Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for lasagna roll ups! These little bundles of joy are like a fun twist on the classic lasagna we all know and adore. Instead of layers, you get individual rolls stuffed with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and zesty marinara, all baked to perfection. I remember the first time I made these for my family; their eyes lit up with excitement! It was such a hit that I now whip them up for any gathering. They’re not just delicious; they’re a great way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try these lasagna roll ups, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Lasagna Roll Ups
To create these scrumptious lasagna roll ups, you’ll need some simple yet delightful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 12 lasagna noodles: Go for regular or no-boil noodles, but if you’re using regular, make sure to cook them until they’re al dente, so they hold their shape when rolled.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese is the heart of your filling! Look for fresh ricotta for the best flavor and texture.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: You want that melty goodness! I like using part-skim mozzarella for a little less fat without sacrificing flavor.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a nutty kick! Grate it fresh if you can; it makes a huge difference in taste.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce. The better the sauce, the better your roll ups will be!
- 1 egg: This helps bind the cheese filling together, making it nice and creamy.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A must-have for that classic Italian flavor. Feel free to add more if you like it herby!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is essential; don’t skip this step! It brings out all the delicious flavors.
How to Prepare Lasagna Roll Ups
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making these lasagna roll ups! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll be on your way to a delicious dinner in no time. Ready? Let’s go!
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key to making sure your roll ups cook evenly and get that beautiful golden cheese on top!
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure they’re cooked until just al dente, so they’re pliable but not mushy. Drain them and set aside on a clean towel to cool a bit.
- Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything’s well blended and creamy. This filling is where all that cheesy goodness comes from!
- Prepare the baking dish: Grab a baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This prevents sticking and adds flavor to the base of your roll ups.
- Roll up the noodles: Now, take one noodle and spread a generous portion of the cheese mixture over it, leaving a little space at the edges. Carefully roll it up from one end to the other, making sure the filling stays inside. Place the roll seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat this with the remaining noodles and filling.
- Add the sauce and cheese: Once all your noodles are rolled up and snug in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Don’t be shy; cover them well! Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over everything.
- Bake it: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let it rest: Once they’re out of the oven, let your lasagna roll ups sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives them time to set up a little, making it easier to serve without spilling filling everywhere!
And there you have it! Simple, right? Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful plate of lasagna roll ups ready to impress everyone at your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation means you can have dinner on the table in under an hour!
- Delicious layers of cheese, sauce, and pasta create a mouthwatering flavor explosion.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it perfect for family meals or gatherings.
- Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients or veggies.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as tasty the next day, making it a great make-ahead option.
Tips for Success
To ensure your lasagna roll ups turn out perfectly, here are my go-to tips! First, don’t overcook your noodles; they should be al dente to roll easily without falling apart. If you want to sneak in some greens, spinach works beautifully as a filling option! Also, consider mixing in some ricotta with a bit of pesto for added flavor. If you find your sauce a bit too thick, add a splash of water before pouring it over the roll ups. And remember, let them rest for a few minutes after baking—this helps them hold their shape when serving. Trust me, these little tweaks make a world of difference!
Variations of Lasagna Roll Ups
The beauty of lasagna roll ups is their versatility! You can mix things up in so many delicious ways. For a veggie-packed version, try adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to your cheese filling. If you’re feeling adventurous, switch out the cheeses—try ricotta with goat cheese for a tangy twist or mix in some feta for an extra kick! Want to add protein? Ground beef or turkey works wonders; just cook it beforehand and layer it in with the cheese. You can even experiment with different sauces—pesto or Alfredo can bring a whole new flavor to your roll ups! The options are endless, and that’s what makes these roll ups such a fun dish to customize!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving lasagna roll ups, a fresh side salad is always a hit! I love a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. And don’t forget some crusty garlic bread—perfect for soaking up that delicious marinara sauce! If you’re feeling fancy, pair it with a glass of red wine, like Chianti or a nice Merlot. It really elevates the meal and makes dinner feel special. Enjoy your roll ups with these delightful sides for a truly satisfying feast!
Nutritional Information
These lasagna roll ups pack a flavorful punch while still being reasonably balanced. Each serving is estimated to contain around 350 calories, with 20g of fat and 18g of protein. You’ll also get about 30g of carbohydrates. Remember, these values can vary based on specific ingredients used, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying. Perfect for a hearty meal without too much guilt!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about lasagna roll ups:
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the roll ups a day in advance and store them in the fridge, just cover them tightly. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover lasagna roll ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I use different cheeses? Yes! Feel free to mix it up with your favorite cheeses. Goat cheese, cottage cheese, or even a blend of Italian cheeses can add great flavors.
What if I don’t have marinara sauce? You can substitute with Alfredo sauce or even a homemade pesto for a unique twist! Just make sure the sauce is flavorful to complement the roll ups.
Can I freeze lasagna roll ups? Totally! You can freeze them before baking. Just wrap them well and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add some extra time in the oven.
Print
Lasagna Roll Ups: 7 Irresistible Ways to Savor Joy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lasagna roll ups are a tasty twist on traditional lasagna. They are filled with cheese and sauce, rolled up, and baked until bubbly.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Take one noodle and spread a portion of the cheese mixture on it. Roll it up and place it seam side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat with remaining noodles and cheese mixture.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the roll ups and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Substitute spinach for a healthier option.
- These can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: lasagna roll ups, pasta, Italian dish