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These Lasagna roll-ups have all the flavors of a classic lasagna wrapped up in a fun lasagna twist! This recipe is an easier approach to this classic Italian comfort food; seasoned beef, sweet marinara sauce, and melty, creamy cheese wrapped in a perfectly al dente noodle.

Side shot of someone lifting a lasagna roll up with a basil leaf on top, out of the baking dish.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Kid-Friendly: The kids also enjoy helping with this one because rolling up the lasagna noodles is so fun. They will love the fun and the flavor!
  • Italian Flavor: The combination of sweet marinara sauce, melty cheese, al dente noodles, and seasoned beef gives this dish an incredible Italian flavor you will love!
  • Simple to Serve: Not only is this recipe easy to put together, but it will also be easy to serve with each cute little rolled-up lasagna roll. Your family or guests will love it!

Ingredients You Need to Make Lasagna Roll-Ups

The ingredients for this fun recipe are super simple and likely already in your kitchen! All you need are some noodles, cheese, meat, seasonings, and sauce. Itโ€™s that easy! I’ve broken down the list of ingredients in the steps below.

Rollups

  • Lasagna Noodles: I love these big lasagna noodles that absorb all of the sauce and flavors.
  • Shredded mozzarella: Adds the perfect salty, creamy, melty cheese.
  • Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Gives a hint of nutty, sharp flavor.
Overhead shot of labeled rollup ingredients.

Meat Sauce

  • Ground Beef: Gives the dish a hearty, beefy flavor and texture.
  • Italian Seasoning: You can use storebought or my homemade Italian seasoning to add delicious flavor.
  • Minced Garlic: Provides a flavorful garlic experience.
  • Marinara Sauce: Jarred or Homemade marinara will add that sweet sauce flavor and moisture.
  • Salt: To taste!
Overhead shot of labeled meat sauce ingredients.

Cheese Mixture

  • Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlic flavor and aroma of the lasagna roll ups.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Gives the dish a creamy texture and mild cheesy flavor.
  • Egg: Acts as a binding agent.
  • Shredded Mozzarella: Adds the perfect amount of salty, cheesy goodness.
  • Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Gives a depth of flavor to the mozzarella and ricotta.
Overhead shot of labeled cheese mixture ingredients.

Why do you put eggs in lasagna?

The egg in the cheese mixture works as a binding agent, helping the cheese not ooze out as when serving. Another thing that helps lasagna be less runny is to let it sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This gives the cheese a bit of time to set up.

Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

I know making lasagna can seem intimidating, but these roll-ups are a much simpler version. Plus, with my easy step-by-step instructions, you’ll be a pro in no time! Even better, your kids can join in on the fun and help put them together!

  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 13X9 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Cook the noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set the pasta aside.
  2. Cook Beef: Add the olive oil and ground beef in a large skillet and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Simmer with Sauce: Add the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the Italian seasoning and salt to taste.
  4. Cheese Mixture: Add the ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder in a large bowl, then stir to combine.
  5. Assemble: To assemble, lay the noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread two tablespoons of the cheese mixture on each lasagna noodle.
  6. Spread: Spread a spoonful of sauce on top of the cheese layer.
  7. Roll: Carefully roll up each lasagna noodle and transfer it to the baking dish, arranging them in rows.
  8. Bake: Spoon the reserved sauce on top, then sprinkle with 1 ยฝ cups mozzarella cheese and ยฝ cup parmesan cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley or basil, and enjoy!

Lasagna Roll-Up Tips and Variations

These lasagna roll-ups are super easy to make, so youโ€™ll have them on the table in no time! But if youโ€™re looking to add your own twist, here are some fun suggestions to customize them to your taste.

  • Marinara Sauce: I like to use my homemade marinara Sauce when Iโ€™m feeling ambitious, but you can also use store-bought. 
  • Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta cheese is a classic lasagna ingredient, but you can substitute it with cottage cheese if you prefer. I have found that you can use either option, so it mostly comes down to personal preference. Ricotta cheese is a more classic approach to lasagna, but cottage cheese is typically lower in fat and calories.
  • Meat Substitutions: Feel free to use ground turkey, sausage, or a combination of beef, turkey, or sausage. If you like a little more spice, try using hot Italian sausage.
  • Aluminum Foil: Be sure to cover the lasagna rollups with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking. This way, the top doesnโ€™t brown too quickly.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or fresh basil adds the perfect finishing pop of color to your lasagna roll ups!
  • Serve With: You could serve these with my favorite Italian bread twists, La Scala (Kardashian) salad, and then have my chocolate zucchini cake for dessert.
Overhead shot of lasagna roll ups in baking dish.

How to Store and Reheat Lasagna Roll Ups

We love that rolling up lasagna noodles makes serving so easy! Each roll-up is perfectly portioned, so theyโ€™re ready to dish out at dinner or pack up in containers to enjoy as leftovers later in the week.

  • To Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the microwave until warmed through.
  • In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. 
  • Freeze: It’s also really easy to bake only half a batch of lasagna roll-ups and freeze the rest to have on hand. Just thaw the frozen roll-ups in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
Side shot of plated lasagna roll up.

More Delicious Lasagna Recipes To Try

Lasagna was my absolute favorite food growing up, and it still holds a special place in my heart! I think Iโ€™ve passed my love for it on to my kids, too. Here are some of my favorite lasagna recipes that capture that classic flavor but with a fun twist. Enjoy!

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Lasagna Roll Ups

5 from 2 votes
By: Alyssa Rivers
These Lasagna roll-ups have all the flavors of a classic lasagna wrapped up in a fun lasagna twist! This recipe is an easier approach to this classic Italian comfort food; seasoned beef, sweet marinara sauce, and melty, creamy cheese wrapped in a perfectly al dente noodle.
Prep Time: 15 hours
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 16 hours
Servings: 6 People

Ingredients 

Rollups

Meat Sauce

Cheese Mixture

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 13X9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Cook the noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set them aside.
  • Add the olive oil and ground beef in a large skillet and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the Italian seasoning and salt to taste.
  • In a large bowl, add the ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder, then stir to combine.
  • To assemble, lay the noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread two tablespoons of the cheese mixture on each lasagna noodle.
  • Spread a spoonful of sauce on top of the cheese layer.
  • Carefully roll up each lasagna noodle and transfer to the baking dish, arranging them in rows.
  • Spoon the reserved sauce on top, then sprinkle with 1 ยฝ cups mozzarella cheese and ยฝ cup parmesan cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley or basil, and enjoy!

Notes

Originally Posted March 23, 2020
Updated September 5, 2024

Nutrition

Calories: 759kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 46gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 163mgSodium: 1371mgPotassium: 814mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1282IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 605mgIron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian, Italian American
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This recipe is fantastic! I came across this recipe after having made your homemade Alfredo sauce, which happened to be my favorite thing I have ever made! This was another fabulous find! I only traded the ground beef for turkey sausage! Canโ€™t wait to try more and more recipes from you!!