Roll Up Lasagna Recipe: The Perfect Portion-Controlled Comfort Food

Lasagna. The very word conjures images of bubbling cheese, rich tomato sauce, and layers upon layers of deliciousness. But let’s be honest, making a traditional lasagna can be a bit of a project. It’s time-consuming, requires a large baking dish, and often results in leftovers that linger for days (not always a bad thing, but sometimes you just want a single serving!). Enter: Roll Up Lasagna. This ingenious twist on the classic dish offers all the familiar flavors in a fun, portion-controlled, and surprisingly easy-to-make format.

Imagine individual lasagna rolls, each bursting with creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and melted mozzarella. No more struggling to cut perfect squares or dealing with unevenly heated pieces. Roll Up Lasagna is the answer to your weeknight dinner dreams, offering a satisfying and comforting meal without the fuss of traditional lasagna. Get ready to ditch the baking dish and embrace the roll!

Why This Recipe Works

This Roll Up Lasagna recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about enhancing the lasagna experience. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Portion Control: Each roll is a perfectly sized serving, making it easy to control portions and avoid food waste.
• Even Baking: The individual rolls bake evenly, ensuring that every bite is perfectly cooked and cheesy.
• Faster Cooking Time: Compared to a traditional lasagna, roll-ups bake in a fraction of the time, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or meats.
• Freezer-Friendly: Roll Up Lasagna freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal for those days when you just don’t have time to cook.
• Fun and Appealing: The unique presentation of roll-ups makes them a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• Lasagna Noodles: 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles (or regular lasagna noodles, cooked al dente)
• Ground Beef: 1 pound (or Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a combination)
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (whole milk or part-skim)
• Egg: 1 large
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or your choice of meat). Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Roll-Ups: If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions until al dente. Lay the lasagna noodles flat on a clean work surface.
6. Spread the Ricotta Filling: Spread approximately 1/4 cup of the ricotta mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle.
7. Add the Meat Sauce: Spoon about 1/4 cup of the meat sauce over the ricotta filling on each noodle.
8. Roll Up: Starting at one end, carefully roll up each lasagna noodle into a tight roll.
9. Arrange in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the lasagna rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
10. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the lasagna rolls.
11. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
12. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna rolls are heated through.
13. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rolls rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Roll Up Lasagna is a resounding success:

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, be sure to cook them al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want them to become mushy.
• Drain the Ricotta: If your ricotta cheese seems particularly watery, drain it in a cheesecloth-lined sieve for a few hours before using. This will prevent the filling from being too runny.
• Don’t Overfill the Noodles: Avoid overfilling the lasagna noodles, as this can make them difficult to roll and prevent them from baking evenly.
• Use Oven-Ready Noodles for Convenience: Oven-ready noodles are a great time-saver and eliminate the need to pre-cook the noodles.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the ricotta filling, such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the lasagna rolls to rest for a few minutes after baking will help them hold their shape and make them easier to serve.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating: Leftover Roll Up Lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: To freeze, allow the lasagna rolls to cool completely. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQ

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! Feel free to use ground Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a vegetarian meat substitute in place of the ground beef.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Of course! Try using provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses in place of the mozzarella.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.

My sauce is too thin. What can I do?

If your sauce is too thin, simmer it for a longer period of time to allow it to reduce and thicken.

Conclusion

Roll Up Lasagna is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, offering convenience, portion control, and customizable flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun and appealing meal for kids, or a freezer-friendly option for busy days, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, ditch the traditional baking dish and embrace the roll! You’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious it is to enjoy lasagna in a whole new way.