Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Lasagna Roll-Ups are hands-down one of the most crowd-pleasing, fun-to-make Italian comfort dishes you’ll ever try! Tender lasagna noodles are filled with luscious ricotta, vibrant spinach, melty cheese, and flavorful Italian sausage—then rolled up tight and baked in bubbling marinara until golden and irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This gorgeous dish is built from simple staples, each one shining in its own way. Don’t skip any—the noodles, sausage, and fresh herbs all play a vital part in creating that iconic taste and oozy texture that make Lasagna Roll-Ups so memorable!

• Lasagna noodles: The heart of this recipe—choose traditional pasta sheets for the best texture and perfect rolling.
• Marinara sauce: Go with your favorite store-bought or homemade; Rao’s is a personal favorite for its rich, tangy flavor.
• Italian sausage: Sweet or spicy, sausage infuses every bite with hearty, savory flavor—you can swap for ground beef if you like.
• Ricotta cheese: Gives that essential creamy, luscious filling. Full-fat ricotta yields the silkiest results.
• Eggs: These bind the filling and ensure it bakes up tender and sliceable.
• Mozzarella cheese: For those dreamy, melty cheese pulls on top and inside—don’t shy away from the extra cheese!
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated adds sharp, salty depth. Don’t use the shelf-stable kind if you can help it.
• Fresh basil: Perfumes the filling and the top of the casserole with unmistakable Italian flavor.
• Fresh spinach: Chopped and folded into the cheese filling for color, nutrition, and a lovely earthiness.
• Ground pepper: A touch rounds out the flavors—feel free to add red pepper flakes for heat.
• Fresh parsley: Add as a bright, aromatic garnish just before serving.

Variations

One of the joys of Lasagna Roll-Ups? How easy they are to tailor! Feel free to switch up ingredients to fit what you have on hand, your dietary needs, or simply your mood. Don’t be afraid to make it your own.

• Vegetarian version: Omit the sausage and double up on the spinach, or add sautéed mushrooms and roasted veggies for extra flavor.
• Spicy kick: Use hot Italian sausage and stir some crushed red pepper flakes into your marinara for a bold twist.
• Dairy-free option: Swap in your favorite dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella—most major stores carry great plant-based versions.
• Different protein: Replace sausage with ground beef, turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a fun variation.
• Use frozen spinach: No fresh spinach? Thawed and well-drained frozen spinach works perfectly in the cheese filling.

How to Make Lasagna Roll-Ups

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish & Sauce

Preheat your oven to 375℉ and grab a 13×9-inch casserole dish. Give it a light spray with vegetable oil and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom. This ensures every roll sits in a cozy layer of sauce and won’t stick as they bake.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the noodles until just al dente—about 8 minutes. Drain and lay the noodles out flat on a clean (not fluffy) kitchen towel to keep them from sticking and tearing as you fill and roll.

Step 3: Brown and Flavor the Sausage

Remove the casings from your sausage and crumble it into a hot skillet. Cook over medium heat, breaking it apart as it browns. Once cooked through, drain off any fat, stir in ½ cup marinara sauce off the heat, and set aside—this keeps the sausage moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Make the Cheese & Spinach Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs. Add the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella (save the rest for topping), Parmesan, chopped basil, pepper, and fresh chopped spinach. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until it’s perfectly creamy and well mixed.

Step 5: Roll, Assemble, and Layer

Spread about ⅓ cup of cheese filling onto each noodle, flattening it out. Top with a portion of the flavored sausage. Starting at the short end, roll each noodle tightly and place seam-side down in your prepared pan. Repeat until all rolls are snuggled in, then spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Cover the pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, scatter the remaining mozzarella on top, and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let the Lasagna Roll-Ups sit for 5–10 minutes before serving so they slice beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and dig in!

How to Serve Lasagna Roll-Ups

Garnishes

For a final flourish, sprinkle your Lasagna Roll-Ups with fresh chopped parsley or basil just before serving. A little extra Parmesan on top never hurts, and a twist of black pepper adds a finishing touch that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Side Dishes

Classic garlic bread, a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, or roasted veggies are all wonderful accompaniments. These sides keep your meal light, balanced, and oh-so-satisfying, whether you’re serving a crowd or a cozy weeknight supper.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Lasagna Roll-Ups individually on plates for a plated dinner, or arrange them upright in ramekins for a dramatic, restaurant-style look. For special gatherings, bake roll-ups in mini baking dishes—everyone gets their own “mini lasagna” to enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lasagna Roll-Ups hold up beautifully in the fridge—just cover your casserole with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, making for dreamy lunches!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the unbaked or baked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat Lasagna Roll-Ups covered in a 350℉ oven until warmed through (20–25 minutes), or microwave individual portions for quick weekday meals. Add a splash of extra marinara if things look a bit dry—good as new!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Lasagna Roll-Ups yet, you’re in for an absolute treat. They’re creamy, cozy, and just plain fun to make and eat! Gather your favorite people, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for comfort food happiness straight from the oven.

Print