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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: No‑boil lasagna noodles
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground pork
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes with added herbs
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese (well drained)
- Instead of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone cheese, shredded
- Instead of Grated Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Egg: Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Equal parts dried oregano and basil
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Baking Dish
- Aluminum Foil
- Measuring Cups
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese filling for extra depth.
- Use fresh basil leaves layered on top before baking for aromatic flavor.
- For a spicier kick, stir in a pinch of red‑pepper flakes into the meat sauce.
Troubleshooting
Noodles break while rolling.
Make sure the noodles are cooked al dente and cooled slightly. Over‑cooked noodles become too soft; under‑cooked are too brittle.
Sauce is too watery.
Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Cheese doesn’t melt or brown.
Bake uncovered for the final 10 minutes at the full temperature, or finish with a brief broil.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap the baked rollups in foil and place in a freezer‑safe bag; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 30‑35 minutes.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the rollups a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate; bake when ready.
- Sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of lasagna rollups in Italian‑American cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna in Italy compared to this rollup version?
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.
How is lasagna rollup traditionally served in Italian‑American families?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is lasagna rollup associated with in Italian‑American culture?
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.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Easy Lasagna Rollups from The Cooking Mawma?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Easy Lasagna Rollups at home?
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.
Why does this recipe use a covered bake for 45 minutes before uncovering?
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.
Can I make Easy Lasagna Rollups ahead of time and how should I store them?
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.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Easy Lasagna Rollups are done?
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.
What does the YouTube channel The Cooking Mawma specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel The Cooking Mawma's approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
