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
Scale
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.
