Spinach lasagna roll ups are a delicious twist on the classic lasagna that you will surely love. These delightful rolls are not only packed with flavor but are also a great way to incorporate healthy greens into your meal. Perfect for family dinners or as a make-ahead dish for busy nights, these roll-ups give you a warm, comforting feel without the usual lasagna hassle. With creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and nutritious spinach, it’s a dish that appeals to your taste buds while nourishing your body.
Why We Love This Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
One of the reasons this spinach lasagna roll ups recipe stands out is its versatility. Whether you are a busy parent, a student, or simply someone who needs a hearty meal without a lot of fuss, this dish fits the bill. You can easily prepare it in advance, and it offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that make every bite enjoyable. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak more vegetables into your diet, appealing to both kids and adults alike. The opportunity to customize your roll-ups allows for creativity in the kitchen, making it a favorite choice for many.
Ingredients about Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (14-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste
How to Make Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Directions
To create delicious spinach lasagna roll ups, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add in the lasagna noodles and cook them for about 8 minutes, or until they are tender but firm enough to hold their shape. After draining the noodles, lay them out flat on a clean surface.
Next, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant. Turn off the heat and transfer the garlic into a large mixing bowl. Add the drained spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and salt into the bowl with the garlic. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Now comes the fun part – assembling the roll ups! Take a lasagna noodle and spread a heaping 1/4 cup of the spinach mixture down the center. Carefully roll the noodle around the filling, making sure to keep the mixture inside. Place each rolled noodle seam-side down in a baking dish. Continue with the rest until all the noodles are filled and rolled.
Once you have all the rolls in the dish, pour the spaghetti sauce evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture trapped inside. Now it’s time to bake! Put the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Finally, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving, allowing it to melt slightly.
How to Serve Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups
Serving spinach lasagna roll ups can be as creative as you want it to be! Once they are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes to make handling easier. Use a spatula to serve the rolls on individual plates or family-style on a larger platter.
A great addition is a fresh side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, which pairs beautifully with the hearty flavor of the spinach lasagna. You can also serve them with garlic bread or toasted Italian bread for that authentic touch. To elevate your meal, consider placing fresh basil leaves on top of each roll before serving, giving a colorful contrast and added flavor.
Expert Tips: Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups
- Noodle Preparation: Ensure your lasagna noodles are al dente. Overcooking them can lead to mushy roll ups that fall apart easily. They will continue to soften during baking.
- Spinach: Don’t skip the step of draining the spinach well. Excess moisture can make your filling watery, so squeeze out as much water as you can before mixing.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to mix different cheeses based on your preference. Adding a bit of feta or using different blends of mozzarella can provide a unique taste.
- Prepare Ahead: You can assemble the rolls in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes dinner time less stressful.
- Freezing: These roll ups freeze well. You can store them in an airtight container after baking. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.
How to Store Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups
Storing leftover spinach lasagna roll ups is easy. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can keep them in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven or microwave until they are heated through.
Variation of Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups
The beauty of spinach lasagna roll ups lies in their versatility. Here are some ideas for variations to suit your preferences:
- Meat Add-In: If you want to add some protein, try mixing cooked ground turkey or beef into your ricotta and spinach mixture. It will create a heartier dish that meat lovers will enjoy.
- Different Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even artichokes to give added flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish more accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Sauce Variations: Instead of spaghetti sauce, you can use Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist or even a homemade marinara for that extra fresh taste.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute ricotta and mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives to make a vegan or dairy-free version of the dish.
FAQ
What is the best way to store spinach lasagna roll ups?
To ensure freshness, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for the spinach lasagna roll ups?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just sauté it first to reduce its moisture content, then chop it finely before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How long does it take to bake spinach lasagna roll ups?
Bake your spinach lasagna roll ups in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Can I add meat to the filling of the spinach lasagna roll ups?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or chicken can be added to the spinach and cheese filling to create a more substantial meal.
Is it possible to make spinach lasagna roll ups ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls in advance and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes for an easy and convenient meal option during busy nights.
Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients
Lasagna Ingredients
- 8 pieces lasagna noodles Cooked until al dente
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor
- 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained Squeeze out excess moisture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Plus more for topping
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 14 ounces spaghetti sauce For layering
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese Or to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook for about 8 minutes, until tender but firm. Drain and lay flat on a clean surface.
- In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Turn off the heat and transfer the garlic to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the drained spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and salt to the bowl with garlic. Stir until well combined.
Assembly
- Spread a heaping 1/4 cup of the spinach mixture down the center of each lasagna noodle. Roll the noodle around the filling, seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour the spaghetti sauce evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
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