Name: Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups for a Family-Friendly Feast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 12 oz Lasagna Noodles (Cooked until al dente); 15 oz Ricotta Cheese (The star of the filling); 1 large Egg (Acts as a binding agent); 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Feel free to use pre-grated); 1/2 cup Romano Cheese (Adds a deeper flavor); 1 tsp Black Pepper (A touch of warmth); 1 tsp Salt (Essential for flavor); 1 tsp Garlic Salt (Infuses subtle garlic essence); 1/4 cup Chopped Parsley (For freshness); 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (Melts beautifully on top); 24 oz Ragú Homestyle Meat Sauce (Convenient sauce option)

As I rummaged through my pantry, the thought of a comforting homemade meal danced in my mind—all I needed was a dish that was simple, family-approved, and sure to bring everyone together. Enter my Easy Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups! These delightful bites are everything you’d want from a hearty dinner: they’re quick enough for busy weeknights and can easily be made ahead to simplify your meal prep. Fluffy ricotta and gooey mozzarella are enveloped in tender lasagna noodles, layered with savory meat sauce that’ll have your loved ones asking for seconds. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, which means you can stash a few for those days when cooking feels like a marathon. Curiosity piqued? Let’s dive into making these satisfying rolls that transform traditional lasagna into an effortless feast!

What makes these lasagna roll ups special?

Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights, ready in just under an hour!

Family-Friendly: Everyone will love these cheesy delights, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at the dinner table.

Versatile Options: Customize with your favorite meats or vegetables for a unique twist every time you make them.

Freezer-Friendly: Prep ahead and freeze them for those days when you need a quick meal. Just pop them in the oven and enjoy!

Comfort Food Redefined: Experience all the flavors of traditional lasagna in an easier-to-serve format that’s ideal for both kids and adults.

Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups Ingredients

• Dive into making these delightful Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups!

For the Roll Ups

Lasagna Noodles – Cooked until al dente, they provide the perfect structure for our rolls.
Ricotta Cheese – The star of the filling, adding creaminess that makes each bite irresistible.
Egg – Acts as a binding agent, ensuring your filling holds together beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese – A burst of flavor; feel free to use pre-grated for convenience.
Romano Cheese – Adds a deeper flavor; you can swap for other cheeses if you prefer.
Black Pepper – A touch of warmth to elevate the overall taste of the dish.
Salt – Essential for enhancing all the beautiful flavors in your meal.
Garlic Salt – Infuses a subtle garlic essence into the filling for extra flavor.
Chopped Parsley – Brings a hint of freshness, used both in the filling and for garnishing.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully on top, providing that gooey texture we all love.
Ragú Homestyle Meat Sauce – For convenience and flavor, it’s a quick sauce option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

These Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups are bound to be a hit with your family! Enjoy making them and feel free to explore the variations!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a generous layer of pasta sauce along the bottom. This sauce will help keep the Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups moist while they bake, ensuring a deliciously flavorful base.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until they are al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and gently layer them on parchment paper to prevent sticking while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, crack an egg and beat it lightly. Then, mix in the ricotta cheese, black pepper, salt, garlic salt, and chopped parsley until well combined. This cheesy filling is the heart of your Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups, so make sure it’s mixed to a creamy consistency that spreads easily.

Step 4: Add More Cheese
Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese along with all of the Romano cheese and 2 cups of mozzarella into the ricotta mixture. The mixture should become thick and cheesy—this will create a delightful filling for your roll ups that oozes flavor and creaminess in every bite.

Step 5: Assemble the Roll Ups
Take one cooked lasagna noodle and lay it flat on your workspace. Spread a thin layer of the cheese filling over the noodle, then spoon a little of the meat sauce on top. Gently roll the noodle up from one end to the other, placing the seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with all noodles until you’ve filled the dish.

Step 6: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Once all the noodle rolls are securely placed, pour the remaining meat sauce evenly on top. Sprinkle any leftover mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce, ensuring a good coating on all roll ups. To keep moisture in while baking, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, well-heated dish that smells heavenly! The top should be slightly golden and the filling inside should be perfectly melty, ready to be served to your hungry family.

What to Serve with Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups

Complete your meal with delightful additions that elevate your Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups into a feast everyone will love.

Garlic Bread: This classic pairing is a must-have! The buttery, garlicky goodness complements the rich flavors of the roll ups perfectly.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and tangy dressing add a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, hearty roll ups. It invigorates the palate with every bite.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers can bring a colorful, healthy side. The roasted flavors add depth to your meal.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella provide a burst of flavor. This light and vibrant salad is the perfect balance to the richness of the roll ups.
Steamed Broccoli: For a simple, nutritious side, steamed broccoli offers a tender crunch that pairs effortlessly with the cheesy goodness of the roll ups.
Red Wine: A glass of robust red wine enhances the meal’s Italian essence. It beautifully complements the savory flavors of the meat sauce and cheese.
Chocolate Mousse: For a sweet finish, a light and airy chocolate mousse can be a wonderful contrast. Its creamy texture rounds off the meal on a decadent note.

How to Store and Freeze Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups

Room Temperature: Store any leftovers at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.

Fridge: Keep cooked Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, ready to be reheated for a quick meal.

Freezer: Freeze assembled but uncooked roll ups in a tightly wrapped dish for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, they need about 15-20 extra minutes cooking time from frozen.

Reheating: For those fantastic leftovers, reheat roll ups in a 350°F oven for about 25-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

Make Ahead Options

These Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance by preparing the roll ups, layering them with sauce and cheese, and then covering tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This ensures they retain their freshness and flavor. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled roll ups for up to 3 months; just be sure to cover them well to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time. By prepping these delicious Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time, you’ll have a comforting, satisfying meal waiting for you on those busy weeknights!

Expert Tips for Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups

Fresh Cheese Advantage: Using freshly grated cheese enhances the flavor significantly compared to pre-grated options, ensuring your Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups are irresistible.
Avoid Sticky Noodles: After cooking the lasagna noodles, lay them on parchment paper to prevent sticking together while you prepare the filling.
Perfect Filling Consistency: Ensure your cheese filling is creamy and well-mixed. This helps it spread easily on the noodles without tearing them apart.
Roll Technique: Be gentle when rolling the noodles; a tight roll might cause the filling to ooze out, affecting the overall presentation of your Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups.
Freezing Tips: To freeze assembled roll ups, cover tightly before baking. When ready to cook, extend baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure they’re heated through.

Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups Variations

Feel free to let your imagination run wild with these delightful Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups—customization time!

Meaty Delight: Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the cheese mixture for heartier roll ups. This twist not only enhances flavor but offers a satisfying protein boost.
Veggie Power: Mix in fresh spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms with the cheese filling. Adding vegetables brings in fiber and a delightful twist for veggie lovers.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap ricotta for a plant-based alternative, and use vegan cheeses to keep this dish dairy-free yet completely satisfying. You might even discover a new favorite!
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or add jalapeños to the filling for an extra punch! The heat will beautifully contrast with the creamy cheeses.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or havarti for a touch of new flavors that can make this dish exciting every time you serve it.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the cheese filling for a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the sauce. It’s an aromatic twist that the whole family will enjoy.
Sauce Variations: Use a homemade marinara or a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of meat sauce for a unique flavor profile. Each sauce change transforms the whole dish!

For more cheesy goodness, consider pairing your roll ups with some freshly baked Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks or a side of Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls for a complete, comforting meal. Enjoy crafting your perfect roll ups!

Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe FAQs

What kind of lasagna noodles should I use?
For the best texture, use regular lasagna noodles and cook them until al dente. This helps them hold their shape when rolled and prevents them from becoming mushy during baking.

How do I store leftover Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups?
Store cooked roll ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool to room temperature before sealing, thereby keeping them fresh and delicious for a few quick reheats.

Can I freeze Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups before baking?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the roll ups in a tightly covered dish without baking them. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply add about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time since they’ll be starting from frozen.

What should I do if my filling is too watery?
If your filling is too watery, it might be due to excess moisture in the ricotta or other ingredients. To fix this, strain the ricotta in a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth before mixing it. Additionally, use thicker sauces or reduce any liquid before mixing into the filling to achieve the right consistency.

Are these Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups suitable for kids with allergies?
Keep in mind that this dish includes dairy and gluten. If you’re accommodating allergies, consider using gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitutes for cheese, such as dairy-free versions, which can still provide a creamy consistency. Always check labels for allergens!

Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Very! Incorporating vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms is a fantastic way to boost nutrition and introduce flavor. Just be sure to sauté them first to remove excess moisture, ensuring they don’t make the filling watery.