Lasagna Roll Ups are the perfect twist on the classic comfort food we all love. Instead of layering everything into one big casserole, each noodle gets rolled up with rich cheese and hearty meat sauce—so every bite is full of flavor. They’re cheesy, saucy, and totally satisfying.
The best part? They’re easy to make ahead and freeze beautifully, which makes them a go-to dinner for busy weeknights or when you want to stock the freezer with something delicious.
A New Take on a Family Favorite
If you’re like me and love a good lasagna but don’t always want to deal with the traditional layered version, these roll ups are a game changer. You still get all the goodness of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta—but in tidy little spirals that are easy to serve and even easier to love.
They’re perfect for feeding a crowd, sharing with neighbors, or just enjoying on a cozy night in. And yes, they reheat like a dream—so don’t be shy about making a double batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything ahead and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 2 days. Just cover tightly, then bake when ready. Add about 10 extra minutes to the bake time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze these?
Absolutely. Assemble the roll ups, cover well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, or bake straight from frozen—just add extra time and keep them covered for longer.
What kind of sauce should I use?
Use your favorite jarred marinara or go homemade. I like using a rich, flavorful sauce (Rao’s is a favorite in our house) to make the most of the meat mixture. You can also sneak in some veggies like finely chopped mushrooms or spinach.
Can I leave out the meat?
Sure! Just skip the beef and sausage, and maybe bulk up the sauce with extra veggies or lentils. You’ll still end up with a cheesy, comforting dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make a pan full of these cozy, cheesy roll ups:
For the Cheese Filling:
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz)
- 1 egg
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups)
- Freshly grated Parmesan (½ cup)
- Seasonings: dried oregano, basil, parsley, salt, pepper
For the Meat Sauce:
- Olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- Ground beef (½ lb)
- Ground Italian sausage (½ lb)
- Garlic (3 cloves)
- Chicken broth (½ cup)
- Marinara sauce (32 oz)
- Worcestershire sauce & hot sauce (optional, but great for flavor)
For the Roll Ups:
- 12 lasagna noodles (plus a couple extra in case of breakage)
- More mozzarella (about 1½ cups) for topping
How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups
Step 1: Prep the cheese filling
In a bowl, stir together ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the meat sauce
Sauté the diced onion in olive oil until soft (about 10 minutes). Add the ground beef and sausage and cook until browned. Stir in garlic for the last minute, then drain any grease. Add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then stir in marinara, Worcestershire, and hot sauce. Let it simmer while you prep the noodles.
Step 3: Boil the noodles
Cook lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and make them easier to handle.
Step 4: Assemble the roll ups
Lay the noodles flat on parchment paper. Spread about 2½ tablespoons of cheese filling on each, then spoon about ¼ cup of the meat sauce on top. Roll them up tightly and place seam-side down in a greased 9×13″ baking dish with a bit of sauce on the bottom.
Step 5: Top and bake
Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the roll ups and sprinkle with more mozzarella. Cover with foil (sprayed with cooking spray so it doesn’t stick to the cheese) and bake at 375°F for 35 minutes. For a golden top, broil uncovered for a few minutes at the end—just keep an eye on it.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like, and serve with garlic bread on the side!
Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Ingredients
Cheese Filling:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp each salt dried basil, dried parsley
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground Italian sausage
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce optional
- 1 tsp hot sauce optional
Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles cooked and cooled
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella for topping
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients for the cheese filling in a bowl.
- Sauté onions in olive oil, then add beef and sausage. Cook until browned. Add garlic, then broth to deglaze. Stir in marinara and seasonings. Simmer.
- Boil noodles, drain, and lay flat on parchment.
- Spread cheese and meat sauce on each noodle, then roll tightly.
- Place in a greased 9×13” pan with sauce on the bottom.
- Top with remaining sauce and mozzarella. Cover and bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.
- Optional: broil uncovered for 2–3 minutes to brown the top.
- Let cool slightly, then serve hot.
Tips & Ideas
- Use fresh cheese. Shredding mozzarella and Parmesan from a block melts better and tastes fresher.
- Spinach it up. Want to sneak in some greens? Sauté fresh spinach and mix it into the cheese filling.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Lasagna Roll Ups are everything you love about classic lasagna—just a little easier to make and a lot more fun to eat. They’re cozy, cheesy, and perfect for sharing. Let me know if you try them, and don’t forget the garlic bread on the side!
