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Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

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4 from 11 reviews

Lasagna roll ups offer a fun and easy twist on the classic Italian dish. This recipe features a cheesy and savory filling combined with a hearty meat sauce, making it perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly dinners. Customize the fillings to your liking and enjoy a delicious, comforting baked pasta meal.

  • Author: Zara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Noodles and Meat Sauce

  • 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz marinara sauce

For the Cheese Filling

  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
  • 3 cups Mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside on a tray to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the Italian sausage and diced onions. Break apart the sausage and cook for 7-8 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are softened. Drain the grease, then add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Mix Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spread about ½ cup of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  5. Assemble Roll Ups: Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a tray. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle, then add roughly 3 tablespoons of the sausage meat sauce on top of the cheese. Carefully roll each noodle up, placing each roll seam-side down into the prepared baking dish.
  6. Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the lasagna roll ups. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the dish with foil sprayed with non-stick spray to prevent the cheese from sticking.
  7. Bake: Bake covered for 35-40 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your cheesy, meaty lasagna roll ups!

Notes

  • Use fresh or dried basil leaves for garnish to add a fresh herbal note.
  • To make meal prep easier, assemble the roll ups the night before and refrigerate covered before baking.
  • This dish freezes well; bake immediately or freeze assembled roll ups in a sealed container and bake from frozen, increasing bake time by about 15 minutes.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and use sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.
  • Ensure noodles are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft after baking.