Viral Christmas Recipe: Lasagna Roll-ups
If you love lasagna but want a fun, easy-to-serve twist, these Lasagna Roll-Ups are the answer! Each rolled lasagna noodle is filled with creamy ricotta, seasoned ground beef, and plenty of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. Not only do these roll-ups look great, but they’re also portion-friendly and easy to make ahead.
Why You’ll Love Lasagna Roll-Ups
Lasagna Roll-Ups bring together all the classic lasagna flavors you know and love, but in a unique format. With each noodle perfectly portioned, they’re easier to serve and less messy than traditional lasagna layers. Plus, they make a great option for meal prep since they reheat beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these cheesy, savory lasagna roll-ups:
- 12 lasagna noodles (standard dried noodles work best)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces lean ground beef
- 1 (24- to 32-ounce) jar marinara sauce (try Rao’s for a rich flavor)
- 1 (15- to 16-ounce) container whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Note: Low-moisture mozzarella is recommended to prevent excess liquid from forming in the baking dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Boil the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the lasagna noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions but slightly underdone (1 minute less), as they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain and arrange the noodles on a baking sheet with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, 1 teaspoon of salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and starting to brown (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine, and remove from heat.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, remaining salt, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
5. Assemble the Roll-Ups
Lay each lasagna noodle flat and spread about 3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly across each one. Then, spoon 1 tablespoon of the meat sauce onto each noodle. Roll each noodle up carefully from one end to the other.
6. Arrange and Top with Sauce and Cheese
Spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place each rolled noodle seam-side down in the dish. Once all noodles are arranged, pour the remaining meat sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
7. Bake and Broil
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. For a golden, slightly crisp top, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
Tips for Success
Layering: Using parchment paper between the noodles keeps them from sticking, making the assembly process easier.
Cheese Selection: Low-moisture mozzarella is best to prevent a watery bake. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds an extra flavor boost.
Cook the Noodles Al Dente: Slightly undercooked noodles help prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
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