Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish that many of us know and love. Imagine layers of rich, savory flavors wrapped in tender pasta, all baked to perfection. This recipe not only brings a comforting taste to the table but also offers a fun and creative way to enjoy lasagna. Originating from Italy, lasagna has been a beloved staple for centuries, often served during family gatherings and special occasions. What I adore about Lasagna Roll Ups is their versatility; they can be customized with various fillings, making them a hit for both kids and adults alike. The combination of gooey cheese, hearty meat, and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to prepare, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal without the fuss of traditional lasagna layering. Join me as we dive into this scrumptious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Noodles
1. **Boil the Lasagna Noodles**: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the lasagna noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. 2. **Drain and Cool**: Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to cool and dry slightly.Preparing the Filling
3. **Mix the Cheese Filling**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and smooth. 4. **Taste and Adjust**: I always like to taste the filling at this stage. If you feel it needs more seasoning, feel free to add a pinch more salt or herbs to suit your taste.Assembling the Lasagna Roll Ups
5. **Prepare the Baking Dish**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the noodles from sticking and add flavor. 6. **Fill the Noodles**: Take one lasagna noodle and lay it flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese filling onto the noodle, spreading it evenly across the width. Be careful not to overfill, as it can make rolling difficult. 7. **Roll the Noodle**: Starting from one end, gently roll the noodle away from you, keeping the filling inside. Place the rolled noodle seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining noodles and filling. 8. **Top with Sauce and Cheese**: Once all the roll-ups are in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring each roll is covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.Baking the Lasagna Roll Ups
9. **Cover and Bake**: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesnt touch the cheese. This will help the roll-ups cook evenly without burning the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. 10. **Uncover and Brown**: After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the sauce should be bubbling. 11. **Check for Doneness**: To ensure everything is heated through, you can insert a knife into the center of the dish. If it comes out hot, youre good to go!Storage Tips
15. **Storing Leftovers**: If you have any leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. 16. **Reheating**: To reheat, simply place the roll-ups in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a preheated oven at
Conclusion:
In summary, these Lasagna Roll Ups are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game. Not only do they offer a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, but they also allow for endless creativity in the kitchen. You can easily customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, whether thats adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even a layer of ricotta mixed with herbs for an extra flavor boost. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these delicious roll-ups with a fresh side salad and some garlic bread to soak up all that rich marinara sauce. You could also sprinkle some fresh basil or grated Parmesan on top for an added touch of elegance. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own! Once youve whipped up a batch of these Lasagna Roll Ups, Id love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Cooking is all about sharing joy and creativity, and I cant wait to see how you make this dish uniquely yours! Print
Lasagna Roll Ups: A Delicious Twist on Classic Italian Comfort Food
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Delicious lasagna roll-ups filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse under cold water. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to cool and dry slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Taste the filling and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Lay one lasagna noodle flat. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of cheese filling onto the noodle, spreading it evenly. Avoid overfilling.
- Roll the noodle away from you, keeping the filling inside. Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles and filling.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Insert a knife into the center; if it comes out hot, the dish is ready.
- Allow the roll-ups to sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Dig in and savor the cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place roll-ups in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
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