Lasagna Rolls Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
Lasagna is a beloved dish, but sometimes you crave a fun, new way to enjoy it. Lasagna rolls offer that exciting change of pace – a delightful combination of familiar flavors and a stunning presentation. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to create these impressive and utterly delicious pasta rolls. Get ready to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 6-8 lasagna rolls. Adjust quantities as needed for larger gatherings.
- For the meat sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the cheese filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Other ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred, no pre-boiling needed!)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor!
2. Make the Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
3. Assemble the Lasagna Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking.
- Spread a small amount of meat sauce on each lasagna noodle.
- Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over each noodle.
- Tightly roll up each noodle, starting from one of the shorter ends.
- Place the rolled lasagna in the prepared baking dish, seam-side down.
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the lasagna rolls.
- Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake and Serve:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
- Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes for easier slicing.
Tips for Success:
- Using oven-ready noodles: This simplifies the process significantly, eliminating the need for pre-boiling.
- Don't overfill the rolls: Too much filling can make them difficult to roll and prone to bursting during baking.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the flavor profile.
- Add vegetables: Enhance the meat sauce with sauteed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the lasagna rolls ahead of time and bake them when ready. Store the assembled dish, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna rolls! They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Remember to share your culinary creations on social media and tag us! Happy cooking!