Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful twist on the traditional lasagna you know and love. These neatly rolled portions are not only visually appealing but also perfect for portion control, meal prep, and even freezing for later.
Why We Love This Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Lasagna Roll Ups make a classic Italian dish easy to handle, especially if you find traditional lasagna too cumbersome to serve. Each roll is perfectly portioned, allowing for easy meal prep and neat presentation. The filling is creamy, cheesy, and filled with spinach, giving each bite a rich texture and vibrant flavor. You can easily customize the recipe to your liking, adding vegetables, different cheeses, or even meat alternatives. Additionally, these roll ups freeze beautifully, making them a practical choice for busy weeks. With minimal prep and a manageable baking time, this recipe brings comfort and convenience to your kitchen without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients for Lasagna Roll Ups
For this recipe, you’ll need simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a delicious meal. Each component works together to achieve the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and saucy flavors.
- 12 oz. lasagna noodles
- 15 oz. whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed
- 1 24 oz. jar pasta sauce
How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups
Making Lasagna Roll Ups is simple and rewarding. Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, then add a teaspoon of salt and your lasagna noodles. Boil the noodles until just al dente—overcooked noodles will tear when rolling, so keep an eye on them. Drain carefully and let them cool enough to handle.
While the noodles are cooking, prepare your filling. Squeeze out any excess water from the thawed spinach, then combine it in a large mixing bowl with ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
Lay out a few noodles on a clean surface. Spread about ¼ cup of the spinach and cheese mixture evenly across each noodle, going from edge to edge. Roll each noodle tightly and place it seam-side down in a large casserole dish. Repeat until all noodles are filled; you should have roughly 16 roll ups.
Once rolled, pour the jar of pasta sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese across the dish. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. The cheese should melt into a bubbly, golden layer, and the sauce should warm thoroughly. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting layers of cheesy, saucy goodness.
How to Serve Lasagna Roll Ups
Serving Lasagna Roll Ups is straightforward and versatile. You can plate one or two rolls per person, accompanied by a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For gatherings, arrange the roll ups neatly in the casserole dish and allow guests to serve themselves. Drizzle extra sauce on top if desired and sprinkle a bit of fresh Parmesan or herbs for an attractive presentation. These rolls are also perfect for lunchboxes or meal prep containers, keeping their shape and flavor intact even after reheating. Pair with garlic bread or a light green salad for a satisfying and balanced meal.
Expert Tips for Perfect Lasagna Roll Ups
- Cook noodles carefully: Boil your lasagna noodles just until al dente to prevent tearing when rolling. Slightly undercooked noodles work best.
- Drain spinach thoroughly: Excess water can make the filling runny. Use a clean kitchen towel or squeeze by hand to remove moisture.
- Use room temperature cheese: Allow the ricotta and mozzarella to sit out for a few minutes before mixing; this helps achieve a smoother filling.
- Seal the rolls seam-side down: This ensures they don’t unravel during baking.
- Customize your filling: Add sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or your favorite herbs for additional flavor and texture.
- Check sauce consistency: If your pasta sauce is thick, consider thinning it slightly with water or broth so it spreads evenly over the roll ups.
These tips guarantee that your lasagna roll ups are not only delicious but also maintain their shape, presentation, and flavor.
How to Store Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna Roll Ups store beautifully for later enjoyment. Allow the baked rolls to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place the unbaked or baked rolls in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350ºF until heated through. These storage methods keep the flavors intact and make your meal prep effortless.
Variations of Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna Roll Ups are versatile and adaptable to your preferences. You can create vegetarian versions by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted peppers to the ricotta filling. For a richer flavor, try blending different cheeses such as fontina, provolone, or goat cheese. To make a protein-packed version, add cooked ground chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage to the filling. Swap traditional spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different nutrient profile. You can also experiment with different sauces—marinara, roasted tomato, or a creamy Alfredo sauce—to change the flavor while keeping the roll ups familiar and comforting.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lasagna Roll Ups
Can I make Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the roll ups a day in advance, cover them tightly, and store in the refrigerator. Bake them when ready to serve for a fresh, hot meal.
Can Lasagna Roll Ups be frozen?
Absolutely. Unbaked or baked roll ups can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake or reheat as needed.
What type of cheese works best for Lasagna Roll Ups?
Whole milk ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are ideal for a creamy, flavorful filling. You can mix in other cheeses like provolone or fontina for variety.
How do I prevent the noodles from tearing?
Cook noodles until just al dente and let them cool slightly before rolling. Handle gently to avoid breaking.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach works well. Blanch it quickly, squeeze out excess water, and use it in the filling.
How many roll ups does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 16 roll ups, serving 8 people with 2 rolls each.
What can I serve with Lasagna Roll Ups?
They pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete Italian meal.
Lasagna Roll Ups
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Casserole Dish
Ingredients
- 12 oz. lasagna noodles
- 15 oz. whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 10 oz. frozen spinach thawed
- 1 24 oz. jar pasta sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until just al dente. Drain and let cool enough to handle.
- In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Spread ¼ cup of the filling evenly across each noodle. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a casserole dish.
- Pour pasta sauce over the roll ups and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake until cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve hot.
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