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Lasagna Roll Ups

Lasagna Roll Ups combine the comforting layers of traditional lasagna into easy-to-handle rolls, making it a delightful dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef for that rich, savory flavor
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
  • 24 ounces marinara spaghetti sauce smooth and tangy
  • ½ cup yellow onion diced; adds sweetness
  • 3 cloves garlic minced; aromatic contrast
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper for a hint of heat
  • ½ teaspoon salt to enhance flavors
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper for depth
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning adds fragrant herbs
Cheese Filling
  • 16 ounces ricotta cheese creamy texture
  • 1 large egg for binding
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese finely shredded; sharp and nutty
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese 2 x 1½ cups divided; gooey goodness
  • ¼ cup parsley chopped; fresh garnish
Pasta
  • 12 pieces lasagna noodles cooked to package instructions, ideally until al dente

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink (about 3-4 minutes). Add ⅓ cup of diced yellow onions and cook until transparent (about 3 minutes). Season with crushed red pepper, black pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, and garlic. Mix well and sauté for an additional minute.
  3. Pour in the marinara sauce, allow to simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
  4. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and cover with cold water to stop cooking.
  5. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, and chopped parsley. Stir thoroughly until fully incorporated.
Assembly
  1. Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles on a clean surface. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over each noodle. Add a spoonful of the meat mixture to each noodle and spread evenly.
  2. Place ⅓ cup of the meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully roll up the noodles, jellyroll-style, and place them seam-side down in the dish.
  3. Pour any remaining meat sauce over the lasagna roll-ups. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups mozzarella cheese generously on top. Cover the dish with foil.
Cooking
  1. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 38 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

To elevate your Lasagna Roll Ups, consider adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also experiment with different cheeses like fontina or cream cheese for a creamier texture.