Incredibly Delicious Lasagna Roll-Ups

This lasagna roll ups recipe offers a comforting twist on classic lasagna by turning it into individual portions that are perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Each roll up is filled with a delicious blend of spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and a rich meat sauce, making it an enjoyable and satisfying meal.

I first made this during a busy holiday season when I wanted something hearty but manageable to serve a group. It quickly became a favorite because it feels special without requiring a complicated process.

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles: cooked according to package rules for the perfect soft texture
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully on top and inside the filling
• Olive oil: for sautéing and adding richness
• Ground beef: a hearty and flavorful base for the sauce
• Chopped onion: brings sweetness and depth
• Minced garlic: essential for aromatic punch
• Dried oregano and basil: for classic Italian herb notes, choose fresh looking fragrant spices
• Salt and pepper: for seasoning balance
• Canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce: offer a robust sauce foundation. Opt for high quality no salt added if possible
• Frozen spinach: thawed and well squeezed to prevent watery filling while adding great nutrition
• Ricotta cheese: for creamy and mild richness in the filling

Instructions

Cook noodles:

Cook lasagna noodles according to the package instructions ensuring they are al dente but soft enough to roll without cracking. Drain and set aside on a flat surface to cool so they do not stick together.

Make sauce:

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks for about 5 minutes until no longer pink. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook about 5 more minutes until the onions look translucent and fragrant which is crucial to building deep flavor.

Simmer sauce:

Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pan. Stir well, bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer helps thicken and concentrate the sauce flavors.

Prepare filling:

In a medium bowl combine the thawed and thoroughly squeezed frozen spinach with ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella. Stir to blend everything evenly so each roll gets the perfect ratio.

Prepare oven:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit setting the stage to bake the roll ups to bubbly perfection.

Assemble roll ups:

Spread a couple of ladles of sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay the cooled lasagna noodles flat. On each noodle, spread about 2 to 3 tablespoons of spinach and cheese filling and 1 to 2 tablespoons of the meat sauce mixture distributed evenly across all noodles. Carefully roll each noodle up starting from one end and place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat for all 12 noodles fitting snugly. Ladle remaining sauce over the top of all the rolls covering them generously. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the whole dish to create the irresistible golden melted cheese crust.

Bake:

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes allowing the flavors to meld and the rolls to get heated through. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes to brown the cheese on top attractively.

Garnish and serve:

Before serving garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve the roll ups warm letting every bite melt in your mouth with layers of flavorful sauce and creamy cheese.

I love the way the combination of ricotta and spinach creates a creamy but not heavy filling. It reminds me of family dinners where everyone gathered around the table, passing plates and stories, wrapped up in comfort food and togetherness.

Storage tips

Cool leftover roll ups completely before storing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to five days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve texture and flavors.

Ingredient substitutions

Use ground turkey or plant based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian twist. Fresh spinach can replace frozen but reduce cooking time to avoid excess moisture. Cottage cheese can be swapped for ricotta if needed but expect a slightly different texture.

Serving suggestions

Pair roll ups with a bright green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette complements the meal perfectly adding crunch. A glass of red wine or sparkling water rounds out the experience.

These lasagna roll ups are great for feeding a crowd and for making ahead. They reheat well and bring comforting flavor to any meal.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the meat sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meat sauce up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors.

→ What type of noodles work best for roll-ups?

Use cooked lasagna noodles that are flexible enough to roll without breaking, ensuring easy assembly and handling.

→ How should I freeze leftovers?

Allow the dish to cool, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap before freezing. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef for another protein?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative can be used to customize the meat sauce to your preference.

→ What is the best way to prevent noodles from drying out?

Spread a layer of sauce at the bottom of the baking dish and keep noodles well coated with filling and sauce to retain moisture.