Let me tell you about my love affair with Lasagna Roll Ups! I’ve made this delightful dish more times than I can count, and each time, it feels like a warm hug on a plate. The excitement starts as soon as I pull out the ingredients, and I know I’m about to create something special. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these roll ups have quickly become a family favorite. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why everyone keeps coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Roll Ups
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile: You can customize the fillings and sauces to suit your taste!
- Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of creamy ricotta, zesty marinara, and melted mozzarella is simply irresistible.
- Visually Stunning: These roll ups look beautiful plated, making them great for entertaining.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them in advance, and they’ll be ready to bake when you need them!
The Secret to Perfect Lasagna Roll Ups
The key to achieving perfect Lasagna Roll Ups lies in the quality of the ingredients and the technique! You want to use fresh ricotta cheese and high-quality marinara sauce for that authentic flavor. When boiling the pasta, make sure to cook it just until al dente; this prevents it from getting too soft when you bake it. I’ve found that adding a touch of garlic and fresh basil to the ricotta mixture elevates the entire dish. Just remember to roll the pasta tightly but gently—this technique ensures that the fillings stay intact and each bite is packed with flavor!
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“These Lasagna Roll Ups are incredible! I made them for my family, and they couldn’t get enough. The flavors are out of this world!” – Sarah T.
“I’m not usually a fan of lasagna, but this twist had me hooked! They were so creamy and delicious.” – Mark J.
“I love how easy these are to make! I prepped them ahead of time for a dinner party, and they were a hit!” – Emily R.
Creative Variations to Try
- Spinach & Artichoke: Add sautéed spinach and chopped artichoke hearts to the ricotta for a fresh twist.
- Meat Lovers: Include cooked ground beef or sausage in the ricotta mixture for a heartier option.
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap out the meat for roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Pesto Perfection: Mix in some basil pesto with the ricotta for an herby flavor explosion.
Bonus: You can even experiment with different cheeses! Think about adding provolone or gouda for a unique taste.
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the roll ups a day in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- What should I serve with Lasagna Roll Ups? A fresh garden salad and garlic bread pair beautifully with this dish.
- Can I freeze these roll ups? Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly in foil and freeze. Bake them from frozen, adding a little extra cooking time.
- What if my pasta tears while rolling? Don’t worry! Just patch it up with a little extra filling, and it will still taste amazing.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
- When reheating, cover with foil to keep the roll ups from drying out.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of parmesan for that gourmet touch!
Perfect Occasions for Lasagna Roll Ups
- Busy weeknights when you need a quick and hearty meal.
- Family gatherings where everyone wants to dive into comfort food.
- Potluck parties to impress friends with delicious homemade goodness.
- Holiday dinners, bringing a twist to traditional lasagna.
- Casual get-togethers where you want to serve something special without a fuss.
The Complete Recipe
Thank you for sticking with me! Now, let’s get to the exciting part: the recipe for these amazing Lasagna Roll Ups!
Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tip: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture for a little heat!
Extend ingredients section: Consider adding spinach, mushrooms, or even cooked meat to the filling for a richer flavor! Each ingredient plays a role in creating that perfect, comforting dish that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel, so they don’t stick together. This step is crucial to ensure your noodles are manageable when rolling!
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well blended. The creaminess of the ricotta mixed with the spices creates an irresistible filling that will make your taste buds dance!
Step 3: Assemble the Roll Ups
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take a noodle, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta filling along its length, and then roll it up tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all noodles are filled. This step is where the magic happens! You’ll feel like a master chef as you roll them up!
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the roll ups, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. This will melt into a bubbly, cheesy layer that’s simply to die for!
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. This is when your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll have everyone eagerly waiting for dinner!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and extra flavor. Get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Nutrition info: Each serving is approximately 350 calories, packed with protein and flavor, making it a balanced meal that’s sure to please.
Final Thoughts
I can’t stress enough how special these Lasagna Roll Ups are. They combine comfort, creativity, and ease, making them perfect for any occasion. The next
Lasagna Roll Ups
-
Total Time:
1 hr 10 mins -
Yield:
4 servings
Enjoy a quick and healthy dinner with these delicious lasagna roll ups, featuring spinach, ricotta, and marinara for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- • 12 lasagna noodles
- • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- • 2 cups marinara sauce
- • 1 large egg
- • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- • 2 cloves garlic, minced
- • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Noodles – Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel, so they don’t stick together.
- Step 2: Prepare the Filling – In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well blended.
- Step 3: Assemble the Roll Ups – Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take a noodle, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta filling along its length, and then roll it up tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese – Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the roll ups, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Step 5: Bake – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy – Let the roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
- Method: Oven
