There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of fresh, cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups wafting through the kitchen! These delightful rolls are crispy, savory, fresh, and loaded with protein to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. I created this recipe during a particularly busy week when my family craved comfort food but needed something quick and nutritious. Each serving packs a hearty 350 calories, making it an ideal option for meal prep while still ensuring everyone gets their protein fix.
I vividly remember the first time I made these Lasagna Roll Ups on a chilly Sunday afternoon. My teenagers returned home from soccer practice, and their eyes lit up as they caught a whiff of the bubbling marinara sauce. “Mom, is that your famous lasagna?” one of them exclaimed, already setting the table with enthusiasm. What sets this dish apart is the creamy ricotta filling I add for an extra kick of flavor and texture. That day ended with both of them asking for seconds, their plates empty in no time—and my heart swelled with joy knowing I had created a family favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish plays an essential role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 oz Lasagna Noodles (Cooked and drained): These form the comforting base that holds all the delicious fillings together.
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese (Part-skim): Provides a creamy, rich filling that adds depth to each roll.
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Plus extra for topping): Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy layer on top.
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- 1 large Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the cheese filling cohesive and stable.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Chopped): Offers a fresh, herby note that brightens up the flavors.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Infuses a warm, savory aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce (Store-bought or homemade): Provides a tangy and rich sauce that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend starting with the filling first since it needs to be well-mixed before you can assemble the roll-ups, ensuring everything is ready to go when you start layering.
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy. This step is crucial because it sets the flavor foundation for your lasagna roll-ups. If you want a bit more richness, consider using whole milk ricotta instead of part-skim; it’ll give you a creamier texture.
Step 2: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. I usually suggest tasting as you go; this simple step really helps balance the flavors in your filling. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it enhances the overall dish.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, it’s a good time to get your baking dish ready. I like using a 9×13 inch dish for this recipe since it fits all the roll-ups comfortably while ensuring they cook evenly.
Step 4: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. This not only prevents sticking but also adds moisture during baking. A generous layer ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Take one cooked lasagna noodle and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of your cheese filling along its length. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Make sure not to overfill; otherwise, they might burst open during baking. I find that rolling them tightly helps them hold their shape and gives you that nice presentation when serving.
Step 6: Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling until all are rolled and placed in the dish. As you work through these roll-ups, take your time—each one should feel like a little package of love! It might help to have an extra set of hands if you’re making these for a crowd.
Step 7: Pour any remaining marinara sauce over the rolled noodles and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese for that cheesy top layer everyone loves. The extra mozzarella will melt beautifully and create that irresistible gooeyness on top.
Step 8: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This initial covered baking helps steam the noodles so they become tender without drying out. Make sure to seal it well to keep all that moisture in; I usually tuck the foil around the edges tightly.
Step 9: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it—every oven varies slightly! You want that perfect melty finish; if it’s not golden enough, broil for an extra minute or two at the end but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 10: Let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow everything to set slightly—this makes cutting into those rolls much easier! Plus, letting them rest brings all those delicious flavors together even more beautifully.
What to Serve with Lasagna Roll Ups
This bowl is already incredibly filling and balanced, but these sides add extra variety and nutrition to round out your meal perfectly.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: Tender broccoli florets tossed in olive oil, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese, then roasted until crispy. This side adds a delicious crunch and a savory flavor that complements the cheesy lasagna roll ups beautifully. Plus, it brings in a boost of vitamins C and K, making it a nutrient-dense choice that’s often a hit with my kids for its cheesy goodness.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella slices layered with ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil create a classic Italian salad that echoes the flavors in your lasagna roll ups. This refreshing option brings brightness to the meal while adding healthy fats from the olive oil and around 7 grams of protein per serving thanks to the mozzarella—perfect for staying satisfied!
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Italian herbs are an irresistible companion to any pasta dish. The buttery, garlicky flavor not only complements the rich marinara sauce but also provides that comforting carb boost we all love after a long day. Each breadstick has about 150 calories, making it an enjoyable treat without overdoing it.
Quinoa Tabbouleh: A light, herby salad made with cooked quinoa, parsley, mint, diced tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed in lemon juice provides a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of lasagna roll ups. This dish is packed with protein—about 8 grams per cup—and fiber to help keep you full. I often prepare this ahead of time for meal prep; it stores well in the fridge and gets better as the flavors meld!
Storage & Serving Tips
To store your Lasagna Roll Ups effectively for meal prep, place the assembled roll-ups in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to 4 days. For optimal storage, keep the marinara sauce in a separate container to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy. You can also store the cheese filling separately if you prefer to assemble them fresh each day. Keep any extra shredded mozzarella cheese for topping in a small airtight container as well.
When reheating, remove the desired number of Lasagna Roll Ups from the fridge and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If you’re reheating the marinara sauce, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving the roll-ups, as this method makes them soft and disappointing; if you must use a microwave, do so on medium power for no more than 2 minutes, checking halfway through.
Pro tip: To batch cook this recipe for the week, consider doubling the ingredients and portioning out single servings into individual containers after cooking. Family members can self-assemble their own bowls by layering different components each day. For variety, swap out part of the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or add cooked spinach to the filling for extra nutrients. To keep your pasta at its best during meal prep storage, layer parchment paper between each roll-up to prevent sticking and maintain that delicious texture throughout the week.
Conclusion
These Lasagna Roll Ups have become one of those recipes I make at least twice a month because they deliver 350 calories of pure satisfaction and are genuinely easy to prepare. The use of cooked lasagna noodles rolled up with a rich, cheesy filling sets this dish apart from typical lasagna, adding a fun twist that my whole family loves. Give this one a try this week. I promise it’ll become a regular rotation meal in your house too.
Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Take a cooked lasagna noodle and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese filling along the length of the noodle. Roll it up tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat with remaining noodles and filling.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the rolled noodles and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
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