Delicious Lasagna Rolls

 

Delicious Lasagna Rolls Recipe: A Complete Guide to a Comfort Food Favorite

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Introduction: What Are Lasagna Rolls?

Lasagna rolls are essentially individual rolled-up sheets of pasta filled with a delicious mixture of cheeses, meats, and herbs, baked in sauce until bubbling and golden. They offer all the flavor and satisfaction of traditional lasagna but in a more manageable, single-serving format that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prepping.

This recipe takes classic lasagna ingredients — ricotta cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, tomato sauce, ground meat — and transforms them into beautiful, handheld rolls that look as impressive as they taste.

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Why Choose Lasagna Rolls?

• Easier portion control: Each roll is a perfect individual serving.

• Great for presentation: Rolls look elegant on a plate, ideal for dinner parties.

• Faster cooking: Rolls bake quicker than a deep lasagna casserole.

• Customizable: Fillings and sauces can be adapted to suit your tastes.

• Meal prep friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta and Filling (makes about 12 rolls)

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or Italian sausage or ground turkey)

• 2 cups ricotta cheese

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

• Olive oil for sautéing

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling noodles

• Skillet or frying pan

• Mixing bowls

• Baking dish (9x13 inch recommended)

• Spoon and spatula

• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)

• Aluminum foil (optional)

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Step-By-Step Instructions

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Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm but not mushy).

Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.

Drain any excess fat.

Add 1 cup of marinara sauce to the skillet with the meat, stir, and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Remove from heat and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Mix well until smooth and creamy.

This filling provides a rich, creamy texture that complements the savory meat.

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Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Rolls

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of your baking dish.

Take one lasagna noodle and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese filling evenly over the entire noodle.

Top with 2-3 tablespoons of the meat sauce.

Carefully roll up the noodle from one short end to the other.

Place the roll seam-side down in the baking dish.

Repeat with remaining noodles and fillings until all are assembled.

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Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are nicely covered.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.

Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.

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Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes covered.

Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden.

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Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

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Tips for Perfect Lasagna Rolls

• Don’t overfill the noodles — too much filling makes rolling difficult.

• Use fresh herbs for brighter flavor when possible.

• If using no-boil noodles, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before assembling.

• For extra cheesy rolls, sprinkle mozzarella inside each roll as well as on top.

• Avoid overcooking noodles in boiling water; al dente is best for rolling.

• Let rolls rest after baking for easier slicing and serving.

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Variations and Flavor Twists

Vegetarian Lasagna Rolls

Skip the meat. Instead, sauté mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or roasted red peppers and add them to the cheese filling or sauce.

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Spinach and Ricotta Rolls

Add 1 cup of cooked, drained, and chopped spinach to the cheese mixture.

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Spicy Italian Rolls

Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce and filling for a kick.

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White Sauce Rolls

Use a béchamel or Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy twist.

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Mexican-Style Rolls

Fill with seasoned ground beef, black beans, and cheese, and top with salsa and sour cream.

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Making Homemade Marinara Sauce (Optional)

If you want to make your own marinara, here’s a quick recipe:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Sauté garlic in olive oil for 1 minute, add crushed tomatoes and herbs, simmer for 20 minutes, season to taste.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 450

• Protein: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sodium: 700mg

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Serving Suggestions

• Side salad with vinaigrette to cut richness

• Garlic bread or focaccia for dipping

• Roasted vegetables for extra nutrition

• A glass of red wine for a special occasion

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Storing and Reheating

• Leftover rolls can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered tightly.

• To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

• Rolls can be frozen before or after baking: wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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History and Cultural Context

Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish with roots dating back to ancient Rome. It evolved through centuries, from layered pasta sheets with simple fillings to the rich, cheesy, meaty versions we love today.

Lasagna rolls are a modern twist that offer all the classic flavors in a format that’s easier to serve and personalize. They’re popular in American kitchens where home cooks look for comfort food that’s both familiar and fun.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I prepare lasagna rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

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Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Absolutely. Use gluten-free lasagna noodles, and check all ingredients for gluten if needed.

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Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: Yes! Use vegan ricotta or tofu mixed with nutritional yeast, vegan mozzarella, and a tomato-based sauce without meat.

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Q: What can I do if I don’t have a baking dish that fits all rolls?
A: Use two smaller dishes or bake in a rimmed baking sheet with sides.

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Final Thoughts

Delicious Lasagna Rolls offer the ultimate combination of creamy cheese, savory meat, and tangy sauce wrapped in tender pasta. They’re perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility — whether you stick to the classic filling or try variations, each bite promises comfort and satisfaction.

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