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Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

If you’re craving a comfort food classic but want to switch things up a bit, this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s like lasagna, but way easier to assemble, and everyone will go crazy for those melty, cheesy layers wrapped up in tender noodles. Trust me, once you try these roll ups, they’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Simple Assembly: Rolling up noodles means no tedious layering—perfect for busy nights.
  • Loaded with Cheese: The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan makes each bite irresistibly creamy.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep ahead or freeze for later—it’s a stress-free dinner win.
  • Family Favorite: My kids always ask for seconds, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe plays a role—from the hearty ground beef to the mix of cheeses that give it that gooey, luscious texture. I like to pick good-quality marinara sauce to amp up the flavor without extra fuss.

Flat lay of fresh uncooked lasagna noodles arranged in a neat bundle, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce, a handful of raw ground beef with a deep red color and marbled texture, a small white bowl of finely diced white onion, three garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a small white bowl containing coarse sea salt crystals, a small white bowl with whole black peppercorns, a small white bowl with dried oregano leaves, a generous scoop of smooth white ricotta cheese on a simple white plate, one whole large brown egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl of finely shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, a small white bowl filled with shredded white mozzarella cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley placed with care, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups, beef lasagna roll ups, cheesy lasagna roll ups, easy lasagna roll ups, savory beef pasta roll ups
  • Lasagna noodles: Opt for regular, oven-ready noodles or regular ones cooked al dente to avoid mushy roll ups.
  • Ground beef: 85% lean is ideal to keep some richness but not too greasy.
  • Marinara sauce: A robust, flavorful tomato sauce makes all the difference here.
  • Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
  • Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses that unmistakable savory aroma.
  • Sea salt & black pepper: Season your sauce just right—taste as you go!
  • Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb to brighten the tomato sauce.
  • Ricotta cheese: Gives the filling a creamy, mild tang.
  • Egg: Binds the cheese filling so it holds together inside the noodles.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty hit to the filling mixture.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Lots of shredded mozz—this is what creates the ooey-gooey texture on top and inside.
  • Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of green and freshness to cut through the richness.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is how flexible it is. I often switch up the meat or cheeses depending on what we have, so feel free to get creative with it.

  • Vegetarian Version: I’ve substituted the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms and spinach—delicious and just as hearty.
  • Spicy Kick: Adding red pepper flakes to the sauce gives these roll ups a nice warm heat that my family loves.
  • Different Cheeses: Swapping mozzarella for provolone or mixing in some smoked gouda brings a fun twist.
  • Gluten-Free: You can make this with gluten-free lasagna noodles—just watch cooking times carefully.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Step 1: Cook Noodles Perfectly

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook your lasagna noodles in salted water just until al dente—don’t overcook or they’ll tear when rolling. Once cooked, drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop them from cooking further and to keep them from sticking together. I like to lay them flat on a baking sheet to keep them ready for filling.

Step 2: Make the Flavorful Meat Sauce

In a deep pan over medium-high heat, brown your ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. When the pink disappears, toss in diced onion and cook until soft—about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano, cooking until fragrant, another minute or so. Pour in the marinara sauce, let it simmer briefly, then remove from heat. Save half of this sauce to spread in your casserole dish; it keeps the roll ups moist and adds extra flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, half of the mozzarella, and chopped parsley. This mixture is the creamy center that ties everything together. Be sure to mix gently so the egg is evenly incorporated; it acts as the glue for the filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll Ups

Here’s where the fun starts: lay each noodle flat, spread about a generous 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture evenly on top, and spoon a heaping tablespoon of meat sauce down the center. Roll each noodle up tightly and nestle it seam-side down in your prepared casserole dish coated with that reserved meat sauce. This keeps everything neat and helps the flavors meld beautifully during baking.

Step 5: Top and Bake to Perfection

Spread the remaining meat sauce over the roll ups, then sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese directly to avoid sticking—if needed, toothpicks work wonders to hold the foil up. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Garnish with extra fresh parsley before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

  • Don’t Overcook Noodles: I always stop the noodles in cold water quickly—this prevents mushy roll ups and makes rolling easier.
  • Keep Foil Off Cheese: Using toothpicks to lift the foil saves you from stuck cheese disasters when baking.
  • Use a Scant Ice Cream Scoop: Measuring the cheese filling this way ensures you don’t overstuff one roll while leaving another skimpy.
  • Prep Ahead: I like assembling these roll ups the night before—just cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh the next day.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top is my go-to garnish—it brightens the whole dish and adds a lovely color contrast. Sometimes I like to add a few fresh basil leaves or a grind of black pepper for extra aroma.

Side Dishes

I often serve these roll ups alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlicky sautéed green beans. A crusty loaf of bread is perfect too, helping mop up all that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve arranged the roll ups in a circular pattern on a large platter with fresh herbs scattered around. It looks fancy but is super easy. You could also make individual servings by baking each roll in mini casserole dishes for a cute personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. They keep well for up to 4 days, making quick lunches or dinners throughout the week really convenient.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing both baked and unbaked roll ups. Just wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then pop them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheating leftovers is a breeze—warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole pan in a 350°F oven until heated through. The cheese stays gooey and the meat sauce rich, just like fresh!

FAQs

  1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?

    Absolutely! You can use no-boil noodles as it saves a step, but make sure to spread enough sauce inside and on top so the noodles soften properly during baking.

  2. How do I prevent the roll ups from falling apart?

    Don’t overfill them, and roll the noodles snugly but gently. Also, mixing the cheese filling with an egg helps it bind nicely inside the noodles.

  3. Can I prepare these roll ups in advance?

    Yes! You can assemble them the day before and keep them covered in the fridge, then bake fresh when you’re ready. They also freeze well either before or after baking.

  4. What can I substitute for ground beef?

    Ground turkey or chicken works fine, as do plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe turned out to be a fuss-free way to enjoy all the flavors of classic lasagna without the layering drama. When I first made it, my family couldn’t stop raving about how tender and cheesy everything was. I hope you find these roll ups as comforting and satisfying as we do—so, grab some noodles, fire up your oven, and get rolling!

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Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 65 reviews
  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 42 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
  • Yield: 12 lasagna roll ups
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

Delicious and comforting Lasagna Roll Ups made with tender lasagna noodles filled with a savory ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture, layered with a flavorful ground beef marinara sauce, baked to bubbly perfection and topped with golden melted cheese and fresh parsley.


Ingredients

Lasagna Roll Ups Ingredients

  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked to package instructions
  • 16 oz ground beef, 85% lean
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste for red sauce
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped, plus more to garnish


Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles: Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and immediately transfer them to a pot filled with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the meat sauce: In a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula, about 2 minutes. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, and sauté for another minute. Pour in marinara sauce, bring to a simmer, then turn off the heat. Spread 1/2 cup of this meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a casserole dish.
  3. Make the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the egg, Parmesan cheese, 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella, and chopped parsley. Stir until well blended.
  4. Assemble the roll ups: Lay noodles flat in a single layer on a large baking sheet to keep them manageable. Spread about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture over each noodle. Next, add a heaping tablespoon of the meat sauce in a line down the center of each noodle. Carefully roll up each noodle and place the rolls seam-side down in the prepared casserole dish.
  5. Top and bake: Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the top of the arranged roll ups. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the casserole with foil, making sure it does not touch the cheese (use toothpicks if necessary to keep foil elevated). Bake in the preheated oven at 375˚F for 40 minutes.
  6. Broil for golden topping: Remove the foil and broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with additional fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Cook a few extra lasagna noodles to have in case some break or tear during cooking.
  • Make ahead options: Store the baked and cooled casserole covered in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 months, or store the assembled but unbaked roll ups covered before baking overnight in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. Bake directly from refrigerator or freezer.
  • Refrigerate leftovers covered with foil for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat individual roll ups in the microwave or warm the whole casserole at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll up
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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