Name: Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 42 min
Total time: 1 h 12 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles, cooked to package instructions; 16 oz ground beef, 85% lean; 24 oz marinara sauce; 1/2 cup diced onion; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste; 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded; 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided; 1/4 cup parsley, chopped, plus more to garnish

If you’ve been hunting for a comforting, crowd-pleasing Italian dish that feels homemade but comes together in less time, you’re going to adore this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe. This isn’t your typical lasagna—these roll-ups give you all the creamy, cheesy, meaty goodness of classic lasagna but with a fun twist that makes serving and portioning a breeze. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, trust me, this recipe will become your go-to!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort food with a twist: Lasagna roll-ups are a fun alternative to the traditional layered casserole, making them easier to serve and less messy.
Perfectly portioned: Each roll-up is a ready portion, which my kids adore. No more wrestling for the biggest slice!
Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare them in advance and freeze for stress-free dinners down the road.
Balanced flavors: Rich beef sauce meets creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella in every bite—comfort guaranteed.

A white rectangular baking dish holds a freshly baked layered lasagna with a thick top layer of melted cheese browned unevenly with golden and white spots. The surface is sprinkled with small green herb leaves. The lasagna appears rich and textured, with visible layers of savory sauce under the cheese. The dish sits on a smooth white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups, cheesy beef lasagna roll-ups, Italian lasagna roll-ups, easy beef and cheese roll-ups, homemade lasagna roll-ups

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe lies in simple, fresh ingredients that bring big flavor when layered just right. You’ll find that each element is easy to source, and each serves a crucial job in melding richness and texture.

Flat lay of fresh uncooked lasagna noodles arranged in a neat bundle, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce, a handful of raw ground beef with a deep red color and marbled texture, a small white bowl of finely diced white onion, three garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a small white bowl containing coarse sea salt crystals, a small white bowl with whole black peppercorns, a small white bowl with dried oregano leaves, a generous scoop of smooth white ricotta cheese on a simple white plate, one whole large brown egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl of finely shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, a small white bowl filled with shredded white mozzarella cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley placed with care, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups, cheesy beef lasagna roll-ups, Italian lasagna roll-ups, easy beef and cheese roll-ups, homemade lasagna roll-ups

Lasagna noodles: Look for no-boil noodles or regular lasagna noodles—just make sure they don’t overcook or get mushy.
Ground beef: I use 85% lean for good flavor without too much grease.
Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for an extra touch of love.
Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic amps up the aroma and flavor.
Sea salt and black pepper: Season as you go for the perfect balance.
Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that ties everything together.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it’s the star of the cheese filling.
Large egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture so it doesn’t fall apart.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch inside the rolls.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded and divided–some goes in the filling, and lots more melts on top for that signature stretch.
Fresh parsley: Chopped for mixing and garnish—it freshens up the whole dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe can be—you can twist it to your taste or dietary needs without losing that signature cheesy beef goodness. Here are some of my personal favorites to mix things up.

Turkey or chicken meat: I swapped ground turkey once to lighten up the dish—it was just as flavorful with extra herbs.
Vegetarian version: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-packed dinner your family won’t miss the meat.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes into the meat sauce or sprinkle some cayenne for heat.
Herb swaps: Fresh basil instead of parsley works beautifully during summer months—totally seasonal and aromatic.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Step 1: Nail the Noodles

Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F. Cook your lasagna noodles according to the package directions but aim for al dente – that’s just the right texture for rolling without breaking. When they’re done, drain them carefully, then rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and keep them from sticking together. I like to lay them out flat on a clean baking sheet to cool—they roll so much easier this way!

Step 2: Make the Perfect Meat Sauce

Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and brown your ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula until there are no pink bits left – this takes about 2 minutes. Toss in your diced onion and cook for another 3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Sauté for one more minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara, bring it to a gentle simmer, and then turn off the heat. Pro tip: reserve about half a cup of this sauce to spread on the bottom of your casserole dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, one large egg, shredded Parmesan, half of the mozzarella, and chopped parsley. This mixture is the cheesy heart of your roll-ups, so give it a good stir until everything is nicely blended. The egg really helps keep everything together after baking.

Step 4: Roll ’Em Up

This is my favorite part because it’s almost like assembling little edible gifts. Lay your noodles out on that baking sheet again, and spread about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle. Then spoon a generous tablespoon of meat sauce down the center in a stripe. Carefully roll each noodle up and place them seam side down in your casserole dish lined with meat sauce. Keep things neat so your rolls stay intact while baking.

Step 5: Top and Bake to Perfection

Spread the remaining meat sauce over your neatly arranged roll-ups and sprinkle on the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with foil—but be careful the foil doesn’t touch the cheese. I once used toothpicks to prop up the foil for this exact reason, and it worked like a charm! Bake covered for 40 minutes until bubbling and hot throughout. Then, remove the foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely for a lightly golden, bubbly cheese crust. Garnish with more chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Avoid soggy noodles: Rinse cooked noodles in cold water immediately and lay flat to cool so they don’t stick or get mushy during rolling.
Balance moisture: Don’t add too much sauce inside the rolls or they might get watery—spread the sauce evenly and save plenty for topping.
Foil trick: Use toothpicks to keep foil from touching cheese when baking; this keeps cheese perfectly melty, not stuck to foil.
Prep ahead: Make and freeze unbaked roll-ups for easy weeknight dinners that feel homemade.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and subtle herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness. If you want a little something extra, add a light dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving—it’s those tiny details that elevate the plate.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairings include a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to brighten up the meal, roasted garlic broccoli (because who doesn’t love a good garlicky veggie?), or a simple side of garlic bread for carb lovers who want to get really serious!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the roll-ups individually stacked on decorative plates with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a basil leaf on top. Kids (and adults) love the personal touch. Alternatively, bake roll-ups in individual ramekins for fun single servings that feel fancy yet homey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your roll-ups have cooled, cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge. I keep leftovers for up to four days, and they reheat beautifully for quick lunches or dinners the next day.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing both cooked and uncooked roll-ups. Just make sure they’re well covered in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheating is simple—pop individual roll-ups in the microwave for about 90 seconds or heat the whole casserole at 350°F until warmed through. To keep the top cheese from drying out, cover loosely with foil mid-reheat.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?

Yes, no-boil noodles can work but make sure to spread enough sauce inside and on top because they will absorb more moisture during baking compared to pre-cooked noodles. This helps avoid dryness and ensures tender roll-ups.
Can I make Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble roll-ups and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. They also freeze well when assembled but uncooked, making weeknight meals super convenient.
How do I prevent the noodles from tearing when rolling?

Cook noodles just until al dente and rinse with cold water immediately to cool and firm them up. Also, handle them gently and roll carefully to avoid ripping. If a noodle tears, just patch with a little extra cheese mixture or use an extra noodle, which is why I always cook a few extras.
What kind of cheese works best in the filling?

Ricotta is your go-to for that creamy, mild filling. Mixing it with some Parmesan and mozzarella gives depth, meltiness, and a balanced texture. Avoid watery cheeses that could make your roll-ups soggy.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to elevate a classic comfort food while keeping things approachable. I love how easy it is to customize, make ahead, and share with family and friends. If you’re looking for a recipe that brings warmth, cheesy indulgence, and smiles around the table, this one’s a keeper. Seriously, give it a try—I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds and planning it for your next gathering!