If you’re craving a comforting Italian classic that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make, this Lasagna Rolls Recipe is just what you need. Imagine tender lasagna noodles rolled up with a creamy, cheesy filling, nestled in rich marinara sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden—it’s like a cozy hug on a plate. Perfect for family dinners or impressing friends, these rolls bring all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna in a fun, approachable way that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lasagna Rolls Recipe lies in its simple and essential ingredients that each add their own magic. From the creamy ricotta to the fragrant garlic and fresh herbs, every element works together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
- 8 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained: Make sure they are cooked al dente so they roll easily without breaking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps sauté the garlic perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: The creamy base of the filling that lends softness and tang.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give that gooey, cheesy pull.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and a perfect savory balance.
- 1 egg: Binds the filling together for easy rolling and slicing.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A flavorful blend of herbs that brightens the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a slight hint of warmth and spice.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: The juicy, tomatoey base that keeps everything moist and delicious.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Fresh herbs bring a lovely pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sauté your Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and gently sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds—just until it becomes fragrant but hasn’t browned. This step ensures your garlic flavor is mellow and aromatic, infusing the filling beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, sautéed garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until it’s fully blended. This mixture will be luscious and creamy, ready to transform the noodles into something truly special.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish and Noodles
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay your cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface, making sure they don’t stick together. This foundation helps keep the rolls moist and packed with flavor while baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Rolls
Spread about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cheesy mixture across each noodle, distributing it evenly. Then roll the noodle up from one end to the other and carefully place it seam-side down in the baking dish over the sauce. Repeat this process for all the noodles until the dish is full of those lovely rolls.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the rolled noodles, and sprinkle a little extra mozzarella or Parmesan for a melty, golden crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and inviting. Garnish with some fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley do wonders to brighten up the dish, adding a burst of color and a mild, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the cheeses. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan can also add a salty, savory kick that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and fresh with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens also pair beautifully, adding texture and a pop of color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving each roll individually plated alongside a drizzle of extra marinara and a sprinkle of cheese for a restaurant-style look. Alternatively, bake the rolls in individual ramekins for a fun personal serving idea that’s perfect for dinner parties or cozy evenings at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lasagna rolls stay delicious in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover them well to keep the sauce and cheese from drying out and enjoy a quick meal the next day.
Freezing
These rolls freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bags for up to 2 months. This way, you can have a homemade Italian dinner ready whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave on medium power, covering the dish to retain moisture, until hot and bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil noodles for this Lasagna Rolls Recipe?
Yes, you can, but make sure to soften them enough by soaking in hot water until pliable. The rolls might be a bit more delicate, so handle them gently when spreading the filling and rolling.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free ones. They work just as well and let everyone enjoy this delicious dish without worry.
Can I add meat to the filling?
Definitely! Adding cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or even sautéed spinach can elevate the filling. Just fold it into the cheese mixture before spreading on the noodles for an extra hearty treat.
How long can I store leftover lasagna rolls in the fridge?
Store leftovers in a sealed container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the texture and flavor might start to decline.
Can I prepare the rolls ahead and bake later?
Yes, assemble the rolls, cover the baking dish tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great recipe for planning ahead or entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Lasagna Rolls Recipe that feels both nostalgic and excitingly fresh at the same time. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the comfort of lasagna with an easy-to-serve twist that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a favorite go-to in your kitchen. So go ahead, roll up those noodles and dive into cheesy, saucy bliss!
Print
Lasagna Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 rolls per serving) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and comforting Italian-inspired Lasagna Rolls featuring tender lasagna noodles rolled with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese filling, baked to perfection with savory marinara sauce. Perfect for a hearty and satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Lasagna Rolls
- 8 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna rolls.
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then remove from heat.
- Prepare cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the sautéed garlic. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Prepare baking dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create the base layer.
- Assemble rolls: Lay each cooked lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread 2–3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle, then roll them up tightly from one end to the other.
- Arrange rolls: Place each rolled noodle seam-side down into the prepared baking dish, arranging them snugly side by side.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the assembled rolls. Optionally, sprinkle additional mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to warm and meld flavors.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- For variation, add cooked spinach, ground beef, or Italian sausage to the cheese filling.
- Use gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great lunch the next day.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
