Lasagna Roll Ups: Easy Recipe & Delicious Variations

Lasagna roll ups: Prepare to ditch the traditional, messy lasagna pan and embrace a delightful, individual serving of Italian comfort food! Imagine perfectly portioned pasta pockets, each bursting with creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and melted mozzarella. These aren’t just any lasagna; they’re a fun, elegant, and surprisingly easy twist on a classic that will have everyone at the table singing your praises.

While the exact origins of lasagna are debated, with some tracing it back to ancient Rome, its modern form is undeniably Italian. For generations, lasagna has been a symbol of family gatherings and hearty, satisfying meals. But let’s face it, slicing and serving a traditional lasagna can be a bit of a challenge. That’s where lasagna roll ups come in!

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, the individual portions are incredibly appealing and make serving a breeze. Second, the texture is fantastic – the soft pasta, the creamy filling, and the gooey cheese create a symphony of flavors and sensations in every bite. Finally, while they look impressive, lasagna roll ups are surprisingly simple to make, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to experience lasagna in a whole new, utterly delicious way!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 9 lasagna noodles
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional: Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. First, we’re going to get our meat sauce going. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks, so you don’t end up with big chunks. We want it nice and crumbly.
2. Once the sausage is browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy lasagna!
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it’s softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be translucent and fragrant.
4. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can really smell that garlicky goodness. Be careful not to burn it!
5. Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir everything together to combine all those lovely tomato flavors.
6. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Give it another good stir.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. I usually let mine simmer for an hour, if I can.

Preparing the Ricotta Filling:

1. While the meat sauce is simmering, let’s get the ricotta filling ready. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
2. Add the chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This is the heart of our lasagna roll-ups, so make sure it’s perfect!

Cooking the Lasagna Noodles:

1. Now, we need to cook the lasagna noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt helps to season the noodles.
2. Add the lasagna noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, but cook them until they are al dente. We don’t want them to be too soft, because they will be rolled up and baked later. Usually, this means cooking them for about 8-10 minutes.
3. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also prevents them from sticking together.
4. Lay the noodles out on a clean surface, like a cutting board or baking sheet, so they don’t stick together while you’re assembling the roll-ups.

Assembling the Lasagna Roll-Ups:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the lasagna roll-ups from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
3. Now, take one lasagna noodle and spread about 1/3 cup of the ricotta filling evenly over the noodle.
4. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta filling.
5. Carefully roll up the noodle, starting from one end, and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining lasagna noodles, ricotta filling, and mozzarella cheese.
7. Once all the lasagna roll-ups are in the baking dish, pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the top.
8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.

Baking the Lasagna Roll-Ups:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the lasagna roll-ups moist while they bake.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
3. Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna roll-ups are heated through.
4. Let the lasagna roll-ups cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help them to hold their shape.
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
6. Serve and enjoy! These are great with a side salad and some garlic bread.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcook the lasagna noodles. Al dente is key! Overcooked noodles will be too soft and difficult to roll.
• Make sure the ricotta filling is well-seasoned. This is where a lot of the flavor comes from.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with the fillings. You can add spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the ricotta filling.
• If you’re short on time, you can use jarred marinara sauce instead of making your own meat sauce. Just be sure to choose a high-quality sauce.
• These lasagna roll-ups can be made ahead of time and baked later. Just assemble them and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Lasagna Roll-Ups: Substitute the Italian sausage with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
• Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups: Use cooked and shredded chicken instead of Italian sausage.
• Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna Roll-Ups: Add a cup of cooked and squeezed spinach to the ricotta filling.
• Spicy Lasagna Roll-Ups: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or ricotta filling.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
• Top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
• Serve with a glass of red wine.
• These are also great for potlucks and parties.

Make Ahead Instructions:

• Assemble the lasagna roll-ups as directed, but do not bake.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Remove the plastic wrap and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna roll-ups are heated through.

Freezing Instructions:

• Assemble the lasagna roll-ups as directed, but do not bake.
• Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to bake, thaw the lasagna roll-ups in the refrigerator overnight.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Remove the plastic wrap and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna roll-ups are heated through.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Lasagna Roll Ups are truly a game-changer. Forget wrestling with unwieldy lasagna noodles and uneven layers. This recipe delivers all the comforting, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna in a perfectly portioned, easy-to-make package. I know, I know, it sounds too good to be true, but trust me, it’s not!

What makes these roll ups a must-try? First, they’re incredibly customizable. You can easily adapt the filling to suit your preferences. Not a fan of ricotta? Try cottage cheese! Want to add more veggies? Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms would be fantastic additions. The possibilities are endless! Second, they’re perfect for meal prepping. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy delicious, satisfying lunches or dinners throughout the week. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven. And third, they’re just plain fun to make! Getting the whole family involved in rolling up the lasagna is a great way to spend quality time together in the kitchen.

But the real magic lies in the taste. The combination of the rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly cooked pasta is simply irresistible. Each bite is an explosion of flavor that will leave you wanting more. And let’s not forget the presentation! These roll ups look absolutely stunning on a plate, making them perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions. I love to serve these Lasagna Roll Ups with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal. For a heartier meal, you could pair them with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a dollop of pesto on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Here are a few variations to consider:

* Vegetarian Lasagna Roll Ups: Substitute the meat sauce with a vegetable-based sauce or a creamy mushroom sauce. Add plenty of vegetables to the cheese filling for a truly satisfying vegetarian meal.
* Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of ground beef in the sauce. You can also add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
* Spicy Lasagna Roll Ups: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or cheese filling for a little kick. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
* White Sauce Lasagna Roll Ups: Replace the traditional red sauce with a creamy béchamel sauce for a richer, more decadent flavor.

I truly believe that these Lasagna Roll Ups will become a staple in your kitchen. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly customizable. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe. Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your lasagna roll up adventures!

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