If you have ever wanted to put a fresh twist on a classic Italian favorite, then you are in for a real treat with The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe. This dish transforms traditional lasagna into individual, delightful bundles of cheesy goodness that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Every roll-up is packed with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, layered with mozzarella and Parmesan, all smothered in rich marinara sauce. It’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for moments when you crave that hearty, homemade Italian meal without the fuss of slicing and serving a heavy casserole. Get ready to make this your new go-to comfort food star!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create something truly spectacular. Each component plays a special role in crafting a lasagna roll-up that’s layered with flavors and textures—creamy cheeses, vibrant spinach, and aromatic garlic come together to make every bite irresistibly comforting.
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained: The perfect base to hold your fillings and roll everything into neat bundles.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness when sautéing garlic and spinach.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, savory depth.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, this cheese creates that luscious filling texture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping): Brings gooey, melty deliciousness that pulls apart beautifully.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp kick for flavor balance.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the filling for easy spreading and rolling.
- 2 cups fresh spinach (sautéed and chopped): Brightens up the dish with color and a tender bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle hint of spice and earthiness.
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade): The saucy heart of the dish, ensuring every roll-up stays moist and flavorful.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh herbal touch and a beautiful finishing flourish.
How to Make The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This warms up your workspace and ensures your roll-ups won’t stick as they bake into golden perfection.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach
Heat the olive oil in a skillet just until it shimmers, then toss in the minced garlic. After about 30 seconds of fragrant sautéing, add the fresh spinach. Cook it until just wilted, which takes mere minutes, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. This step softens the greens and deepens flavor without overpowering the delicate cheeses.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Then fold in the sautéed spinach along with salt and black pepper. The egg adds just enough binding without making the filling dense, letting you spread it easily over each noodle. This mixture is what makes The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe so creamy and satisfying.
Step 4: Spread Sauce and Assemble Roll-Ups
Spoon a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly onto the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Now it’s time to lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread two to three tablespoons of your cheese and spinach filling evenly along each noodle, then roll them up gently but firmly. Arrange each roll seam-side down in the baking dish to keep them intact during baking.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese Topping
Pour the remaining marinara sauce generously over the roll-ups, ensuring every bundle is bathed in sauce. Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella cheese on top for that golden, bubbling, melty crust that we all love. Cover the dish with foil to seal in moisture as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes. This finish helps the cheese develop a beautiful golden color and delightful bubble on top. Finally, let the roll-ups rest for 5 minutes before serving so the filling sets and slicing becomes easier.
How to Serve The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley on top adds a bright, herbal pop that balances the richness and makes each serving feel a little more special. You can’t go wrong with these classic Italian touches.
Side Dishes
Pair your roll-ups with a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every bit of that wonderful marinara sauce. Roasted vegetables also complement the meal beautifully by adding texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personal presentation. You could also top each roll-up with a dollop of pesto or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an unexpected flavor twist that impresses dinner guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lasagna roll-ups store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make fantastic next-day meals when you’re craving comfort without the cooking effort.
Freezing
These roll-ups freeze well either before baking or after they’ve been cooked and cooled. Just wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or until heated through and bubbly again. For a quicker option, microwave on medium power in a covered dish, but be mindful that the edges may dry out slightly without the gentle oven warmth.
FAQs
Can I make The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the roll-ups the day before and refrigerate them, covered, until you’re ready to bake. This makes dinner-time much easier and just as delicious.
Is it necessary to use fresh spinach, or can I use frozen?
Fresh spinach is ideal because it wilts quickly and keeps the texture light, but you can use frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to thaw it thoroughly and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it into the filling.
What are some good protein additions to this recipe?
If you want to add a bit more heartiness, cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or sautéed mushrooms mix beautifully into the cheese and spinach filling without overwhelming the dish.
Can I substitute the cheeses if I don’t have them all?
You can swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina, and Parmesan for Pecorino Romano, but using the combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan really creates the ideal creaminess and flavor balance for The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together before assembling?
After cooking, toss the noodles lightly in a bit of olive oil and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment or wax paper in a single layer to cool. This keeps them separate and easy to handle during assembly.
Final Thoughts
The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of a classic lasagna with a fun, fresh twist. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving an Italian night in, these roll-ups will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll return to again and again. Don’t hesitate to try it out—your taste buds will thank you!
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The Best Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings (2 roll-ups per serving)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, featuring tender noodles filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this Italian-American dish combines rich flavors and comforting textures baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Lasagna Roll-Ups Filling
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach (sautéed and chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce & Garnish
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the egg, the sautéed and chopped spinach, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of the greased baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a surface. Evenly spread about 2–3 tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture over each noodle. Carefully roll up each noodle and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the lasagna roll-ups, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top for a cheesy finish.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then uncover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the baked roll-ups from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For added heartiness, mix in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or sautéed mushrooms into the cheese and spinach filling.
- These lasagna roll-ups freeze well both before and after baking. Simply thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
