Baked Lasagna Roll Ups With Marinara Sauce Recipe

Picture this: you’re about to embark on a cheesy, saucy adventure that transforms classic lasagna into delightful roll-ups, perfect for a cozy night in or an impressive dinner party dish.

I enjoy coming up with uncomplicated, yet mouthwatering, recipes, and my Lasagna Roll Ups are a perfect example of that. They have the creamy richness you expect from baked Italian fare, yet each individual roll tastes light and (dare I say?) healthy.

They don’t make too much of a fuss over the filling; those layers of cheese and pasta allow the dish to stand on its own. Topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella (and another secret ingredient, if you must know), these rolls are a delight to eat.

Baked Lasagna Roll Ups With Marinara Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• Ricotta Cheese: Rich in protein and calcium; creamy texture enhances filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: High in protein; melts well creating a gooey consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami flavor; low in lactose, rich in calcium.
• Lasagna Noodles: High in carbohydrates; provides structure and layers.
• Marinara Sauce: Tomato-based; adds acidity and depth, rich in vitamin C.
• Italian Seasoning: Dried herbs blend; enhances savory flavors.

Baked Lasagna Roll Ups With Marinara Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

How to Make this Baked Lasagna Roll Ups With Marinara Sauce Recipe

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). In a large pot set over high heat, cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until they are al dente, with a slight bite left in the noodles. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together. While the noodles are cooking, you can prepare the meat sauce.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

3. Layer with thin spread of ricotta mixture on each lasagna noodle.

4. Take each noodle and roll it tightly from one end to the other. Place the tightly rolled noodle in a 9×13-inch baking dish, seams down, and lightly grease the baking dish.

5. Evenly distribute the marinara sauce over the lasagna roll-ups in the baking dish.

6. Spread the last 1 cup of mozzarella cheese across the top of the sauce-covered roll-ups.

7. Aluminum foil should be used to cover the baking dish, and then it can be placed in the oven that’s been set to preheat. This should all happen in the span of 20 minutes.

8. Taking off the foil and as the next step in baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, wait until you see the cheese bubbling and achieving a lovely golden brown hue.

9. Take the roll-ups out of the oven and allow them to cool for several minutes.

10. Serve the lasagna roll-ups hot, with fresh basil leaves as a garnish if you like. Enjoy!

Baked Lasagna Roll Ups With Marinara Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large pot
3. Baking sheet
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Spoon or spatula for mixing
8. 9×13-inch baking dish
9. Aluminum foil
10. Tongs or a slotted spoon (for handling noodles)

FAQ

• Q: Can I make lasagna roll ups ahead of time?Yes, they can be assembled up to a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
• Q: How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?A: After boiling, arrange them on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking.
• Q: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?A: Without a doubt, you can use either homemade or store-bought marinara. Either will work perfectly for this recipe.
• Q: What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?Cottage cheese is a high-protein substitute that offers a similar texture with a slightly different flavor.
• Q: Can I freeze these lasagna roll ups?A: Yes, they can be frozen raw or cooked. Thaw and bake as necessary.
• Q: Is it possible to add meat to the recipe?Yes, cooked ground beef or sausage can be added to either the ricotta mixture or to the marinara sauce.

Baked Lasagna Roll Ups With Marinara Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Lasagna noodles: Swap out for whole wheat lasagna noodles or gluten-free, gluten-free lasagna noodles for dietary preferences.
Cottage cheese or mascarpone can be used for a similar texture to ricotta cheese.
Egg: A flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) can be used to create a vegan option.
Provolone or fontina can replace mozzarella if you’re looking for a different flavor profile in your dish. You might also consider using another soft cheese that melts well, such as gouda.
Tomato basil sauce or homemade tomato sauce can be used in place of marinara sauce.

Pro Tips

1. Noodle Preparation: After cooking the lasagna noodles, consider lightly drizzling them with olive oil before laying them flat on a baking sheet. This helps prevent them from sticking together while adding a touch of flavor.