Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups with Meatballs (Kid-Friendly Dinner)

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Love lasagna but not all the layering (or a week of leftovers)? Make lasagna roll-ups! Each noodle gets a spread of ricotta and sauce, then rolls up into a neat little bundle. Bake them in a dish, then pour warm meatballs and extra sauce over the top. They’re easy, kid-friendly and perfect for portioning: make a pan for dinner, or freeze a few for later.

Tips

• Cook a few extra noodles. One or two always tear.
• Lay the noodles flat on parchment or a lightly oiled sheet as soon as they’re drained so they don’t stick.
• Season the ricotta with Parmesan, an egg, Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt for the best flavor.
• Use any sauce you love, jarred or homemade, and frozen meatballs to save time.

Freezing

Assemble the roll-ups in a foil pan, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, covered, at 375°F for about 1 hour, until hot in the center.

Mandie

Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups with Meatballs

Lasagna noodles rolled with seasoned ricotta and sauce, baked and topped with meatballs and mozzarella.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 5 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 9 lasagna noodles about half a 1-lb box
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 (24 oz) jar pasta sauce divided
• 12 oz frozen Italian-style meatballs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• fresh basil or parsley for garnish, optional

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package, drain, and lay flat.
2. Meanwhile, warm the meatballs in about half of the sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat until hot (165°F).
3. Mix the ricotta, Parmesan, egg and Italian seasoning.
4. Spread about 3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture over each noodle, then a thin layer of sauce. Roll up and place seam-side down in a baking dish with a little sauce on the bottom.
5. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with mozzarella and bake 5 minutes more, until melted.
6. Spoon the meatballs and warm sauce over the roll-ups and garnish with basil or parsley.

Notes

Freeze assembled roll-ups for up to 3 months.

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FAQ

Can I make them without meatballs?

Yes. Add spinach to the ricotta for a meatless version, or brown ground beef or sausage into the sauce.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes. Assemble, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake 10 minutes longer.

How many does this make?

About 9 roll-ups, enough for 4 to 5 people.

You might also like:

• Crockpot Almost Lasagna
• Copycat Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli