Description
Delicious and comforting Lasagna Roll Ups made with Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, all rolled inside tender lasagna noodles and baked with rich marinara sauce. This dish offers a fun twist on traditional lasagna, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Lasagna Roll Ups
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 28 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese
- 3 cups Mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside carefully to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage along with the diced onion. Break the sausage apart and cook for 7-8 minutes until fully cooked and onions are softened. Drain excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked sausage mixture. Reduce heat and let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until smooth and well incorporated.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spread about ½ cup of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking dish.
- Assemble Roll Ups: Lay each cooked lasagna noodle flat on a tray. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle, then top with 3 tablespoons of meat sauce. Carefully roll each noodle up and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Remaining Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining meat sauce over the assembled roll ups. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil sprayed with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until hot and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- To prevent noodles from sticking, spread them out on a lightly oiled surface or use parchment paper after boiling.
- Italian sausage can be substituted with ground beef or turkey for a different protein option.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use sautéed vegetables in the sauce.
- Make sure to cover the baking dish with foil tightly to keep moisture in during baking and remove it at the end for a nice cheese crust.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Lasagna Roll Ups, Italian sausage lasagna, baked pasta, ricotta cheese recipe, easy lasagna, Italian dinner
