Hey there, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac, and today we’re diving into a dish that takes everything you love about classic lasagna and makes it even more fun and manageable: Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups. If you’ve ever found yourself wrestling with layers of noodles, sauce, and cheese, these roll-ups are your new best friend. They’re portion-controlled, incredibly satisfying, and pack all that comforting Italian flavor into individual, easy-to-serve portions. It’s a brilliant twist on a beloved classic!
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a dish that combines the heartiness of meatballs with the cheesy goodness of lasagna, all wrapped up in a neat little package? I’m absolutely smitten with these roll-ups for a few key reasons. First, they’re less messy than traditional lasagna, making serving a breeze and cleanup surprisingly simple. Second, the individual portions are fantastic for meal prepping or ensuring everyone gets an equal share of deliciousness. And let’s be honest, there’s something incredibly satisfying about slicing into a perfectly baked roll-up, revealing all those layers of savory meat, creamy ricotta, and tender pasta, all bathed in rich marinara. It’s comfort food reinvented!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1.5 lbs prepared meatballs (store-bought or homemade, cooked)
- 3 cups marinara sauce, divided (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Swaps and Notes
- Meatballs: Using pre-cooked meatballs is a huge time-saver, whether they’re frozen or from your local deli. If you’re making homemade meatballs, ensure they’re fully cooked before incorporating them. For a vegetarian option, you could swap the meatballs for cooked crumbled vegetarian ground or sautéed mushrooms.
- Marinara Sauce: Use a high-quality marinara sauce that you love the taste of, as it forms the base flavor. You can easily adjust the amount based on how saucy you like your lasagna.
- Cheeses: While ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella are classic, feel free to experiment. A little Asiago or Provolone could add an extra layer of flavor to the cheese mixture or sprinkled on top.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness, but fresh basil or oregano would also be delicious in the ricotta mixture. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but reduce the quantity (e.g., ¼ teaspoon dried for 1 tablespoon fresh).
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
List of Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get rolling with these delicious lasagna creations!
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, and lay them flat on a clean surface or parchment paper.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Prep the Baking Dish: Pour about 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. This will prevent the roll-ups from sticking and add moisture.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Lay one cooked lasagna noodle flat. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodle. Arrange 2-3 small meatballs (or equivalent amount of chopped larger meatballs) down the center of the noodle. Sprinkle with about 2-3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Roll and Arrange: Carefully roll up each noodle from one end to the other. Place the rolled-up noodle seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles, ricotta mixture, meatballs, and mozzarella, arranging them snugly in the dish.
- Sauce and Cheese: Once all roll-ups are in the dish, pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over the top, ensuring each roll-up is covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese over everything.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Brown and Serve: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the lasagna roll-ups rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles just until al dente. They’ll continue to cook in the oven, and you want them to hold their shape for rolling.
- Cold Rinse: Rinsing the cooked noodles with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents them from sticking together, making them much easier to handle.
- Even Spreading: Spread the ricotta mixture thinly and evenly over the noodles to ensure a balanced flavor in each bite.
- Snug Fit: Arranging the roll-ups snugly in the baking dish helps them stay upright and moist during baking.
- Foil is Your Friend: Covering the dish for the first part of baking ensures the roll-ups cook through and the cheese melts without burning. Removing it at the end allows for that beautiful golden-brown top.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are a hearty meal on their own, but they also pair beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice counterpoint to the richness. Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For something lighter, steamed broccoli or asparagus would be excellent.
Thinking about drinks? A medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or a Merlot would complement the robust flavors of the dish. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemonade or even just a tall glass of iced tea works wonderfully.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups store beautifully! Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual roll-ups in the microwave or place them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
These roll-ups are also fantastic for freezing. Once cooled, you can freeze individual roll-ups by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can even assemble them ahead of time and freeze them unbaked (cover tightly) to bake later!
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the comforting, cheesy goodness of these lasagna roll-ups, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other delicious recipes:
- For another comforting pasta dish, check out my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
- If you’re a fan of quick comfort food, my Instant Pot Lasagna is a must-try.
- For a fun, cheesy bite, you might also like my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
- And if you’re looking for other easy, crowd-pleasing dinners, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole or these Chicken Enchiladas are always a hit.
Final Thoughts
Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are more than just a meal; they’re a clever, delicious solution for when you crave that hearty Italian flavor without the fuss of a traditional layered lasagna. They’re perfect for family dinners, entertaining, or simply enjoying a cozy night in. Give them a try—I bet they’ll become a new favorite in your household!
What’s your favorite comfort food twist? Share your ideas in the comments below! And be sure to check out Chef Maniac for more recipes that make cooking fun and delicious.
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