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with a modern twist. With their creamy filling, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, they make for a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. These roll-ups are customizable, easy to prepare, and perfect for serving a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or experiment with different fillings and sauces, Lasagna Roll Ups will quickly become a family favorite!
Lasagna Roll Ups
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lasagna Roll Ups are a delicious and easy-to-make twist on traditional lasagna. These individual portions of lasagna are stuffed with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, topped with marinara sauce, and baked to perfection. A perfect dish for dinner parties, family meals, or meal prep, these roll-ups offer the comfort of lasagna in a fun, customizable form.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna Roll Ups:
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12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
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2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 large egg
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2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
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3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
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Preparing the Noodles:
-
Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
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Making the Filling:
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Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped spinach, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
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Assembling the Roll Ups:
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Stuff the noodles: Take each lasagna noodle and spread a generous amount of ricotta filling along the entire length of the noodle. Roll the noodle up tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
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Top with sauce: Once all the noodles are rolled up and placed in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with additional shredded mozzarella cheese.
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Baking:
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Bake the roll-ups: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Serving:
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Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let the roll-ups cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
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Notes
Customize with your favorite fillings like ground meat, mushrooms, or extra cheese.For a gluten-free version, swap in gluten-free lasagna noodles.If making ahead, store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
