These Lasagna Roll Ups are the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and melty cheese, all rolled up into individual portions.
They’re fun to make, easy to serve, and perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping!
Why You’ll Love These Lasagna Roll Ups
Individual servings – easy to portion and serve
Cheesy and comforting – packed with flavor
Make-ahead friendly – great for busy weeks
Perfect for freezing – bake now or later
Family-friendly – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
Easier to assemble than traditional layered lasagna
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Lasagna noodles – cooked al dente for easy rolling
Ground beef – savory base for the hearty meat sauce
Onion and garlic – aromatics for flavor depth
Marinara sauce – rich tomato goodness
Ricotta cheese – creamy, smooth filling
Mozzarella cheese – melty and delicious
Parmesan cheese – for salty, nutty flavor
Egg – helps bind the ricotta mixture
Italian seasoning, salt, pepper – classic flavors
Pro Tips Before You Start
Undercook the noodles slightly – they will continue cooking in the oven
Pat dry noodles after boiling to prevent slipping when rolling
Use a good quality marinara sauce for best flavor
Shred your own cheese – melts smoother than pre-shredded
Cover tightly when baking to keep everything moist
How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente.
Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper or a clean towel to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the meat sauce
In a large skillet, sauté diced onion in a little oil until soft.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for a few minutes.
Step 3: Make the ricotta filling
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, one beaten egg, half of the shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper until combined.
Step 4: Assemble the roll ups
Spread 1/4 cup ricotta filling evenly over each lasagna noodle.
Spoon a little meat sauce on top, then carefully roll up each noodle.
Step 5: Layer and bake
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place the roll ups seam side down.
Spoon remaining meat sauce over the top and sprinkle with the reserved mozzarella.
Step 6: Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil if desired. Serve hot!
What to Serve It With
Garlic bread or focaccia
Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
Tomato basil soup for a cozy meal
A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot
Variations / Substitutions
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
Make it vegetarian – skip the meat and add spinach or mushrooms
Try different cheeses like provolone or fontina
Spice it up – add red pepper flakes to the sauce
Gluten-free option – use gluten-free lasagna noodles
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer (before baking): Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months
Freezer (after baking): Cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 2 months
Reheat: Bake at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual portions
FAQs
Can I make Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
How do I freeze lasagna roll ups?
Assemble them fully but don’t bake.
Freeze tightly wrapped, then bake from frozen adding extra 15–20 minutes.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes! Cottage cheese works well for a lighter texture.
Why did my roll ups fall apart?
Make sure to pat noodles dry and roll them gently but firmly.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
Lay cooked noodles flat on parchment or drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use two 9×13 pans or one large sheet pan.
Are Lasagna Roll Ups kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the cheesy, rolled-up servings and it’s easy for them to eat.
Final Thoughts
These Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun, easy twist on classic lasagna—packed with hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and gooey cheese.
Whether you’re serving a crowd or meal prepping for the week, these individual lasagna rolls deliver all the flavor and comfort you crave!
Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients
Method
- Boil lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and lay flat.
- In a skillet, cook onion and beef until browned. Drain fat.
- Add marinara, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Spread ricotta mixture on noodles, top with meat sauce, and roll up.
- Spread some meat sauce in baking dish. Place roll ups seam-side down.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/lasagna-roll-ups/
Notes
- Lay the noodles flat right after boiling to avoid tearing or sticking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for beef.
- Add chopped spinach to the ricotta mixture for extra greens.
