If you’re searching for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s equal parts comforting and impressive, The Best Lasagna Roll Ups are the answer. Each tender noodle is wrapped around a creamy blend of cheeses and savory ground beef, then baked to bubbly perfection with tangy marinara and even more cheese on top. With all the flavors you love in classic lasagna but with a fun, individual twist, this recipe is a true showstopper for family dinners or parties—plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight meal!

The Best Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making The Best Lasagna Roll Ups is as simple as gathering just a handful of kitchen staples—each one plays a key role, bringing richness, texture, or depth to this irresistible meal. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why it matters:

Lasagna noodles: Wide, sturdy noodles are the perfect canvas for rolling and holding all those tasty layers.
Ground beef: Savory and satisfying, browned beef brings hearty flavor that anchors every bite.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy ricotta is essential for a luscious, slightly tangy filling.
Shredded mozzarella: Melts perfectly for that iconic stretchy, gooey cheese pull.
Grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty zing that balances the richness of the dish.
Marinara sauce: Bright, tomatoey marinara brings moisture and a tangy, herby kick to every bite.
Egg: Binds the cheese mixture together for easy spreading and extra creaminess.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the filling with herbs and a classic Italian aroma.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and rounding out all the flavors in the filling and beef.

How to Make The Best Lasagna Roll Ups

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Start by boiling your lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. You want them cooked al dente—soft and pliable but not mushy—so they’re easy to roll and won’t fall apart during assembly. Once they’re ready, drain carefully and lay each noodle flat on a clean surface (a cutting board or parchment paper works great) so they don’t stick together.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the noodles cook, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning as it cooks. When ready, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside to cool slightly. This savory beef layer is what makes The Best Lasagna Roll Ups truly satisfying—we want every bite to be meaty and flavorful.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, half the mozzarella, the Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, and a little salt and pepper. Stir together until creamy and well combined. This mixture is the heartbeat of The Best Lasagna Roll Ups, delivering melty, cheesy bliss in every forkful.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll Ups

Spread a generous spoonful of the cheese filling evenly over each lasagna noodle, leaving about 1 inch at one end to make rolling easier. Sprinkle a layer of the browned beef over the cheese, then gently roll up each noodle from the filling side toward the plain edge. Don’t worry if a bit of filling seeps out—messy is delicious here!

Step 5: Sauce and Bake

Spoon a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Nestle each roll up seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, then sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and a final dusting of Parmesan for a golden, bubbly finish. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving to make slicing and serving a breeze.

How to Serve The Best Lasagna Roll Ups

Garnishes

For a pop of color and fresh flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over your lasagna roll ups just before serving. A little extra Parmesan never hurts, and a twist of cracked black pepper adds a restaurant-worthy touch. These garnishes not only make The Best Lasagna Roll Ups look stunning, but they also bring fragrant herbal notes that balance the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these roll ups with a crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad for some welcome freshness. Warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia is a classic accompaniment to soak up every drop of sauce. For bigger meals, roasted vegetables—like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli—round out the plate nicely and complement the cheesy, savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve The Best Lasagna Roll Ups family-style in a big baking dish, or plate individual roll ups on a bed of extra marinara for a restaurant-inspired presentation. For parties, try slicing each roll up into bite-size pinwheels and skewering them for a fun, hand-held appetizer. You can even arrange them in cute ramekins for personalized servings at a dinner party—it’s sure to wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover roll ups cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 4 days in the fridge and are just as delicious when reheated. Store with extra sauce to keep the noodles moist and prevent the cheese from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for a future dinner, you’re in luck—The Best Lasagna Roll Ups freeze beautifully. Assemble the roll ups as instructed but hold off on baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place roll ups in a covered baking dish and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on a plate covered with a damp paper towel to keep them steamy and moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat or make these vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a fantastic vegetarian option. The Best Lasagna Roll Ups are very versatile and still taste amazing with different fillings.

What type of marinara sauce should I use?

Use your favorite store-bought marinara or homemade sauce—just make sure it’s something you love, as the flavor really shines through. If you like things spicy, a spicy arrabbiata sauce is a fun twist on The Best Lasagna Roll Ups.

Can I make the roll ups ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the roll ups a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes The Best Lasagna Roll Ups perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights when you want dinner ready to go.

Why are my noodles breaking when I roll them?

This usually happens if the noodles are overcooked or not laid flat soon after draining. Cook just until al dente and handle gently; laying them flat right away helps keep them in perfect rolling shape.

Is it possible to double or halve the recipe?

Definitely! The Best Lasagna Roll Ups scale easily, so double up for a crowd or halve the recipe for an intimate meal. Just adjust the size of your baking dish as needed and check that there’s enough sauce to keep everything nice and moist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a lasagna lover searching for a fun new twist or just want a delicious, comforting meal that’s sure to impress, give The Best Lasagna Roll Ups a try. They’re a labor of love that pays off with every creamy, saucy bite—plus, they’re just so much fun to make and share. Happy rolling!

The Best Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe