Lasagna Roll Ups: Cheesy, Meaty, and Perfectly Portioned Italian Comfort Food

Lasagna roll ups take everything you love about traditional lasagna — tender noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melty cheese — and turn it into perfectly portioned bundles of comfort. Each roll is like an individual serving of lasagna, layered with flavor and baked in bubbling marinara until golden and irresistible.

What I love most about these lasagna roll ups is that they feel both elegant and cozy. They’re a fantastic make-ahead dinner, a crowd-pleasing family meal, or a beautiful dish to serve at a dinner party. Best of all, they bake up in less time than a traditional lasagna, with all the same cheesy, meaty goodness.

Why This Recipe Is My Favorite

Lasagna is one of those dishes that always satisfies, but I’ll admit — assembling a full pan of layered lasagna can feel like a project. That’s why I adore this roll up version. 

Each noodle is layered, rolled, and baked, giving you all the flavor and nostalgia of lasagna with a little less fuss. Plus, the presentation is beautiful, and it’s much easier to serve without messy slicing.

History and Fun Facts About Lasagna

Lasagna has been around since ancient Roman times, with references to layered pasta dishes dating back centuries. In Italy, the dish varies by region — some versions are rich with béchamel and ragù, while others highlight ricotta and tomato sauce. 

Lasagna roll ups are a more modern American spin, designed for easier serving and portion control, but they carry the same spirit: pasta layered with sauce and cheese, baked until bubbly and indulgent.

The Role of Each Ingredient

• Lasagna noodles form the foundation of each roll, tender yet sturdy enough to hold the filling.

• Olive oil sautés the onions and garlic, adding richness to the base.

• Onion brings sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.

• Garlic infuses the filling with aromatic warmth.

• Ground beef gives hearty, savory flavor.

• Italian sausage adds spiced, herby richness that balances the beef.

• Marinara sauce provides acidity and freshness, tying the whole dish together.

• Salt and black pepper keep flavors balanced and bold.

• Italian seasoning layers in classic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.

• Egg binds the ricotta mixture for a creamy but structured filling.

• Ricotta cheese adds creamy, slightly tangy richness.

• Mozzarella cheese provides gooey, stretchy texture and golden topping.

• Parmesan cheese adds sharp, nutty depth.

• Parsley brightens the final dish with freshness and color.

Substitution Tips and Advice

• Swap the ground beef and sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

• Use cottage cheese in place of ricotta if you prefer a slightly less rich filling.

• Want more veggies? Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini into the ricotta mixture.

• Try a spicy Italian sausage if you like a little kick in your sauce.

• Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and doubling up on roasted vegetables.

Time and Money-Saving Tips

• Buy oven-ready lasagna noodles if you want to skip the boiling step.

• Use store-bought marinara sauce for convenience, but upgrade with a splash of red wine or extra garlic while simmering.

• Assemble the roll ups ahead of time and refrigerate — perfect for meal prepping or busy weeknights.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 325°F or microwave individual servings.

Freezing: Freeze assembled but unbaked roll ups by placing them in a dish, covering tightly with foil, and freezing for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for about 50–55 minutes.

Make Ahead: Assemble the roll ups completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great for preparing dinner ahead of a busy day.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling noodles

• Skillet for meat sauce

• Mixing bowl for cheese filling

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

These lasagna roll ups shine as the centerpiece of dinner. Pair them with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. 

A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Cabernet, makes the perfect companion. For a family-style dinner, add a simple antipasto platter to start and finish with tiramisu for dessert.