Oh my goodness, let me tell you about lasagna roll ups! They’re like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, cheesy, and just plain delightful. Imagine traditional lasagna, but instead of layers, you get these beautiful, hearty rolls filled with creamy ricotta and marinara sauce. I remember the first time I made these; my friends were over for dinner, and I thought, “Why not shake things up a bit?” Well, these lasagna roll ups were a total game changer! Everyone absolutely loved them, and I couldn’t believe how easy they were to whip up. They’re perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party, and trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked. You’re going to adore this delicious twist on a classic!
Ingredients for Lasagna Roll Ups
Let’s gather all the goodies we need for these amazing lasagna roll ups! You’ll want to make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go for a smooth cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 lasagna noodles: You can use regular or whole wheat, just make sure they’re cooked al dente so they hold up when rolled!
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: The creamy base of our filling! I love using whole milk ricotta for that extra richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This adds that gooey, melty goodness we all crave. Don’t skimp on the cheese!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a touch of nutty flavor that complements the ricotta perfectly.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce—just make sure it’s flavorful!
- 1 egg: This helps bind our ricotta mixture together, giving it a lovely texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a hint of classic Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because, let’s be honest, garlic makes everything better!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! A little salt goes a long way in bringing out those flavors.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create some delicious lasagna roll ups that will impress everyone at your table!
How to Prepare Lasagna Roll Ups
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Noodles
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Trust me, this step is super important because it ensures your lasagna roll ups bake evenly and come out bubbly and delicious! While the oven is warming up, cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Keep an eye on them; you want them al dente, which means they should be firm to the bite. If they’re too soft, they’ll be a bit tricky to roll later on. Once cooked, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Ricotta Mixture
Now, let’s whip up that creamy ricotta filling! In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese with 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. I always like to use a fork or a spatula to mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! This mixture is where all the flavor is going to come from, so make sure it’s well combined. Set it aside for a moment while we prepare to assemble.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll Ups
Alright, we’re getting to the fun part! Grab your baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom—this will keep the roll ups from sticking. Now, take one lasagna noodle and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly over it. Make sure to leave about an inch at the edges. Once it’s well-covered, carefully roll the noodle up from one end to the other and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process until all the noodles are filled and rolled. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they will still taste amazing!
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Now it’s time to bake! Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the rolled noodles, making sure they’re all covered. Then, sprinkle that gooey shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top—yum! Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the cheese to be bubbly and just starting to turn golden brown. Once done, let the roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time is crucial—it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your delicious lasagna roll ups!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, let me tell you why these lasagna roll ups are a total winner! Here are just a few reasons you’ll fall head over heels for this dish:
- Quick to Prepare: With just a bit of prep and baking time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under an hour!
- Easy to Serve: The roll ups are perfectly portioned, making them a breeze to dish out, and they look so inviting on the plate!
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match ingredients! Swap in your favorite veggies or use different cheeses to make it your own.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love these! They’re fun to eat and packed with cheesy goodness that will please even the pickiest eaters.
Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a go-to recipe for your family dinners!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your lasagna roll ups turn out perfectly every time? Here are some of my go-to tips! First, don’t overcook your lasagna noodles. You want them al dente so they can hold up when you roll them. If they’re too soft, they’ll fall apart, and nobody wants that! Also, using fresh ingredients makes a huge difference in flavor. Opt for high-quality ricotta and fresh marinara sauce if you can—trust me, it elevates the dish! Another tip is to let the roll ups rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes serving a breeze. Lastly, feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings to make it your own! Enjoy the process and have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to the nutritional values for these delicious lasagna roll ups, keep in mind that they can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, here’s a typical breakdown per serving (1 roll up):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 20g
Just remember, these values are estimates, and it’s always a good idea to calculate based on your exact ingredients for the most accurate results!
FAQ About Lasagna Roll Ups
Got questions about these scrumptious lasagna roll ups? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I make these roll ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the roll ups, cover them tightly, and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re chilled.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth, or even a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version!
Can I freeze lasagna roll ups?
Yes! After assembling, you can freeze them before baking. Just wrap each roll up tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They should be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the baking instructions.
What variations can I try?
Feel free to get creative! You can add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta mixture for some extra veggies. You could also swap the marinara for pesto or Alfredo sauce for a fun twist!
These roll ups are super versatile, so don’t hesitate to make them your own!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got these delicious lasagna roll ups ready to serve, let’s talk about what to pair them with! I love serving mine alongside a fresh, crisp salad—think mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. It’s the perfect contrast to the cheesy richness of the roll ups! You can also never go wrong with a side of warm garlic bread; it’s great for mopping up any extra marinara sauce left on your plate. If you’re feeling extra festive, a nice glass of red wine pairs beautifully, enhancing the Italian flavors. Whatever you choose, these accompaniments will elevate your meal and make it even more special. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Delicious Lasagna Roll Ups: 5 Comforting Bites to Savor
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lasagna roll ups are a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, featuring pasta rolled up with cheese and sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Spread the ricotta mixture over each noodle, then roll them up.
- Place the rolled noodles seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Cover with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Substitute ingredients as needed for dietary preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lasagna roll ups