Lasagna is one of those timeless comfort foods that warms both the heart and the home. But when you want the rich, cheesy, saucy flavor of traditional lasagna in a fun, easy-to-serve form, Baked Lasagna Roll-Ups with Cheese & Meat Sauce are your answer.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests because it looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. It combines everything you love about classic lasagna — creamy cheese, rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and savory meat — but in an easier, less messy form.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms a classic into something fun, elegant, and manageable. Traditional lasagna can be a bit of a project — with layers that sometimes slide apart and uneven portions. Lasagna roll-ups, however, offer all the same deliciousness in a format that’s tidy and easy to serve.

Another reason I adore this dish is the balance of textures and flavors — creamy ricotta, stretchy mozzarella, tangy marinara, and meaty richness all come together in every bite. It’s comfort food at its finest, with the bonus of being perfectly portioned and freezer-friendly.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfectly Portioned: Each roll-up is an individual serving — great for portion control or entertaining.
• Rich & Comforting: Layers of creamy cheese and savory meat sauce create that authentic lasagna flavor.
• Beautiful Presentation: Looks elegant and inviting on any dinner table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance, refrigerate, or freeze for later.
• Easy to Customize: Add spinach, mushrooms, or change the meat — it’s endlessly versatile!

Preparation & Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 servings (makes about 12 roll-ups)
• Calories: ~420 calories per roll-up
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz / 680 g) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella (for topping)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the noodles according to package directions until just al dente.
3. Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper or a baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3. Add onions and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread about ½ cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Lay out one lasagna noodle at a time on a clean surface.
4. Spread 2–3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle.
5. Spoon a thin layer of meat sauce on top of the cheese.
6. Carefully roll up the noodle from one end to the other.
7. Place each roll seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese on Top

1. Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the top of all roll-ups.
2. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Lasagna Roll-Ups

1. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
3. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
• Pair with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or a light Italian side salad.
• A glass of Chianti or red blend wine makes a perfect pairing.
• For extra flair, drizzle a touch of basil pesto or olive oil on top before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Prevent sticking: Lay noodles flat on parchment after boiling.
• Use lean meat: Avoid greasy sauce by draining excess fat after browning the meat.
• No-boil noodles: You can use oven-ready noodles; just soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften before rolling.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the roll-ups, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Don’t skip resting time: Letting the lasagna rest helps it set and slice beautifully.

Recipe Variations

1. Spinach & Ricotta Roll-Ups: Mix chopped cooked spinach into the cheese filling for a veggie boost.
2. Chicken Alfredo Roll-Ups: Substitute meat sauce with creamy Alfredo sauce and use shredded cooked chicken.
3. Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted peppers.
4. Three-Cheese Deluxe: Add provolone or fontina for an extra cheesy indulgence.
5. Spicy Arrabbiata Roll-Ups: Use spicy tomato sauce and hot Italian sausage for fiery flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• To Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To Freeze (Before Baking): Assemble roll-ups in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 15 extra minutes to the cook time.
• To Freeze (After Baking): Cool completely, then freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat: Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling noodles)
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula and spoon
• Foil

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make lasagna roll-ups ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble them up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until baking.

Q2: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A: Absolutely. Cottage cheese works well — just drain any excess liquid before using.

Q3: How do I keep my roll-ups from falling apart?
A: Don’t overfill them and roll tightly. Placing them seam-side down in the baking dish also helps.

Q4: What kind of pasta sauce works best?
A: A thick, flavorful marinara or meat sauce (store-bought or homemade) ensures rich flavor and less watery results.

Q5: Can I use gluten-free noodles?
A: Yes! Gluten-free lasagna noodles work perfectly with this recipe.

Conclusion

Baked Lasagna Roll-Ups with Cheese & Meat Sauce take everything you love about classic lasagna and give it a modern, elegant twist. Each roll is perfectly portioned, packed with creamy cheese, savory meat, and hearty sauce — baked to bubbly, golden perfection.

It’s a dish that feels comforting and indulgent yet looks beautiful enough to serve at dinner parties. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, these lasagna roll-ups are guaranteed to impress — every time.