Incredible Lasagna Roll-Ups

These Lasagna Roll Ups turn the classic comfort dish into a fun and manageable portion. Each roll is filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture combined with savory meat sauce, making it an ideal recipe for family dinners or when you want to impress guests with a fresh take on lasagna. It takes traditional layers and transforms them into individual servings that are easier to serve and enjoy.

I first made these rollups when I wanted a lasagna that was easy to serve at a party. Now they are my go to for gatherings because everyone loves having their own roll plugged with cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles: cooked as package directs to ensure the perfect tenderness
• Mozzarella cheese: shredded for easy melting and rich flavor
• Olive oil: to brown the ground beef and add richness without heaviness
• Ground beef: as the savory protein base ensuring hearty satisfaction
• Onion: finely chopped to add sweetness and texture
• Garlic: minced to bring aromatic depth to the sauce
• Dried oregano and basil: for classic Italian herb notes choose freshlooking dried herbs for maximum flavor
• Salt and pepper: balanced to season everything perfectly
• Diced tomatoes: canned for a reliable tangy base go for nosaltadded if you watch your sodium
• Tomato sauce: canned for a smooth finish enriching the meat sauce
• Frozen spinach: thawed and squeezed dry so the filling isn’t watery
• Ricotta cheese: rich and creamy for texture contrast and mild flavor
• Extra mozzarella cheese: shredded for the filling and topping to add melty bliss

Instructions

Cook noodles:

Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water following the package directions. Drain thoroughly and lay flat or hang to avoid sticking. Properly cooked noodles provide the structure for the roll ups without breaking.

Make sauce:

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook about five minutes until no longer pink, ensuring even browning for flavor. Add chopped onion and minced garlic plus oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another five minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, which builds a rich flavor base. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stir to combine, bring to a boil then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about thirty minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce.

Prepare filling:

In a mixing bowl combine thawed spinach that has been squeezed of excess water, ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until smooth and evenly combined. This creamy filling balances the robust meat sauce perfectly.

Preheat oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the roll ups.

Assemble roll ups:

Cover the bottom of a baking dish with a couple of ladlefuls of sauce to prevent sticking. Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles on a clean surface and pat dry if needed. Spread about two to three tablespoons of the spinach and cheese filling evenly over each noodle. Add a tablespoon or two of meat sauce on top of the filling. Carefully roll each noodle starting at one end, making sure the filling is sealed inside. Place each roll seam side down in the baking dish on top of the sauce. Repeat until all noodles are rolled and arranged.

Top and bake:

Pour the remaining meat sauce over the arranged roll ups making sure to cover them well. Sprinkle the two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top for a golden cheesy crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake for thirty minutes. Remove the foil carefully and bake uncovered another ten minutes so the cheese bubbles and browns lightly.

Serve:

Garnish with fresh basil or chopped parsley if desired and serve warm. These roll ups hold their shape nicely and offer individual servings that look beautiful on the plate.

Mozzarella is my favorite ingredient here because it melts so beautifully over the top creating that classic golden crust I look forward to. I remember making these for my family last holiday and seeing the kids’ faces light up when they got their own individual lasagna roll just felt amazing.

Storage Tips

Once the lasagna rollups have cooled completely, cover them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. They keep well for about three to five days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven until heated through so the cheese stays gooey.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Use fresh spinach instead of frozen but sauté it first to remove moisture. Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter filling or add grated Parmesan for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these rollups with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to complete the experience. A simple side of roasted vegetables also complements the hearty flavors without overpowering them.

These lasagna rollups are a crowdpleasing twist on classic lasagna that you can make ahead or freeze for easy meals. They offer individual portions that are simple to serve and always comforting.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare lasagna roll-ups ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups in advance and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What type of cheese works best for the filling?

A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and sometimes parmesan offers a creamy, melty texture.

→ How should I cook the noodles for roll-ups?

Boil lasagna noodles until al dente, drain well and lay flat to prevent sticking.

→ Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?

Ground turkey or Italian sausage work well and provide a different but tasty flavor profile.

→ What herbs enhance the meat sauce flavor?

Dried oregano, basil, and fresh garlic add depth and aroma to the slow-simmered sauce.

→ How to store leftovers properly?

Cool the dish before covering with foil or plastic wrap, then refrigerate up to 5 days.