Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings ooey-gooey cheese, rich meat sauce, and tender pasta all rolled into one, this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine lasagna in a fun, handheld form that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat! Each roll-up is packed with a luscious ricotta and mozzarella blend, savory ground beef simmered in marinara, and topped with bubbly golden cheese. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on a busy weeknight or to impress guests with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome ingredients are the secret to making this dish shine. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender noodles to the fresh herbs that brighten every bite.

• 12 dry lasagna noodles: Make sure to cook them al dente so they’re pliable but not mushy when rolling.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing your onions and garlic.
• ½ onion (chopped): Provides sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided): Essential for seasoning at different stages to bring out all the flavors.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Gives a punch of aromatic flavor that festoons the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that ties everything together beautifully.
• 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein star that makes this dish satisfying and rich.
• 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar): Use a good quality sauce for that irresistible tomato base.
• 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese (1 container): This creamy cheese adds luscious texture inside each roll-up.
• 3½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Mozzarella is key for the melt and stretchy cheesiness you crave.
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds salty sharpness that cuts through the richness.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley and/or basil: Fresh herbs give a pop of color and freshness.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture for perfect rolls.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Just enough warmth to elevate the flavors.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Noodles

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Boil your lasagna noodles in salted water, following package instructions to get them just al dente—firm but flexible for rolling without breaking.

Step 2: Cool and Arrange Noodles

Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep them from sticking. Lay them flat on a parchment-lined sheet pan, ready to be filled.

Step 3: Cook Your Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion with half a teaspoon of kosher salt until soft and translucent. This step releases sweetness essential for the sauce base.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—to make sure those herbs don’t burn but infuse the oil.

Step 5: Brown the Ground Beef

Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown until no pink remains and the meat develops a tasty, caramelized crust that deepens the sauce flavours.

Step 6: Pour in Marinara Sauce

Mix in the marinara sauce and give everything a good stir. Remove the pan from heat to prevent overcooking the sauce while you assemble the cheese filling.

Step 7: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1½ cups mozzarella, parmesan, chopped herbs, egg, the remaining salt, and pepper. This creamy blend ensures each roll is bursting with cheesy goodness.

Step 8: Layer Sauce in the Baking Dish

Spread about half a cup of the meat sauce over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This layer prevents the noodles from sticking and infuses more flavor.

Step 9: Spread Cheese on Noodles

Take each lasagna noodle and spread 3 to 4 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly across it. This creates the luscious core of each roll-up.

Step 10: Add Meat Sauce on Top

Next, spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of the meat sauce over the cheese layer. This combination keeps every bite rich and satisfying.

Step 11: Roll and Arrange

Carefully roll each noodle up from one end to the other, then place it seam side down in the baking dish nestled snugly next to its neighbors.

Step 12: Top with Remaining Sauce and Cheese

Pour the rest of the meat sauce on top of the arranged roll-ups, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over everything.

Step 13: Cover with Foil

Cover your pan tightly with foil, but be sure the foil does not touch the cheese to prevent sticking. This traps steam and helps cook the dish evenly.

Step 14: Bake and Brown

Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes to allow the edges to brown beautifully. For an extra cheesy, toasty top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end if you like.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil scattered on top not only add vibrant color but also a fresh flavor burst that cuts through the richness perfectly. A little sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese right before serving elevates it even more.

Side Dishes

Pair these roll-ups with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to balance the hearty meat and cheese flavors. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a classic choice for soaking up all those delicious sauce drippings.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual roll-ups on pretty plates with a swipe of sauce underneath for a restaurant-quality look. You can also stack two roll-ups with a garnish of fresh herbs and a light drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making next-day servings even better.

Freezing

This Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe freezes wonderfully. Arrange the unbaked roll-ups in a dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake them from frozen, adding extra bake time as needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and to prevent drying out. Microwave reheating works too, but the oven method preserves texture best.

FAQs

Can I use different types of meat in the Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage can be great alternatives or additions to beef, offering different flavor profiles while keeping the roll-ups hearty and delicious.

Do I have to boil the noodles before assembling the roll-ups?

Yes, boiling the noodles until al dente makes them pliable enough to roll without cracking. However, if you use no-boil lasagna noodles, make sure to adjust the sauce amount so they have enough moisture to cook through during baking.

Can I make the cheese mixture dairy-free or vegan?

While traditional ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses are key for the authentic flavor, you can substitute with dairy-free ricotta-style cheese and vegan mozzarella alternatives. Just note the texture and flavor will differ slightly.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs like parsley or basil?

Dry Italian seasoning works fine in a pinch, but fresh herbs really brighten the dish and add freshness. If using dried, reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering the cheese filling.

Is it okay to prepare the roll-ups a day ahead?

Yes, assembling the roll-ups a day ahead and refrigerating them before baking can save you time. Just cover tightly, and bake them as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re chilled.

Final Thoughts

You have to try this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe – it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply craving comfort food, these roll-ups deliver big on taste with minimal hassle. Bonus: leftovers taste incredible too, so make plenty and savor every cheesy, meaty bite!

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