Easy Lasagna Roll Ups

Easy Lasagna Roll Ups is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 6. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by Island Vibe Cooking on YouTube.

Prep: 27 min | Cook: 1 hr 20 min | Total: 2 hrs 2 min

Cost: $20.04 total, $3.34 per serving

Ingredients

  • 12 pieces Lasagna Noodles (regular dry lasagna sheets; break a few if needed for easier rolling)
  • 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, preferably fresh)
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
  • 16 oz Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat, well‑drained)
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 large Egg (helps bind the cheese mixture)
  • 0.5 cup Onion (finely diced)
  • 0.5 tablespoon Garlic (freshly minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra virgin)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Italian Parsley (chopped)
  • 0.5 tablespoon Chicken Bouillon (powder or dissolved cube)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Oregano (dried)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (dried blend)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil Water and Cook Lasagna Noodles

    Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, bring to a rolling boil, then add the lasagna sheets. Stir gently to keep them from sticking and cook until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: boiling

  2. Shock and Rinse Noodles

    Drain the noodles in a colander, then rinse quickly under cold running water to stop cooking and keep them separate.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Sauté Garlic and Onion

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Brown Ground Beef

    Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and any liquid has evaporated, roughly 7 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  5. Add Seasonings and Simmer Sauce

    Stir in oregano, Italian seasoning, chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce, mix well, cover, and let simmer on low for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: low simmer

  6. Prepare Cheese Filling

    In a mixing bowl combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the egg, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Assemble Lasagna Rolls

    Spread a thin layer of the cheese mixture over each lasagna sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the meat sauce onto the cheese, then roll tightly. Place each roll seam‑side down in a greased 13×9‑inch baking dish. Once all rolls are in, pour any remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with extra mozzarella.

    Time: PT15M

  8. Bake Covered

    Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a pre‑heated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 375°F

  9. Finish Baking Uncovered

    Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 375°F

Nutrition Facts

Calories
380
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
18g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Easy Lasagna Roll Ups

Recipe by Island Vibe Cooking

A hearty, saucy, and cheesy Italian‑American lasagna rolled into bite‑size portions. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a comforting weekend meal.

MediumItalian-AmericanServes 6

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

Source Video
30m
Prep
1h 6m
Cook
12m
Cleanup
1h 48m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$20.04
Total cost
$3.34
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cook lasagna noodles al dente
  • Rinse noodles with cold water
  • Brown ground beef completely
  • Simmer sauce with seasonings
  • Assemble rolls tightly and place seam‑side down
  • Bake covered to steam
  • Finish baking uncovered for browning

Safety Warnings

  • Boiling water can cause severe burns; handle the pot with oven mitts.
  • The skillet and sauce will be very hot; use a spatula with a long handle.
  • The oven and foil become extremely hot; use heat‑proof gloves when removing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Saucy Meaty Cheesy Lasagna Rolls in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

Lasagna rolls are a modern twist on traditional Italian layered lasagna, created by Italian‑American home cooks to make the dish easier to serve and portion. The roll format became popular in the United States during the mid‑20th century as families looked for convenient, family‑style meals that could be prepared ahead and baked in one pan.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna rolls in Italian cuisine?

A

In Italy, rolled pasta dishes such as "cannelloni" and "tortellini" are more common, often filled with ricotta‑spinach or meat‑ragu. The American version typically uses ground beef, mozzarella, and marinara, reflecting the North‑American preference for heartier, cheese‑laden preparations.

cultural
Q

How is Saucy Meaty Cheesy Lasagna Rolls traditionally served in Italian‑American households?

A

It is usually served hot straight from the oven, cut into individual rolls, and paired with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread. Many families also drizzle a little extra marinara on top for added moisture.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Saucy Meaty Cheesy Lasagna Rolls traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?

A

The dish is a popular choice for Sunday family dinners, holiday gatherings such as Christmas or Easter, and potluck events because it can be made ahead and feeds a crowd with minimal fuss.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are used in Saucy Meaty Cheesy Lasagna Rolls versus common substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include dry lasagna sheets, ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a tomato‑based marinara seasoned with oregano and Italian seasoning. Substitutes often include ground turkey, low‑fat cheeses, or no‑boil noodles for convenience.

cultural
Q

What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Saucy Meaty Cheesy Lasagna Rolls?

A

Serve the rolls with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted garlic broccoli, or a side of sautéed zucchini. A glass of Chianti or a light red wine complements the rich, cheesy flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Saucy Meaty Cheesy Lasagna Rolls?

A

Common errors include overcooking the noodles so they become brittle, under‑seasoning the meat sauce, and not covering the bake long enough, which can leave the rolls dry. Also, avoid using too much sauce when rolling, as it can cause the rolls to slip apart.

technical
Q

Why does this Saucy Meaty Cheesy Lasagna Rolls recipe use a covered bake followed by an uncovered bake instead of baking uncovered the whole time?

A

Covering traps steam, keeping the rolls moist and allowing the cheese inside to melt fully. Removing the foil for the final 10 minutes creates a golden, bubbly crust on top, giving the dish texture contrast.

technical
Q

Can I make Saucy Meaty Cheesy Lasagna Rolls ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Assemble the rolls, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked rolls; bake from frozen, adding 10‑15 minutes to the bake time.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Island Vibe Cooking specialize in?

A

Island Vibe Cooking focuses on vibrant, tropical‑inspired home cooking, blending Caribbean flavors with classic comfort dishes. The channel emphasizes easy‑to‑follow tutorials, fresh ingredients, and a relaxed island‑style presentation.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Island Vibe Cooking's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Island Vibe Cooking brings a laid‑back, island‑flavored twist to familiar Italian‑American recipes, often adding tropical herbs or spices and highlighting quick, family‑friendly methods. Unlike more formal channels, Island Vibe Cooking prioritizes accessibility and a fun, beach‑vibe atmosphere.

channel

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