If you love classic lasagna but want something a little easier to make and serve, these Easy Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups are the perfect recipe. Each lasagna noodle is filled with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella mixture, rolled up, topped with marinara sauce, and baked until bubbly and golden.
Lasagna is my boyfriend’s favorite dish, but since it’s just the two of us, these roll ups make it so much easier to serve—and even better, they freeze perfectly for another night’s dinner.
I just love pasta and cheese—especially ricotta. Honestly, I love any kind of cheese, so this dish is extra special for me. With mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan all mixed together, these lasagna roll ups are pure cheesy heaven. And if you’re as crazy about pasta and cheese as I am, you’ll also love my Homemade Manicotti. They take a little more effort, but trust me—they’re so worth it!”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy to serve – Skip the messy slicing of a full pan of lasagna. Each roll up is already portioned.
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Freezer-friendly – make a batch and save some for busy nights.
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Cheesy comfort food – three cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan) melt together into the ultimate cheesy bite.
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All the lasagna flavor, less work – no tedious layering, just roll, bake, and enjoy.
Do I need to boil the Lasagna noodles first?
Yes, for traditional lasagna noodles, you should boil them first before rolling. Boiling makes them soft and flexible enough to roll without breaking.
Can I make cheesy lasagna roll-ups as appetizers?
Absolutely! You can make these as mini lasagna roll ups, and they’re perfect for parties or appetizers. Here’s how:
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Cut noodles: Use regular lasagna noodles, then cut them in half lengthwise to create smaller, bite-sized rolls.
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Fill carefully: Use a smaller amount of the cheese filling so the roll ups stay neat.
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Bake: in a smaller dish or on a baking sheet: Mini roll ups can be placed close together; just adjust the baking time slightly—usually 15–20 minutes covered, then 5–10 minutes uncovered until bubbly.
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Serve individually: Perfect finger-food size! You can even stick a toothpick in each for easy serving.
💡 Make Lasagna Roll Ups Vegetarian
Did you know you can make these lasagna roll ups vegetarian? You can! Just leave out the sausage and meatballs. Just add in some spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or any veggies you like. The cheesy filling pairs perfectly with vegetables, and it’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition.
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Helpful Kitchen Tools:
Pyrex Deep 9×13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid, Deep Casserole Dish, Glass Food Container, Oven, Freezer and Microwave Safe, Clear ContainerCuisinart Elements Stainless Steel Lasagna Server
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater with Removable Zester | Ideal for Grating Cheese or Zesting Fruits | Storage Container Included | 4 Sided Grater | Comfortable Handle
All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Stockpot 8 Quart Induction Oven Broiler Safe 500F, Lid Safe 350F Pots and Pans, Cookware Black
All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan 12 Inch Induction Oven Broiler Safe 500F, Lid Safe 350F Pots and Pans, Cookware Black
Main Ingredients Needed:
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Lasagna noodles – the base for the roll ups.
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Ricotta cheese – creates the creamy filling.
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Mozzarella cheese – melts beautifully and also adds creaminess inside.
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Parmesan cheese – gives a salty, nutty flavor that balances the richness of the ricotta.
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Egg – helps bind the ricotta filling so it stays creamy but not runny.
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Cooked Italian sausage (from Sunday sauce) – adds a savory, slightly spicy bite and lots of flavor.
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Cooked meatballs (from Sunday sauce) – tender, flavorful meat that makes the roll ups like a traditional lasagna.
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Marinara or homemade sauce (gravy) – ties everything together with rich tomato flavor and keeps the noodles moist while baking.
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Garlic Powder – adds a touch of sharpness to the cheese filling.
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Salt & black pepper – enhances all the flavors and keeps the filling from tasting flat.
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Fresh basil or parsley – for a fresh pop of color and flavor when serving.
💡 In my kitchen, I like to use the sausage and meatballs straight from my pot of Sunday sauce (gravy). It gives these roll ups so much extra flavor, and it’s how my family always made them. If you don’t have a pot of sauce going, don’t worry—you can use store-bought meatballs and Italian sausage. Just cook them first, then chop them up to layer inside your roll ups.
Step by Step Instructions:
Step 1 – Cook lasagna noodles until just al dente. Drain, then immediately run the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don’t stick together.
Step 2 – In a large bowl, mix together ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3 – Spread 2–3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly over each noodle.
Sprinkle some chopped sausage and meatballs on top of the ricotta. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top.
Add sauce and Parmesan cheese. Roll each noodle up gently from one end to the other.
Step 4 – Prep the baking dish
Spread 1 cup of your sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the roll ups seam-side down in the dish. Spoon the remaining sauce over the roll ups. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan and extra Mozzarella.
Step 5 – Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Storing:
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Place cooled roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
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If stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Reheating:
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Oven: Place roll ups in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes, or until heated through.
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Microwave: Heat individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, covered, for 1–2 minutes until hot. Add extra sauce if needed to keep them moist.
Easy Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
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12 lasagna noodles
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2 cups ricotta cheese
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
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1 cup cooked meatballs, chopped small
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2 cups Sunday sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles until just al dente. Drain, then immediately run the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don’t stick together.
Step 2 – Make the cheese filling
In a large bowl, mix together ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3 – Assemble the roll ups
Spread 2–3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly over each noodle.
Sprinkle some chopped sausage and meatballs on top of the ricotta. (Not so much, you have to roll them up!) Then top with some Parmesan cheese.
Roll each noodle up gently from one end to the other.
Step 4 – Prep the baking dish
Spread 1 cup of your sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the roll ups seam-side down in the dish.
Step 5 – Add sauce & cheese
Spoon the remaining sauce over the roll ups. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella.
Step 6 – Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7 – Serve
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm with garlic bread or a crisp salad.
