Lasagna Roll Ups

Lasagna Roll Ups is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by The Cooking Mawma on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 1 hr 10 min | Total: 1 hr 50 min

Cost: $18.40 total, $4.60 per serving

Ingredients

  • 12 sheets Lasagna Noodles (dried, cooked al dente)
  • 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, drained after browning)
  • 2 cups Tomato Sauce (store‑bought marinara or plain tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs)
  • 2 cups Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat, room temperature)
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (low‑moisture, shredded)
  • 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 large Egg (room temperature, lightly beaten)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (dried blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the lasagna sheets and cook until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes. Drain in a colander and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Prepare the Meat Sauce

    In the same pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Pour in the tomato sauce, add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Make the Cheese Filling

    In a mixing bowl combine ricotta, beaten egg, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, ½ tsp Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Assemble the Rollups

    Lay a cooked noodle on a flat surface. Spread a thin layer of cheese filling (about 2 tbsp) over the sheet, then spoon a small amount of meat sauce (about 1 tbsp) on top. Starting at one short edge, roll the noodle tightly. Place the roll seam‑side down in a greased 9×13‑inch baking dish. Repeat with all noodles, packing them snugly.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Add Remaining Sauce and Cheese

    Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the arranged rollups. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Bake Covered

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 375°F

  7. Finish Baking Uncovered

    Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 375°F

  8. Rest and Serve

    Allow the lasagna rollups to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes slicing easier.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Lasagna Roll Ups

Recipe by The Cooking Mawma

A quick and family‑friendly twist on classic lasagna. Cooked lasagna noodles are filled with a creamy ricotta‑mozzarella mixture, rolled up, smothered in hearty meat sauce, topped with extra cheese and baked until bubbly. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

EasyItalian-AmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
1h 35m
Cook
13m
Cleanup
2h 3m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.40
Total cost
$4.60
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking the lasagna noodles al dente so they hold together during rolling.
  • Spreading a thin, even layer of cheese filling and sauce to prevent tearing.
  • Rolling the noodles tightly and placing them seam‑side down to keep the roll intact.
  • Covering the dish while baking to retain moisture and finish cooking the interior.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot baking dish.
  • Ensure ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of lasagna rollups in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

Lasagna rollups are a modern, family‑friendly adaptation of traditional Italian lasagna, created by rolling individual pasta sheets to make portion‑controlled servings. In Italian‑American households they became popular in the 1970s‑80s as a convenient way to serve a classic comfort dish without the long baking time of a full‑size lasagna.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna in Italy compared to this rollup version?

A

In Italy, lasagna is traditionally layered with ragù, béchamel, and cheese, especially in Emilia‑Romagna. The rollup version simplifies layering by spreading filling on each sheet, making it quicker and more portable while still honoring the meat‑and‑cheese flavors of the classic dish.

cultural
Q

How is lasagna rollup traditionally served in Italian‑American families?

A

It is usually served hot from the oven, often garnished with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. It is paired with a simple green salad and crusty bread, making it a complete dinner for busy weeknights.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is lasagna rollup associated with in Italian‑American culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, lasagna rollups are a go‑to dish for family gatherings, pot‑luck parties, and casual weekend dinners because they can be made ahead and feed a crowd with minimal fuss.

cultural
Q

What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Easy Lasagna Rollups from The Cooking Mawma?

A

They pair beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic‑buttered breadsticks, or roasted vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers. A light dessert like tiramisu or gelato rounds out the meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Easy Lasagna Rollups at home?

A

Common errors include overcooking the noodles, using too much filling which causes the roll to split, and not covering the dish while baking, which can dry out the interior. Follow the timing guidelines and keep the foil on for the first 45 minutes.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a covered bake for 45 minutes before uncovering?

A

Covering traps steam, ensuring the noodles finish cooking and the cheese filling sets without drying out. Removing the cover for the final 10 minutes allows the top cheese to brown and develop a pleasant crust.

technical
Q

Can I make Easy Lasagna Rollups ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can assemble the rollups up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the covered baking time. Leftovers store well refrigerated for three days.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Easy Lasagna Rollups are done?

A

The rollups should be hot throughout, the cheese on top golden‑brown and bubbling, and the sauce should be thick enough to coat the noodles without pooling. The noodles will be tender but still hold their shape.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Cooking Mawma specialize in?

A

The Cooking Mawma focuses on quick, family‑friendly recipes that blend comfort food with easy‑to‑follow techniques, often featuring Italian, Asian, and home‑cooking staples for busy households.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Cooking Mawma's approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

The Cooking Mawma emphasizes minimal prep, pantry‑friendly ingredients, and step‑by‑step visual cues, making classic Italian dishes like lasagna accessible without requiring specialty equipment or hard‑to‑find ingredients.

channel

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