How do I prepare lasagna noodles for making cheesy lasagna rolls?

To prepare lasagna noodles for roll ups, boil them in salted water until they are al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Lay the noodles flat on parchment or wax paper to cool and dry before filling. This method makes the noodles flexible and easier to roll without tearing.

Can I make cheesy lasagna rolls ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna rolls ahead and freeze them for up to 3 months. Place the rolled noodles in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. This helps retain texture and flavor similar to freshly made rolls.

What types of cheese work best for cheesy lasagna rolls?

For the best melt and flavor, use freshly shredded low-moisture whole milk mozzarella combined with ricotta cheese. Freshly grating cheese from a block ensures better melting than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Adding grated Parmesan or Romano can also boost the flavor of the filling.

How long and at what temperature should I bake cheesy lasagna rolls?

Bake the lasagna rolls covered with foil at 375°F (190°C) for about 35 minutes to allow the filling to heat through and the sauce to bubble. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes, or broil briefly at 450°F (232°C), to brown and crisp the cheese topping. Keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning.

Is it okay to add vegetables like spinach to the cheese filling in lasagna rolls?

Yes, adding vegetables such as spinach is a great way to add nutrition and flavor. Sauté 2-3 cups of chopped fresh spinach in olive oil until wilted, then cool and drain excess moisture before mixing it into the cheese filling. Alternatively, thaw frozen spinach, squeeze out the water, and fold it in. This prevents excess moisture that can make the rolls soggy.

Cheesy Lasagna Rolls Recipe with Spinach and Cheese Filling

Name: Cheesy Lasagna Rolls
Prep time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: – 15 oz. ricotta cheese; – 1 large egg; – 2 cups mozzarella cheese; – ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; – 1 teaspoon dried oregano; – ½ teaspoon salt; – ½ teaspoon dried basil; – ½ teaspoon dried parsley; – ¼ teaspoon pepper; – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – 1 small diced yellow onion; – ½ pound ground beef; – ½ pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild); – 3 cloves garlic; – ½ cup chicken broth; – 32 oz. marinara sauce; – 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional); – 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional); – 12 lasagna noodles plus extra for breakage; – 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese

Description

🧀 Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy cheese and fresh spinach in these Lasagna Roll Ups for a delicious and comforting meal.
🍅 These roll ups combine classic lasagna flavors into convenient, individual servings ideal for easy portion control and family dinners.

Ingredients

– 15 oz. ricotta cheese

– 1 large egg

– 2 cups mozzarella cheese

– ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– ½ teaspoon salt

– ½ teaspoon dried basil

– ½ teaspoon dried parsley

– ¼ teaspoon pepper

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 small diced yellow onion

– ½ pound ground beef

– ½ pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)

– 3 cloves garlic

– ½ cup chicken broth

– 32 oz. marinara sauce

– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

– 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

– 12 lasagna noodles plus extra for breakage

– 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1-First Step: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and lay flat on a clean surface.

2-Second Step: Prepare the filling by mixing ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, and minced garlic in a bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

3-Third Step: Spread a generous amount of the cheese and spinach mixture evenly over each noodle.

4-Fourth Step: Carefully roll each noodle into a tight cylinder and place seam-side down in a baking dish pre-coated with marinara sauce. For more tips on handling fillings, check out our chicken spinach bake that shares similar techniques.

5-Fifth Step: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolled noodles and sprinkle with additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

6-Final Step: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

🧀 Use fresh spinach for best flavor and texture in the filling.
🍲 The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated to save time.
🥄 To make rolling easier, cool noodles slightly before adding filling.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking and resting time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no stovetop cook time included, noodles and sauce cook separately)
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll up
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Lasagna roll ups, Cheese spinach filling, Italian comfort food, Baked pasta