Lasagna Roll Ups

All the cheesy, saucy goodness of classic lasagna — rolled up into neat, portion-perfect servings. These spinach and cheese lasagna roll ups are hearty, comforting, and easy to serve, with a rich marinara base and a creamy ricotta filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These roll ups are a fun twist on traditional lasagna and perfect for portion control. The spinach-ricotta filling keeps them creamy and flavorful, while the rolled presentation makes them easy to plate and serve for family dinners or gatherings. They can also be made entirely vegetarian or paired with a meat sauce for extra richness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta & Sauce
12 lasagna noodles
1 lb lean ground beef (optional)
2½ cups marinara sauce, divided

Filling
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained well
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp dried basil
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp fine sea salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated fresh
¾ cup mozzarella cheese, grated fresh, divided

Garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Prep oven & dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. Cook pasta: Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse gently with cold water, and blot dry with paper towels.

3. Make meat sauce (optional): In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in marinara sauce. Simmer on low for 10 minutes.

4. Mix filling: In a large bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, egg, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Break up any spinach clumps for even distribution. Stir in Parmesan and ¼ cup mozzarella. If using cooked beef in the filling instead of the sauce, mix it in now.

5. Assemble roll ups: Spread 1½ cups of the sauce over the bottom of the baking dish. Lay noodles flat, spread about 3 tablespoons of filling evenly over each, then roll into spirals. Arrange rolls seam-side down in the dish (4 rows of 3).

6. Top & bake: Spoon remaining 1 cup of sauce over rolls, then sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 5–10 minutes more until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 roll ups
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat entirely and use only marinara sauce.

• Chicken version: Substitute cooked shredded chicken for the ground beef.

• Extra cheesy: Add a layer of ricotta filling on top before sprinkling with mozzarella.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.

• Veggie boost: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the filling.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes, or in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through. Lasagna roll ups can also be frozen before baking — assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — assemble the roll ups, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze baked roll ups?

Yes, freeze in a covered dish for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until hot.

Do I need to thaw frozen spinach first?

Yes, and squeeze out excess water to avoid a watery filling.

Can I use fresh spinach?

Yes, just sauté it briefly until wilted and let it cool before chopping and adding to the filling.

Can I replace ricotta with cottage cheese?

Yes, cottage cheese works well for a slightly lighter texture.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

Rinse them in cold water after boiling and lay them flat on parchment paper before filling.

What’s the best cheese blend?

A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan provides melty texture and savory flavor.

Can I use another meat instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes.

How do I stop the rolls from unrolling?

Place them seam-side down in the baking dish and snugly fit them together.

Conclusion

Lasagna roll ups are a fun, flavorful way to enjoy the classic layers of lasagna in a neat, easy-to-serve package. Whether you make them with beef, chicken, or keep them vegetarian, they’re a satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

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