Lasagna Roll-Ups

Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy lasagna. However, I find that traditional lasagna can sometimes be a bit cumbersome to prepare. Enter lasagna roll-ups—a fun and creative twist that makes serving and enjoying this classic dish easier and more enjoyable! I recently made these for a family gathering, and the result was a big hit. Everyone loved the combination of flavors, and the presentation was as delightful as the taste. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate all the flavors of lasagna while making individual servings. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving comfort food, these lasagna roll-ups are a perfect choice.

Ingredients

Cheese Filling:

• 15 oz. ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon each: salt, dried basil, dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• ½ lb. ground beef
• ½ lb. ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 32 oz. marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles (plus extra in case of breakage)
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Filling:

• In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, dried basil, dried parsley, and pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.
• Take ½ cup of the marinara sauce and spread it on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

1. Cook the Meat Sauce:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• While waiting for the water to boil, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and let them soften for about 10 minutes.
• Add the ground beef and sausage, increasing the heat to medium-high. Use a spatula to break up the meat, cooking for 8-10 minutes until browned. Add garlic during the last minute, and then drain any excess grease.
• Pour in the chicken broth, using a silicone spatula to clean the bottom and sides of the pot. Add the remaining marinara sauce along with Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer.

1. Boil the Lasagna Noodles:

• While the meat sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

1. Assemble the Roll-Ups:

• Line the cooked noodles up on a piece of parchment or wax paper.
• Spread about 2 ½ tablespoons of the cheese mixture over each lasagna noodle. Then, spread about ¼ cup of the meat sauce over each noodle, reserving the remaining sauce.
• Roll up each noodle tightly, keeping the filling inside, and place them seam side down in the prepared baking dish.

1. Bake the Roll-Ups:

• Top the rolled noodles with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
• Spray a piece of foil with nonstick cooking spray and cover the baking dish, spray-side down, to prevent the cheese from sticking.
• Bake for 35 minutes. If desired, remove the foil and broil at 450°F (230°C) for a few minutes to brown the top, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 30g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm straight from the baking dish.
• Top with extra marinara sauce for added flavor.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
• Accompany with a side salad or garlic bread.

Additional Tips

1. Noodle Breakage: Keep extra lasagna noodles on hand in case some break during cooking or handling.
2. Make Ahead: Prepare the roll-ups a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
3. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat sauce with a vegetable medley and add more cheese for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
4. Sauce Variations: Experiment with different sauces, such as Alfredo or pesto, for a unique flavor profile.
5. Freezing: These roll-ups freeze well; simply wrap them tightly before baking and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

Recipe Variations

• Spinach and Ricotta: Add fresh spinach to the cheese filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Buffalo Chicken: Substitute ground beef and sausage with shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with buffalo sauce.
• Mushroom and Cheese: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms into the cheese filling for an earthy twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp garden salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Consider a side of roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Unbaked roll-ups can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
   Yes, you can use no-boil noodles. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. What type of meat can I use?
   You can use ground turkey, chicken, or any meat you prefer.
3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and check that your sauces are gluten-free.
4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the roll-ups and store them in the fridge before baking.
5. How long do leftovers last?
   Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
6. What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
   You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and sour cream.
7. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
   Absolutely! You can add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the cheese filling.
8. Is there a way to make it spicier?
   You can add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use spicy sausage.
9. Can I use a different cheese?
   Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as goat cheese or feta for unique flavors.
10. What should I serve with lasagna roll-ups?
    A simple salad and garlic bread make excellent side dishes.

Conclusion

Lasagna roll-ups are a delightful twist on the classic lasagna, providing an easy way to serve and enjoy this beloved dish. They’re cheesy, hearty, and bursting with flavor, making them a perfect choice for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep. With endless possibilities for customization and variations, you can make this dish your own while keeping it simple and satisfying. So roll up those noodles and indulge in this comforting treat—your taste buds will thank you!

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