Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, offering a fun, portable version of your favorite comfort food. Tender lasagna noodles are filled with a savory combination of seasoned ricotta cheese and tender, flavorful meatballs, then rolled up and baked in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It's the perfect way to enjoy all the classic lasagna flavors without the mess of layers!

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

• 1 lb ground beef

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups ricotta cheese

• 1 egg (for ricotta mixture)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• Olive oil for greasing

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil and set aside.

2. To make the meatballs, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until just combined, then form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat a bit of olive oil and brown the meatballs in batches, cooking for about 5 minutes per batch until they're lightly golden. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage since they will continue cooking in the oven. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, return the meatballs to the pan, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked through and tender.

5. While the meatballs are simmering, make the ricotta mixture. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. To assemble the roll-ups, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture on each cooked lasagna noodle, leaving about 1 inch from the edge. Place 2-3 meatballs on top of the ricotta mixture, then carefully roll up each noodle.

7. Pour a small amount of marinara sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then place the rolled-up lasagna noodles seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the rolls and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese.

8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Preparation time: 20 minutes

• Cooking time: 45 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the meatballs with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach, or use a vegetarian meatball substitute.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some on top before serving for a spicy twist.

• Different Cheese Options: Swap out the ricotta for mascarpone or cottage cheese for a different texture. You can also experiment with different cheese blends for the topping.

• Add Greens: Layer in some sautéed spinach or kale inside the roll-ups for added flavor and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the lasagna roll-ups ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate them before baking. Just make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil and bake within 1-2 days. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Can I freeze Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups?

Absolutely! You can freeze the roll-ups before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

You can substitute lasagna noodles with other pasta types like jumbo shells, but lasagna noodles are ideal for rolling and holding the filling.

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-made meatballs from the store. Just heat them in the sauce before assembling the roll-ups.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe contains gluten because of the lasagna noodles and breadcrumbs in the meatballs. You can substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

Can I make the meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and cook the meatballs ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to assemble the roll-ups.

Can I add more vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! You can mix in sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the ricotta filling for added flavor and nutrients.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you like a spicy kick, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkling them on top of the roll-ups before baking.

Can I make this recipe without cheese?

You can make a dairy-free version by substituting the ricotta and mozzarella with plant-based cheese alternatives, or you can skip the cheese altogether for a lighter version.

How can I serve Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups?

These roll-ups are delicious served with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are a fun and satisfying twist on the classic lasagna dish. They are perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with a unique, delicious dish. With the rich flavors of meatballs, marinara sauce, and cheese wrapped in tender lasagna noodles, you’ll be craving these roll-ups again and again. Enjoy!