How to make Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients:
12 lasagna noodles cooked according to package instructions
1 lb. 450g ground beef (85% lean)
24 oz. 680g marinara sauce
1/2 cup 80g diced onion
3 garlic cloves minced
1 tsp sea salt or to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
1/2 tsp dried oregano
15 oz. 425g ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup 25g parmesan cheese, shredded
3 cups 340g mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
1/4 cup 15g parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C).
Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions.
Once cooked, drain the noodles and fill the pot with cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
In a deep pan or Dutch oven, heat the ground beef over medium-high heat.
Break it up with a spatula and cook until it is no longer pink.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened, approximately 3 minutes.
Then, add the minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, sautéing for an additional minute.
Pour in the marinara sauce, bring it to a simmer, and turn off the heat.
Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce over the bottom of a casserole dish.
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and chopped parsley.
Stir well to create a creamy and flavorful filling.
To make assembly easier, arrange the cooked lasagna noodles on a large baking sheet in a single layer.
Spread approximately 1/4 cup (or a scant ice cream scoop) of the cheese mixture over each noodle.
Add a heaping tablespoon of the meat sauce in a strip down the center of each noodle.
Carefully roll up the noodles and arrange them in the prepared casserole dish.
Spread the remaining meat sauce over the tops of the roll-ups and sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the dish with foil, ensuring the foil doesn’t touch the cheese. If your pan is shallow, you can use toothpicks to keep the foil away from the cheese.
Bake the covered dish at 375˚F (190˚C) for 40 minutes.
Then, remove the foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese turns lightly golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes:
For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as fontina or provolone, to add a unique twist to the dish.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 roll-up (assuming 12 servings)
YIELDS: 12 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 421 | Total Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 1023mg | Total Carbohydrate: 35g | Dietary Fiber: 2g | Sugars: 6g | Protein: 27g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other meats like ground turkey, ground chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a meatless version.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for ricotta, you can use cottage cheese, goat cheese, or a combination of different cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or fontina based on your taste preferences.
Can I make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
This is a great option for meal prepping or when you want to save time on the day of serving.
How do I prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking together?
After cooking the lasagna noodles, drain them and fill the pot with cold water. This helps prevent the noodles from sticking together by stopping the cooking process and rinsing off excess starch. Make sure to drain them well before assembling the roll-ups.
Can I freeze the Lasagna Roll Ups for later?
Yes, you can freeze the Lasagna Roll Ups before or after baking them. If freezing before baking, assemble the roll-ups, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and bake according to the recipe instructions.
If freezing after baking, allow the roll-ups to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat or a vegetarian alternative?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a vegetarian option like crumbled tofu or a meat substitute.
Can I prepare the roll-ups in advance and refrigerate them?
Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.
Can I customize the sauce or add additional ingredients to the roll-ups?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling, or even layer additional sauce or cheese between the roll-ups for added flavor.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.