Lasagna is one of those dishes that always feels like home—but let’s be honest, it can be a bit of a project.
That’s where these Lasagna Roll Ups come in.
They’re everything you love about traditional lasagna—cheesy, saucy, and comforting—but rolled into tidy, individual portions that are easy to serve, store, and reheat.
With layers of rich marinara, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and hearty ground beef, this dish is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All the flavor of classic lasagna, but easier to portion and serve
Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
Simple ingredients with comforting Italian flavor
Kid-friendly and perfect for gatherings
Beautiful presentation with rolled pasta
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Lasagna noodles – cooked until just tender
Ground beef – savory base of the filling
Yellow onion + garlic – aromatic depth
Ricotta cheese – creamy filling essential
Mozzarella + parmesan cheese – melt and flavor
Egg – helps bind the filling
Marinara sauce – rich tomato flavor, homemade or store-bought
Fresh parsley – for color and freshness
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cook noodles just to al dente—they’ll soften more in the oven
Let noodles cool slightly so they’re easier to handle
Drain any excess grease from beef before mixing with sauce
Don’t skip the egg—it gives the filling structure
Let the dish rest 5–10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices
How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and lay them flat on a clean towel to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion until the beef is browned and onion is soft.
Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Drain excess grease.
Step 3: Add Marinara
Stir in about 1 cup of marinara sauce into the cooked beef mixture.
Simmer for a few minutes and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, ¼ cup of parmesan, one egg, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Spread a thin layer of marinara in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread cheese mixture evenly on each lasagna noodle.
Add a spoonful of meat mixture.
Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Spoon remaining marinara over the top of the rolls.
Sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the lasagna roll ups rest for 5–10 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
What to Serve It With
Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
A crisp green salad with Italian dressing
Roasted zucchini or sautéed spinach
Red wine like Chianti or a sparkling Italian soda
Fresh grated parmesan at the table
Variations / Substitutions
Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef
Make it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms and spinach
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles if needed
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through
Freeze assembled (unbaked or baked) rolls for up to 2 months
Wrap tightly in foil before freezing
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
FAQs
Can I assemble lasagna roll ups ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.
Bake as directed when ready.
Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?
Not recommended—they tend to crack when rolled.
Stick to boiled noodles for flexibility.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Use two baking dishes and increase all ingredients proportionally.
What if I don’t like ricotta?
You can use cottage cheese or even a cream cheese and sour cream blend for similar creaminess.
Can I freeze individual portions?
Yes! Freeze cooked roll-ups individually and reheat in the microwave for a quick meal.
Is this dish spicy?
Not at all—but you can add crushed red pepper to the sauce or meat for heat.
Final Thoughts
These Lasagna Roll Ups are my go-to when I want lasagna flavor without the hassle of layering.
They’re hearty, cheesy, satisfying, and look impressive on the plate.
Whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or prepping for a party, these roll-ups are always a hit.
One pan, lots of flavor, and zero mess when serving. That’s a win in my book.
Full Recipe Card (Ingredients + Instructions)
Ingredients
10–12 lasagna noodles
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups marinara sauce (divided)
15 oz ricotta cheese
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
½ cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
1 large egg
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook noodles until al dente. Drain and lay flat.
Brown ground beef with onion. Add garlic. Drain grease.
Stir in 1 cup marinara. Set aside.
Mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, ¼ cup parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Spread cheese mix on each noodle. Top with beef. Roll up.
Place seam-side down in a baking dish with marinara on the bottom.
Top with remaining sauce and cheeses.
Cover and bake at 375°F for 30 mins. Uncover, bake 10 mins more.
Rest 5 mins. Garnish and serve.
