Name: Lasagna Roll Ups: Easy Recipe & Delicious Variations
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 9 lasagna roll ups
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 28 ounces crushed tomatoes; 15 ounces tomato sauce; 6 ounces tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 9 lasagna noodles; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Lasagna roll ups: Forget everything you thought you knew about lasagna! Imagine all the comforting, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna, but in a perfectly portioned, delightfully easy-to-eat package. These aren't your grandma's layered casserole dish, unless your grandma was secretly a culinary genius hiding a shortcut up her sleeve!

While the exact origins of rolled lasagna are a bit murky, they're a brilliant evolution of the classic Italian comfort food. Lasagna itself boasts a rich history, dating back to ancient Rome, where a similar dish called "lasana" was enjoyed. Over centuries, it transformed into the layered masterpiece we know and love. But let's be honest, sometimes we crave that lasagna flavor without the fuss of building a multi-layered tower. That's where lasagna roll ups come in, offering a modern, streamlined approach to a beloved classic.

What makes these roll ups so irresistible? It's the perfect combination of creamy ricotta, savory sauce, and tender pasta, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. They're incredibly convenient for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping. Plus, the individual portions make serving a breeze and eliminate any messy slicing. The best part? They taste absolutely amazing! The slightly crispy edges of the pasta, the rich filling, and the tangy sauce create a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, ditch the layers and embrace the roll! Let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
15 ounces tomato sauce
6 ounces tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg, lightly beaten
9 lasagna noodles
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

First, we're going to get started on the heart of our lasagna roll ups – the meat sauce! In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks, so you don't end up with big clumps. We want it nice and crumbly.
Once the sausage is browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy lasagna!
Now, add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it's softened, about 5-7 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as that can make the sauce bitter.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Give it all a good stir to combine everything.
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir again to incorporate the spices.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the richer the sauce will become. I usually let mine simmer for an hour or more! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Preparing the Ricotta Filling:

While the meat sauce is simmering away, let's prepare the ricotta filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
Add the lightly beaten egg. The egg helps to bind the filling together so it doesn't ooze out of the roll ups while they're baking.
Mix everything together until it's well combined and smooth. Set aside for now.

Cooking the Lasagna Noodles:

Now, it's time to cook the lasagna noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt helps to season the noodles.
Add the lasagna noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, but cook them until they are al dente. We want them to be pliable enough to roll, but not so soft that they fall apart. Usually, this means cooking them for a minute or two less than the package instructions recommend.
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them immediately and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to prevent them from sticking together.
Lay the noodles out on a clean kitchen towel or a sheet of parchment paper to dry slightly.

Assembling the Lasagna Roll Ups:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the lasagna roll ups from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
Now, it's time for the fun part – assembling the roll ups! Take one lasagna noodle and spread about 1/3 cup of the ricotta filling evenly over the entire surface of the noodle.
Spoon about 1/4 cup of the meat sauce over the ricotta filling.
Carefully roll up the noodle, starting from one end and rolling tightly.
Place the roll up seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Repeat steps 3-6 with the remaining lasagna noodles, ricotta filling, and meat sauce.
Once all the roll ups are in the baking dish, spoon any remaining meat sauce over the top of the roll ups.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Baking the Lasagna Roll Ups:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the roll ups moist while they bake.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the roll ups are heated through.
Let the lasagna roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help them to hold their shape.

Serving Suggestions:

These lasagna roll ups are delicious served on their own, or you can pair them with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. They're also great for potlucks or parties, as they're easy to transport and serve. You can even make them ahead of time and bake them later. Just assemble the roll ups, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake them, remove them from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking and follow the baking instructions above.

Enjoy your delicious and easy lasagna roll ups!

Conclusion:

This isn't just another pasta dish; it's a culinary adventure waiting to happen! These Lasagna Roll Ups are a must-try because they offer all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a fun, portion-controlled, and surprisingly easy-to-make format. Forget spending hours layering noodles and sauce – these roll-ups streamline the process without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. The rich ricotta filling, the tangy tomato sauce, and the perfectly melted mozzarella create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. But the best part? The versatility! While I've shared my go-to recipe, feel free to get creative and customize these roll-ups to your liking. Craving a meatier experience? Add browned Italian sausage or ground beef to the ricotta mixture. Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms would be fantastic additions. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the ricotta filling. Serving suggestions are endless. These Lasagna Roll Ups are perfect as a main course, served with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad. They also make a wonderful appetizer for parties or gatherings. Simply cut each roll-up in half and arrange them on a platter for easy snacking. And if you're looking for a make-ahead meal, these roll-ups are your answer! Assemble them ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator, and bake them just before serving. They also freeze beautifully, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights. Consider serving them with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can also add a touch of sweetness and complexity. For a truly decadent experience, serve them with a side of creamy Alfredo sauce. I truly believe that once you try these Lasagna Roll Ups, they'll become a staple in your recipe repertoire. They're a crowd-pleaser, they're easy to make, and they're incredibly delicious. What more could you ask for? So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to roll! I'm confident that you'll love these Lasagna Roll Ups as much as I do. And now, for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos, comments, and suggestions in the comments section below. I can't wait to see your creations and hear your stories. Happy cooking! I am sure that you will find that making Lasagna Roll Ups is a rewarding experience.