These Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups are filled with savory seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then rolled inside tender lasagna noodles and baked in rich marinara sauce until bubbling and golden. They deliver all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in neat individual portions, making them perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love It
- Rich beef and cheese filling wrapped inside tender lasagna noodles
- Plenty of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan in every bite
- Easy to portion, serve, and prepare ahead of time
- Perfect for family dinners, holidays, parties, or freezer meals
Ingredients Overview
Lasagna Noodles
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, for the pasta water
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Cheese Filling
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Sauce & Topping
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
Add the lasagna noodles and cook until al dente according to the package directions.
Drain carefully and lay the noodles flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet or clean kitchen towel so they do not stick together.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for another 3–4 minutes until thick and flavorful.
3. Make the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
Set aside until ready to assemble the lasagna rolls.
4. Assemble the Roll-Ups
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread about 1 cup marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Lay one lasagna noodle flat and spread a layer of ricotta mixture evenly over the surface.
Spoon some of the seasoned beef mixture on top.
Starting at one short end, carefully roll the noodle into a tight spiral.
Place seam-side down in the baking dish and repeat with the remaining noodles.
5. Add the Sauce and Cheese
Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the lasagna roll-ups.
Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Finish with Italian seasoning.
6. Bake
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
Allow the roll-ups to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Tips
- Cook the noodles only until al dente so they remain sturdy enough to roll.
- Keep the beef filling fairly thick to prevent the rolls from becoming watery.
- Do not overfill the noodles or they may be difficult to roll.
- Place each roll seam-side down so it stays closed during baking.
- Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan provide the smoothest melt and best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheesy beef lasagna roll-ups with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic green beans
- Fresh tomato and cucumber salad
Storage
Store leftover lasagna roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot, or microwave individual portions with a spoonful of additional marinara sauce to keep them moist.
Leftover Ideas
- Top leftovers with extra mozzarella and rebake until bubbly and golden.
- Cut the roll-ups into smaller portions for easy meal-prep lunches.
- Chop leftovers and turn them into a hearty baked pasta casserole.
FAQs
Can I make these lasagna roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble them up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I freeze lasagna roll-ups?
Yes. Assemble them in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes. Cottage cheese works well, though draining any excess liquid first will give you a thicker filling.
Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?
Yes. Italian sausage can replace some or all of the beef for an even richer and more savory flavor.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups combine hearty seasoned beef, creamy ricotta, tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and layers of bubbling melted cheese in perfectly portioned rolls. They are comforting, easy to serve, and ideal for family dinners, entertaining, or make-ahead meals when you want all the flavor of homemade lasagna in a fun and convenient form.
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