If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels homemade but comes together without a fuss, you’ve just found it: The Only Lasagna Roll Up Recipe You Need Recipe. This delightful twist on classic lasagna features tender pasta rolled around a creamy, cheesy filling, creating individual servings packed with flavor. The balance of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan layered with savory marinara makes every bite a celebration of Italian comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing friends without spending all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy in making The Only Lasagna Roll Up Recipe You Need Recipe. Each item plays a starring role, from the creamy cheeses that lend richness and gooey texture to the bright marinara that ties everything together with fresh, tangy notes.
- Lasagna noodles: Choosing 9 flat, wide noodles is crucial for holding the filling securely when rolled up.
- Ricotta cheese (1 ½ cups): This creamy base adds softness and mild flavor, making the rolls irresistibly smooth.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, divided): Use fresh or shredded for melty stretchiness; half goes inside, half on top for that perfect cheese crust.
- Marinara sauce (2 cups, divided): A vibrant, homemade or store-bought tomato sauce adds acidity and warmth that keeps the dish lively.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Sprinkled into the filling, it adds a subtle nutty sharpness that deepens the flavor.
- Fresh basil (optional): Adds a fresh, aromatic pop for those who love a herbaceous hint.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out the best in every ingredient.
How to Make The Only Lasagna Roll Up Recipe You Need Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, then add the lasagna noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente, which usually takes about 8 minutes. It’s important not to overcook them because they will continue cooking in the oven and you want them tender but still firm enough to roll without breaking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
While the noodles cook, mix together ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the grated Parmesan in a bowl. Season this heavenly mixture with salt and pepper to taste. This filling is the heart of the roll-ups—creamy, cheesy, and comforting all at once.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll Ups
Once the noodles have cooled enough to handle, spread approximately 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling evenly over each noodle. Then, roll each noodle up tightly from one end to the other. This technique keeps the cheesy goodness beautifully enclosed, making every serving an inviting bundle of flavor.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking and lock in moisture. Arrange the roll-ups seam-side down on top of the sauce. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the roll-ups and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese for a golden crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes. For the final 5 minutes, remove the foil to let the cheese brown beautifully.
How to Serve The Only Lasagna Roll Up Recipe You Need Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves just before serving gives the dish a vibrant splash of color and a touch of fragrant herbal brightness. For an extra indulgent touch, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover marinara sauce on your plate, making every bite a complete experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests even more, try serving individual roll-ups on colorful plates with a drizzle of pesto or a dollop of ricotta on the side. Layering roll-ups vertically in the dish before baking lets everyone enjoy a crispy cheese edge in every serving—pure comfort food creativity at its finest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover lasagna roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool completely before storing to maintain texture and freshness. When properly stored, these roll-ups reheat beautifully without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze The Only Lasagna Roll Up Recipe You Need Recipe either before or after baking. To freeze pre-baked roll-ups, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. For baked leftovers, let cool completely, then store similarly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the roll-ups with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This keeps the noodles tender and the cheese melty. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel, heating in short bursts to avoid rubberiness.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
While these roll-ups are best made with traditional noodles that are cooked al dente, you can experiment with no-boil noodles if you wrap the filling very tightly and make sure there is plenty of sauce to hydrate the noodles during baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegetarian if your marinara sauce is meat-free. You can also add cooked spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I prepare the roll-ups a day ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups a day in advance and store them covered in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply add your sauce and cheese topping then bake as directed.
What cheese works best if I want a sharper flavor?
Mixing in some shredded provolone or using a blend of Parmesan and Asiago can give you a bolder, tangier taste while still maintaining that classic creamy texture.
How do I keep the roll-ups from unraveling during baking?
Make sure to roll the noodles tightly and place them seam-side down in the dish. This helps seal them shut while baking. A generous layer of sauce underneath also prevents slipping.
Final Thoughts
Once you try The Only Lasagna Roll Up Recipe You Need Recipe, it just might become your go-to comfort food for any occasion. It’s deceptively simple, naturally delicious, and endlessly satisfying—perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as a cozy treat. Trust me, this recipe brings all the joy of traditional lasagna with a fun, elegant twist that’s sure to win hearts and happy appetites every time.
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The Only Lasagna Roll Up Recipe You Need Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lasagna Roll Up recipe transforms classic lasagna into a fun, handheld dish that’s perfect for family dinners. With tender noodles filled with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella mixture, topped with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese, it offers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in an easy-to-serve roll form. Baked until bubbly and golden, these roll-ups are a delicious and crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Lasagna Roll Up Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Boil Water: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil to cook the noodles.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Add the lasagna noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8 minutes, until they are al dente. Then drain and lay them flat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Roll Ups: Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling evenly over each cooked lasagna noodle. Carefully roll each noodle up tightly from one end to the other.
- Layer Sauce and Roll-ups: Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish. Place the rolled noodles seam-side down in the dish. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the Roll Ups: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and become bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Optionally garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Ensure noodles are completely cooled and placed flat after boiling to prevent rolling difficulties.
- Roll-ups can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Use fresh marinara sauce for best flavor, or your favorite jarred sauce works well.
- For a meatier version, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the cheese filling or sauce.
- Keep the roll-ups seam-side down in the baking dish to help them hold their shape during baking.
