Lasagna Roll Ups: A Deliciously Easy Recipe
Lasagna is a classic comfort food, but sometimes you crave a twist on tradition. Enter lasagna roll ups, a fun and surprisingly easy way to enjoy all the flavors of lasagna without the fuss of layering. These individual portions are perfect for meal prepping, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. This recipe emphasizes ease and deliciousness, making it perfect for even novice cooks!
What Makes This Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe Special?
This recipe isn't your average lasagna roll up. We’ve focused on a few key elements to guarantee a fantastic result every time:
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: No soggy noodles here! We'll use a simple technique to ensure your lasagna noodles are perfectly al dente, even after baking.
- Flavorful Filling: A rich and savory meat sauce combined with creamy ricotta cheese creates a filling that's both satisfying and unforgettable.
- Easy Assembly: We've streamlined the assembly process to make creating these roll ups a breeze, even for beginners.
- Customizable: Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or meats!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 6 lasagna roll ups.
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix!)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred for easier prep!)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Lasagna Roll Ups:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread a spoonful of ricotta mixture onto each lasagna noodle.
- Top with about ¼ cup of meat sauce.
- Carefully roll up each noodle tightly.
- Arrange the roll ups seam-down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour any remaining meat sauce over the roll ups.
- Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the roll ups are heated through.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Lasagna Roll Ups:
- Don't overcook the noodles: Follow the package directions for al dente noodles. Slightly undercooking is better than overcooking.
- Use oven-ready noodles: This simplifies the cooking process significantly.
- Get creative with fillings: Add spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the ricotta mixture.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the lasagna roll ups ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
Enjoy Your Delicious Homemade Lasagna Roll Ups!
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us – we’d love to see your fantastic lasagna roll ups! Happy cooking!
