Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups with Meat Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving that classic comfort food vibe with a fun, handheld twist, you’ve got to try my Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups with Meat Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how these roll ups come together with layers of creamy cheese filling, savory meat sauce, and bubbly melted mozzarella. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to serve them at every family dinner or potluck because they’re just that good.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups with Meat Sauce Recipe truly lies in the balance between the creamy cheeses, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles. Choosing fresh cheeses and quality marinara really ups the flavor game.

• Ricotta Cheese: Look for whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
• Large Egg: This helps bind the cheese filling so it holds together inside the noodles.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds that nutty, salty kick.
• Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herb that adds earthiness to the filling.
• Salt, Dried Basil, Dried Parsley, Pepper: These seasonings round out the flavors beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin for sauteing onions and developing flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Diced small, it slowly caramelizes and brings out natural sweetness.
• Ground Beef: I prefer 80/20 for the right fat content – tender and juicy.
• Ground Italian Sausage: Adds spice and richer taste; mild or hot depending on your preference.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives that robust flavor punch.
• Chicken Broth: Helps deglaze the pan turning browned bits into flavorful sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: Whole jar here – use your favorite brand or homemade for best results.
• Worcestershire Sauce (Optional): Adds umami depth to the meat sauce.
• Hot Sauce (Optional): Just a touch for a subtle kick, but totally optional.
• Lasagna Noodles: Regular kind works perfectly; I like to have a few extra for breaks.
• Extra Mozzarella Cheese: For sprinkling on top to make that golden crust.

Variations

I love how versatile this Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups with Meat Sauce Recipe is! Over time, I’ve tweaked it to suit different taste buds and occasions. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—you’ll enjoy experimenting.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the meat for a hearty mix of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers for a veggie-packed roll up that’s just as satisfying.
• Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes into the meat sauce or use spicy Italian sausage—I did this once for a game day, and the heat won over everyone!
• Cheese Lovers: Double the mozzarella or add a layer of provolone cheese for an ultra-ooey-gooey experience.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your sauce is gluten-free, making it friendly for those with sensitivities.

How to Make Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups with Meat Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling and Sauce Base

Start by mixing the ricotta cheese, egg, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, and dried herbs in a bowl. This cheesy base is the heart of the roll ups and gives you that creamy texture you crave. Then, spread about half a cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish—this keeps the roll ups from sticking and adds flavor from below.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil over medium heat and add diced onion. I like to let the onions soften gently for about 10 minutes to coax out their natural sweetness—this balances the acidic tomatoes perfectly. Add the ground beef and sausage, breaking it up finely with your spatula. Once browned and cooked through, toss in the garlic for the last minute. Drain any excess grease, then pour in chicken broth to deglaze—the scraping up of browned bits brings so much flavor. Now add the rest of your marinara sauce plus Worcestershire and hot sauce if using. Let this simmer gently; the smell alone will have your kitchen buzzing.

Step 3: Boil and Prepare the Lasagna Noodles

While the sauce simmers, boil your lasagna noodles to al dente according to package directions. This step is crucial—overcooked noodles become mushy and hard to roll. Once drained, rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle. Lay them flat on parchment or wax paper so they don’t stick together while you fill them.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll Ups

Spread about 2 ½ tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle, then add a generous ¼ cup of meat sauce on top of the cheese. Roll each noodle up tightly but gently, keeping that filling inside. Place them seam side down in your baking dish. Once all are nestled in, spoon the remaining meat sauce over the top and sprinkle with the rest of your mozzarella cheese. Don’t skip spraying your foil with nonstick spray before covering the dish—it prevents the cheese from sticking when baking.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes until hot and bubbly. If you love a browned, slightly crispy cheese top like I do, remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes while watching carefully so it doesn’t burn. Let the roll ups rest for a few minutes before serving and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups with Meat Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish these lasagna roll ups with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil. It adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness beautifully. A light dusting of extra Parmesan on top just before serving is decadent and delicious, too.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I often pair these roll ups with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted vegetables. Garlic bread is an obvious crowd-pleaser here—how can you go wrong with that?

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging these roll ups vertically in a serving tray so guests can grab one like a savory pastry. You can sprinkle chopped herbs and drizzle a little extra sauce around the plate for a restaurant-style look that’s surprisingly easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover roll ups store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually portion them individually so reheating is quick and mess-free. Just cover them with a damp paper towel in the microwave to keep them moist.

Freezing

If I’m making these ahead of time for a big gathering, I’ll freeze the assembled roll ups before baking. I wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. It’s a lifesaver on busy days!

Reheating

I find reheating in the oven at 350°F covered with foil keeps the roll ups moist and melty. You can microwave, but it sometimes makes the noodles a bit rubbery. Adding a spoonful of sauce on top before reheating helps revive the flavors and moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first started making this Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups with Meat Sauce Recipe, I just wanted a special way to serve lasagna without the fuss. Turns out, it’s become one of my family’s absolute favorites—and I’m sure it will be for you, too. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and fills hearts with warmth. So go ahead, roll up these cheesy bundles, bake to bubbly perfection, and serve with love. You won’t regret it.

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