Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups
Why Make This Recipe
Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delicious twist on classic lasagna. This dish combines the rich flavors of meatballs and cheese, all rolled up in tender lasagna noodles. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different ingredients to suit your taste.
How to Make Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups
Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or sausage, breadcrumbs, ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles and spread a layer of the meat mixture along each noodle.
- Roll the noodles up tightly and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
How to Serve Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups
Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are best served hot from the oven. You can slice them into individual portions and serve with extra marinara sauce on the side. A simple green salad or garlic bread makes a great addition to the meal.
How to Store Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze roll-ups before baking. Just assemble them, cover well, and they can be stored for up to three months.
Tips to Make Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Make sure the lasagna noodles are well-cooked but not too soft, so they hold their shape when rolling.
- Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or feta for unique flavors.
- For extra veggies, feel free to add spinach or mushrooms to the meat mixture.
Variation
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for beef or sausage. You can also use zucchini noodles instead of lasagna noodles for a gluten-free option.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare the roll-ups in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the roll-ups, place them in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake them when ready to serve.
2. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese or even cream cheese as a substitute for ricotta.
3. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! You can use any marinara sauce you like, whether homemade or store-bought, to save time.
Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups
Ingredients
For the Roll-Ups
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles, cooked
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 piece egg
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or sausage, breadcrumbs, ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles and spread a layer of the meat mixture along each noodle.
- Roll the noodles up tightly and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Baking
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
