Lasagna Roll Ups: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful twist on the classic lasagna, perfect for anyone looking for a comforting meal. These delicious pasta rolls are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, creamy ricotta, and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, making them a favorite among families. They are not only easy to make but are also an impressive dish for gatherings. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, Lasagna Roll Ups are sure to please everyone at the table.
A Personal Story Behind My Lasagna Roll Ups Journey
Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering around the dinner table every Sunday. Lasagna was always on the menu, made with love and passed down from my grandmother. The aroma of baked cheese and rich marinara sauce filled our home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. When I discovered the concept of Lasagna Roll Ups, I was excited to combine my love for traditional lasagna with a fun and modern twist. This recipe has since become a staple in my kitchen, bringing back those cherished family memories while creating new ones.
What Makes This Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe Special?
What sets this Lasagna Roll Ups recipe apart is its versatility and ease of preparation. Unlike traditional lasagna, these roll-ups allow for individual servings with all the flavors and textures you love. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and beef creates a creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the tangy marinara sauce. Additionally, these roll-ups can be customized to suit dietary preferences, making them a great choice for gatherings where different tastes are represented. Plus, they look beautiful when served, making them an appealing option for both casual and formal occasions.
The Full Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 16 oz ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles as per package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- In a large pan over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until it is no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano; sauté for an additional minute to enhance the flavors. Finally, add the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes before removing from heat.
- Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix until well combined.
- To assemble the roll-ups, spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture over each lasagna noodle. Add a strip of the meat sauce down the center of each noodle, then roll up tightly. Place each roll seam side down in the casserole dish.
- Once all the roll-ups are placed in the dish, pour the remaining meat sauce over the top and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 40 minutes. For a golden finish, remove the foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is lightly golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving for a fresh touch.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna Roll Ups can be served as a standalone dish or paired with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as using ricotta mixed with spinach for added nutrition. These roll-ups are also freezer-friendly; simply assemble them ahead of time and bake when ready to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lasagna Roll Ups
Can I make Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the roll-ups a day in advance, cover them tightly, and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Can I freeze Lasagna Roll Ups?
Absolutely! Assemble the roll-ups and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding additional time to ensure they are heated through.
What can I serve with Lasagna Roll Ups?
These roll-ups pair wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of these Lasagna Roll Ups!
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories per Serving: 450
Servings: 6
Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 noodles lasagna noodles, cooked
- 16 oz ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 0.5 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cup parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large pan over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano, sautéing for an additional minute. Finally, add marinara sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes before removing from heat.
- Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix until well combined.
- To assemble the roll-ups, spread a layer of the cheese mixture over each lasagna noodle, add a strip of meat sauce down the center, then roll up tightly. Place each roll seam side down in the casserole dish.
- Once all roll-ups are placed in the dish, pour the remaining meat sauce over the top and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese evenly.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. Remove foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with additional parsley before serving for a fresh touch.