Looking for a fun twist on traditional lasagna? Look no further than these Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups! This dish takes all the flavors of classic lasagna and rolls them up into individual portions, making it a hit for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups
Ingredients:
- 10 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 roll of sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3/4 container of ricotta cheese
- 1 big bag of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cans of pasta sauce
- Seasonings (such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper)
- Garlic bread, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and lay them out flat on a clean surface.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, cook the diced onion until translucent. Add the ground beef and sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease. Season the meat mixture with your desired seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, to taste.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Spread a layer of ricotta cheese onto each lasagna noodle. Top the ricotta with a layer of the cooked meat mixture and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Roll up each noodle carefully, not too tight, to enclose the filling.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent the roll-ups from sticking. Place the assembled lasagna roll-ups seam side down in the baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining pasta sauce over the roll-ups, making sure they are well-covered. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Once done, remove the foil from the baking dish and serve the lasagna roll-ups hot, with garlic bread on the side.
These cheesy lasagna roll-ups are sure to be a hit with your family and friends, and the leftovers will make for a delicious meal the next day! Enjoy
Best Tips to Make Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the cheese and pasta sauce, as they greatly influence the flavor of the dish. Opt for fresh ricotta cheese and your favorite brand of pasta sauce for the best results.
- Season the Filling: Don’t skimp on seasoning the meat mixture and ricotta cheese. Use a generous amount of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor of the roll-ups.
- Mix Meat Varieties: For extra flavor, mix different types of ground meat in the filling. Try a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage or ground turkey and spicy sausage for a unique twist.
- Prevent Noodles from Sticking: After cooking the lasagna noodles, lay them out flat on a clean surface and drizzle them with a little olive oil to prevent them from sticking together while you assemble the roll-ups.
- Properly Roll the Noodles: Roll the noodles carefully, not too tight, to ensure that they are easy to handle and the filling stays inside. If the noodles are rolled too tightly, the filling may spill out during baking.
- Use Enough Sauce: Ensure that the roll-ups are well-coated with pasta sauce to prevent them from drying out while baking. Reserve some sauce for serving if desired.
- Cover with Foil: Covering the baking dish with foil during the initial baking time helps to trap steam and ensures that the roll-ups cook evenly. Remove the foil towards the end of baking to allow the cheese to melt and develop a golden crust.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the lasagna roll-ups to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This helps the flavors to meld together and makes them easier to serve without falling apart.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to cheesy lasagna roll-ups. Serve them together for a complete and satisfying meal that will surely impress your family and friends.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the roll-ups ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. Simply bake them when ready to serve for a convenient and delicious meal
FAQs About Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups
1. Can I use different types of meat for the filling? Absolutely! You can customize the filling to your taste by using different types of meat such as ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives like lentils or mushrooms.
2. Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent them from drying out.
3. How do I reheat leftovers? To reheat leftover lasagna roll-ups, simply place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Can I freeze lasagna roll-ups? Yes, you can freeze lasagna roll-ups for future meals. After assembling but before baking, wrap the roll-ups individually in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then follow the baking instructions in the recipe.
5. What can I serve with lasagna roll-ups besides garlic bread? Lasagna roll-ups pair well with a variety of side dishes such as a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple tomato cucumber salad. You can also serve them with breadsticks, garlic knots, or a crusty baguette.
6. Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! While mozzarella cheese works great for its meltability, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavor profiles.
7. How can I prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking together when cooking? Make sure to stir the noodles occasionally while cooking to prevent them from sticking together. Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water can also help prevent sticking. After draining the noodles, lay them out flat on a clean surface so they don’t stick together while assembling the roll-ups.
8. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make vegetarian lasagna roll-ups by omitting the ground beef and sausage. Instead, you can use a mix of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for the filling
