Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Adore These Lasagna Roll Ups
• Essential Ingredients for Lasagna Roll Ups
• Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups
• Pro Tips and Delicious Variations
• What to Serve with Lasagna Roll Ups
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep
• Storing and Reheating Leftovers Perfectly
• More Easy Dinner Recipes
• Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe Card

Why You’ll Adore These Lasagna Roll Ups

These lasagna roll ups are more than just a meal; they’re a convenient and delicious solution for any night of the week. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation:

• Effortless Assembly: Unlike traditional layered lasagna, which can sometimes feel like a culinary engineering project, these roll ups are surprisingly easy to put together. Spreading and rolling individual noodles is a quick process, and they bake up beautifully in about an hour. It’s a fun, less daunting way to enjoy a rich, cheesy lasagna, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave homemade comfort but are short on time.
• Ideal for Meal Prep & Freezer Meals: One of the standout features of this recipe is its versatility for meal preparation. Each roll up is already a perfectly portioned serving, making it simple to pack for lunches or freeze for future meals. Having a batch of these homemade lasagna roll ups stashed in your freezer means you’re always just a reheat away from a satisfying, fuss-free dinner. It’s truly a game-changer for staying ahead of your weekly meal planning.
• Infinitely Adaptable: This lasagna roll ups recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to easily customize it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you want to add extra vegetables, swap out the meat, or experiment with different cheese combinations, these roll ups are designed to be a canvas for your culinary creativity. No matter how you fill them, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Essential Ingredients for Lasagna Roll Ups

Crafting the perfect lasagna roll ups starts with selecting high-quality ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. This recipe provides a fantastic foundation that can be made hearty with meat or easily adapted for a vegetarian option. I often use Italian sausage for its rich flavor, but feel free to adjust based on your dietary preferences and what your family loves. For a complete, printable list of ingredients with exact measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the end of this post.

• Lasagna Noodles: You’ll need about 12 uncooked lasagna sheets, one for each roll up. It’s always a good idea to cook a few extra, just in case any break during the boiling process. Cooking them until al dente is key – they should be flexible enough to roll without tearing, but not mushy. Tossing the drained noodles lightly with a bit of olive oil can also help prevent them from sticking together.
• Italian Sausage: This forms the base of our savory meat sauce. You can choose hot Italian sausage for a kick or mild for a more classic flavor. Other great options include ground pork, beef, or even chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter take. If you purchase sausage in links, remember to remove the casings before browning the meat. Chorizo is another adventurous and flavorful alternative if you’re looking to try something different!
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses are crucial for building depth of flavor in the meat sauce. Finely diced yellow onion or shallots will soften beautifully and contribute sweetness, while freshly minced garlic cloves add that essential pungent, aromatic warmth that defines Italian cooking.
• Marinara Sauce: The backbone of any good lasagna! Opt for a jar of your favorite store-bought marinara sauce for convenience, or use passata or a robust canned tomato sauce. If you have a homemade sauce recipe you love, this is the perfect place to use it.
• Cheese Blend: Our irresistible filling features a classic trifecta: creamy ricotta cheese for moisture and tang, shredded mozzarella for its incredible melt and gooey texture, and grated Parmesan for a sharp, salty finish. Don’t be afraid to experiment! If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese or even cream cheese can work in a pinch. For the best melting and flavor, I highly recommend grating your mozzarella and Parmesan fresh from the block, as pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting. An egg is mixed in with the cheese to act as a binder, helping the filling hold its shape during baking.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme is essential for authentic Italian flavor. I love keeping a jar of homemade Italian seasoning handy, but store-bought works perfectly. If you’re out, a combination of dried oregano and basil will be a great substitute.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups

Creating these delicious lasagna roll ups is a straightforward process, even if you’re new to making homemade pasta dishes. Follow this easy overview, and for precise measurements and detailed printable instructions, be sure to check the full recipe card below. Let’s get cooking!

• Prepare the Lasagna Noodles: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your lasagna noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente. They should be pliable and flexible, but still have a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and lay them flat on a clean surface or baking sheet. A light toss with olive oil can help prevent them from sticking together as they cool.
• Sauté the Meat and Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your Italian sausage (removed from casings if using links) and finely diced onion. Break up the sausage with a spoon as it cooks, browning it evenly for about 7-8 minutes, until it’s no longer pink and the onions are softened. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet to keep your sauce from being oily. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant – be careful not to burn the garlic!
• Simmer the Meat Sauce: Once the sausage, onion, and garlic are cooked, pour in your favorite marinara sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow it to cook for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully. This savory meat sauce will be used both as a filling and a topping.

Pro Tips and Delicious Variations

Elevate your lasagna roll ups with these expert tips and creative variations. This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and encourages customization, so feel free to make it your own!

• Always Opt for Freshly Grated Cheese: This is a game-changer! Pre-shredded, packaged cheeses often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can prevent them from melting smoothly and result in a grainy texture. For the absolute best flavor and a wonderfully gooey, melty texture, take a few extra minutes to grate your mozzarella and Parmesan fresh from the block. You’ll taste the difference!
• Prevent Cheese Stickage: When covering your baking dish with aluminum foil, give the underside of the foil a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray. This simple step will prevent the delicious, bubbly cheese from sticking to the foil, ensuring a perfect presentation and less cleanup.
• Boost with Spinach: Adding spinach is a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables and enhance the flavor.
  • Fresh Spinach: Sauté baby spinach with a drizzle of olive oil until it’s just wilted. Let it cool slightly, then squeeze out any excess moisture before stirring it into your cheese mixture.
  • Frozen Spinach: If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and then thoroughly drain and pat it dry to remove all excess water. Incorporate it into the ricotta filling.
  • Spinach Pesto: For a burst of herbacious flavor, stir in a spoonful of spinach pesto into your cheese mixture or drizzle it over the assembled roll ups before baking.
• Spice Things Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily make your lasagna roll ups spicy. Add a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while it simmers, or stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Using hot Italian sausage instead of mild will also provide a delightful kick.
• Experiment with Different Fillings: The beauty of lasagna roll ups is their adaptability!
  • Tex-Mex Twist: Borrow ingredients from my Mexican lasagna, such as seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses for a fun Tex-Mex version.
  • Hearty Bolognese: Replace the marinara and Italian sausage with a rich, slow-simmered leftover Bolognese sauce for an even deeper, more complex flavor profile.
  • Creamy Chicken & Mushroom: Try a white sauce base with shredded chicken and sautéed mushrooms for a different, equally comforting experience.
• Make it Vegetarian: To create delicious vegetarian lasagna roll ups, simply omit the Italian sausage. Instead, use your favorite robust tomato sauce as the base. You can replace the meat with a variety of flavorful alternatives:
  • Sautéed Vegetables: Add extra sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant to the sauce or cheese mixture.
  • Plant-Based Protein: Incorporate cooked lentils, crumbled tofu (pressed and drained), or your favorite meatless mince for added texture and protein.
• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on filling, be mindful not to overfill your lasagna noodles. Too much filling can make them difficult to roll and prone to tearing. A couple of tablespoons of each mixture per noodle is usually sufficient.
• Ensure Noodles are Pliable: Properly cooked, al dente noodles are crucial for easy rolling. If they are too stiff, they will crack; if they are too soft, they will tear. Cook them just until they are flexible.

What to Serve with Lasagna Roll Ups

These cheesy lasagna roll ups are a wonderfully satisfying and delicious dinner on their own, but pairing them with the right side dishes can elevate your meal into a truly memorable Italian feast. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, light green salad with a simple vinaigrette is the perfect complement. Its freshness and acidity cut through the richness of the lasagna, offering a refreshing balance. Consider adding some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion for extra crunch and color.
• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: No Italian meal is complete without something to sop up every last drop of that delicious sauce! Warm, crusty cheesy garlic bread or soft, homemade breadsticks are always a hit.
• Bruschetta: Start your meal with an elegant and flavorful appetizer like bruschetta. The fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic on toasted bread provide a delightful prelude to the main course.
• Cucumber and Tomato Salad: For another light and refreshing side, a vibrant tomato and cucumber salad with a light dressing adds a wonderful burst of fresh flavor and texture.
• Hearty Soups: Especially on a cooler evening, a bowl of warming soup can be a delightful starter. Consider a creamy avgolemono soup or a classic, vegetable-rich minestrone soup.
• Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: Simple sides like roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans tossed with a little olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan are easy to prepare and add essential nutrients without overwhelming the main dish.

Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep

One of the best features of these lasagna roll ups is how wonderfully they adapt to meal prepping and make-ahead strategies. They are perfect for preparing in advance, saving you precious time on busy weeknights, or for stocking your freezer with delicious, homemade comfort food.

• Prepare Ahead (Unbaked): You can fully assemble the lasagna roll ups as directed in the recipe, placing them neatly in your baking dish, but hold off on baking. Instead, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. You can store these unbaked roll ups in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, remove them from the fridge about 20-30 minutes before baking to let them come closer to room temperature. You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the overall baking time if baking directly from cold.
• Freeze (Unbaked): For a longer storage option, assemble the roll ups in a freezer-safe baking dish. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the frozen roll ups completely in the refrigerator overnight. Then, proceed with the baking instructions, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time as needed.
• Portion Cooked Leftovers for Meal Prep: Another fantastic option is to bake the lasagna roll ups completely. Once cooled, portion individual servings into airtight meal-prepping containers. These can be stored in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week or frozen for extended storage. This method is incredibly convenient for having pre-made, healthy meals ready to go.

Having a batch of these homemade lasagna roll ups ready to go, either in the fridge or freezer, is a true blessing for anyone looking to enjoy delicious, homemade meals without the daily cooking hassle.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers Perfectly

Ensuring your delicious lasagna roll ups remain just as tasty the next day (or next month!) is easy with proper storage and reheating techniques.

• Refrigerate: Any leftover baked lasagna roll ups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are fully cooled before transferring them to the container to prevent condensation.
• Reheat:
  • Microwave: For a quick reheat, place individual roll ups on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely (to prevent splatters), and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until hot throughout.
  • Oven: For best results, especially if reheating multiple roll ups or from the fridge, place them in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Removing the foil for the last few minutes can help crisp up the cheese.
• Freeze (Baked): Baked lasagna roll ups freeze exceptionally well. Once they are completely cooled, you can wrap individual roll ups tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using the oven or microwave methods.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

Looking for more delicious and easy dinner ideas to add to your rotation? Here are some other family-friendly favorites that are simple to prepare and packed with flavor:

• Hearty Beefaroni
• Creamy Homemade Alfredo
• Flavorful Sausage Risotto
• Delicious Italian Stuffed Chicken
• Simple Italian Chicken Bake
• Easy Baked Ravioli Casserole