Lasagna Roll Ups

Introduction

Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun and delicious twist on traditional lasagna. They are easy to prepare and combine all the classic lasagna ingredients—rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and tender pasta—rolled into individual portions. This dish is perfect for family dinners, make-ahead meals, or even freezer-friendly options. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that will satisfy any lasagna lover.

Ingredients

Cheese Filling:

• 15 oz. ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon each: salt, dried basil, dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 lb. ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 32 oz. marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles, plus extra in case of breakage
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, basil, parsley, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
2. Cook the Meat Sauce:
   • Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add diced onions and cook for about 10 minutes until they soften.
   • Add ground beef and sausage to the pot. Cook for 8-10 minutes, using a spatula to break up the meat until it’s finely crumbled. Add garlic in the last minute of cooking.
   • Drain excess grease, then add chicken broth. Scrape the bottom and sides of the pot with a spatula to deglaze.
   • Add marinara sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let the sauce cook gently while you prepare the noodles.
3. Boil the Lasagna Noodles: Cook lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay noodles on parchment or wax paper for easy handling.
4. Assemble the Roll Ups:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
   • Spread about 2 1/2 tablespoons of the cheese filling evenly over each lasagna noodle.
   • Spread 1/4 cup of meat sauce over each noodle.
   • Roll up the noodles tightly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles.
   • Top the rolled noodles with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with 1.5 cups of mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with foil (spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent cheese from sticking).
   • Bake for 35 minutes. If desired, remove the foil and broil at 450°F to brown the top, watching carefully during this time.
   • Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Conclusion

Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful and convenient way to enjoy all the flavors of classic lasagna in a fun, rolled-up package. This dish can be made ahead, stored in the freezer for future meals, or tailored with variations such as adding spinach or changing up the meat. Serve it with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete, comforting meal that’s sure to impress family and friends!