Name: Cheesy 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 for red sauce; 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 80 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, comforting Italian dish that’s a little easier to manage than traditional lasagna, you’re in the right spot. This Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is one of my absolute favorites—it’s cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor, but so much simpler to prepare and serve. When I first tried this recipe, I was sold on how perfect the individual rolls are for portion control and meal prep. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity Meets Flavor: Easy-to-follow steps that deliver rich, cheesy goodness every time.
Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and reheat options make busy weeknights a breeze.
Perfect Portion Control: Individual roll-ups mean no more wrestling with messy pan slices.
Family Favorite: Everyone from picky kids to pasta lovers will be asking for seconds.

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 Lasagna Roll Ups, Italian lasagna roll ups, cheesy baked pasta, easy lasagna dinner, comfort food recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe plays a key role in making these rolls tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. I always recommend using quality ground beef and fresh herbs if you can—trust me, you’ll taste the difference!

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 Lasagna Roll Ups, Italian lasagna roll ups, cheesy baked pasta, easy lasagna dinner, comfort food recipes

Lasagna noodles: Pick no-boil noodles for ease or regular ones cooked al dente to avoid mushy rolls.
Ground beef: I go for 85% lean for a perfect balance of flavor without excess grease.
Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for that extra rich tomato flavor.
Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce an aromatic punch.
Sea salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing flavors.
Dried oregano: Brings a hint of earthiness to the sauce.
Ricotta cheese: Creates the creamy filling that pairs beautifully with the meat.
Large egg: Binds the cheese filling so it holds together perfectly.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty kick to the filling mixture.
Mozzarella cheese: You’ll use it both in the filling and sprinkled on top for that irresistibly gooey finish.
Fresh parsley: Brightens everything up—don’t skip the garnish!

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 adaptable this Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is—you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want to sneak in some veggies or swap out the meat, it all works beautifully.

Vegetarian version: Swap ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach—my family never misses the meat!
Spicy twist: I sometimes add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara for a little heat that wakes up the dish.
Different cheeses: Mixing in provolone or fontina alongside mozzarella can add a new layer of flavor.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to keep this recipe accessible for everyone.

How to Make Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Noodles Just Right

Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F. Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions for al dente—this is key so they’re pliable but not mushy. Drain them and immediately transfer the noodles to a pot or bowl filled with cold water. This quick dip stops the cooking process and helps prevent the noodles from sticking together, which makes rolling a breeze later on. I always cook a couple of extra noodles, just in case a few tear during handling—you’ll thank me for this tip!

Step 2: Make the Savory Meat Sauce

On medium-high heat, brown the ground beef in a deep pan or Dutch oven, breaking it up as it cooks—this usually takes about 2 minutes. Add diced onion and cook until softened, around 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and oregano, letting it cook for just another minute so those flavors meld. Pour in the marinara sauce, bring everything to a gentle simmer, then turn off the heat. Before assembling, spread about half a cup of this meat sauce across the bottom of your casserole dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor to each roll.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Filling

In a big bowl, you’re going to combine ricotta cheese, one large egg, shredded Parmesan, half of the mozzarella, and chopped parsley. This filling is what makes these roll ups so irresistibly creamy and tender inside. I love how the egg acts as a binder here—it keeps everything from getting all sloppy while baking.

Step 4: Roll Up the Magic

Lay out your noodles on a large baking sheet in a single layer—that way you keep everything tidy and ready to go. Spread roughly a scant 1/4 cup (about the size of a small ice cream scoop) of the cheese filling evenly over each noodle. Then add a heaping tablespoon of the meat sauce in a strip down the center of each noodle. Now comes the fun part: carefully roll each noodle up from one end to the other. Arrange the rolls upright in your casserole dish, close together but not squished.

Step 5: Top It, Bake It, Love It

Spread the remaining meat sauce evenly over the rolls’ tops, then sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella all over. Here’s a little trick I learned: cover everything loosely with foil—but make sure it doesn’t touch the cheese, or it can stick. If your dish is a bit shallow, stick a few toothpicks in the rolls to hold up the foil. Bake at 375˚F for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and broil the top for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden in spots. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add that pop of color and freshness.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: I’ve learned that cooking them al dente keeps the rolls tender but sturdy enough to hold the filling without breaking.
Use a Small Scoop for Filling: Using a small ice cream scoop helps portion the cheese filling evenly and speeds up rolling.
Foil Don’ts: Keep foil off the cheese surface to avoid sticking—using toothpicks is a simple hack that really works.
Let the Rolls Rest: Let the rolls sit for a few minutes after baking; they firm up a bit, making them easier to serve without falling apart.

How to Serve Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of bright, fresh garnishes to cut through all that cheesy richness. Parsley sprinkled on top is my go-to—it adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbal note. Sometimes I like to add a handful of torn fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving for an extra layer of flavor that wows my guests.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. I also love serving these roll ups alongside some garlic bread or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to round out the meal with some crunch and color.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these roll ups standing upright in individual mini ramekins to create cute, single-serving portions that look impressive but are so easy to make. You could also sprinkle with extra Parmesan and breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy, golden crust that’s a real crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let my leftover roll ups cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge. They keep well for up to 4 days, which saves me from daily cooking stress—just reheat and you’re good to go!

Freezing

One of the best things about this Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is how freezer-friendly it is. Whether baked or unbaked, I freeze the entire casserole or individual rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results, or you can bake straight from frozen with a little extra time added to the cooking.

Reheating

Reheating is simple—pop an individual roll in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or return the whole dish to a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil, to warm through without drying out. I find this keeps the cheesy inside melty and the top nice and gooey.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the roll ups and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them before or after baking for longer storage. Just add some extra baking time if cooking from frozen.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese blended smooth or even cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk or yogurt to keep that creamy texture. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the roll ups from falling apart?

Rolling the noodles tightly but gently is key. Also, cooking the noodles just until al dente keeps them sturdy. Make sure to use the egg in the cheese filling, which acts as a binder to help hold everything together.
Can I use different meat in the sauce?

Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work well in place of ground beef. Just be sure to adjust cooking times and seasoning as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the perfect marriage of comfort food and convenience. It’s the kind of dish I love to bring to family dinners or make on a lazy Sunday afternoon knowing everyone will be delighted. I genuinely think you’ll enjoy how approachable it feels compared to layered lasagna, without sacrificing any of that iconic cheesy, saucy goodness. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how fast it disappears at the dinner table!