Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

If you’re craving a show-stopping, comforting Italian dinner that’s both cozy and surprisingly simple, you’re in the right place. This Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to make when I want all the flavors of lasagna packed into fun, individual portions. I promise, once you try it, you’ll see why my family goes crazy for these cheesy, meaty roll ups every single time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients blend classic Italian flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness. Using quality cheeses and fresh herbs really takes this Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe to the next level, and I always recommend fresh onion and garlic for that perfect savory base.

• Ricotta cheese: The creamy heart of the filling, balances the savory meat perfectly.
• Large egg: Helps bind the cheese filling, so it stays put when you roll it up.
• Mozzarella cheese: Adds that melty, gooey texture everyone loves.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated gives a nutty, salty kick to the cheese mixture.
• Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb for a warm, aromatic touch.
• Salt, dried basil, dried parsley: These seasonings add layers of herbaceous depth.
• Pepper: A hint of spice to keep flavors lively.
• Olive oil: For sautéing onions and enhancing the richness of the meat.
• Yellow onion: Finely diced and caramelized slightly to bring out natural sweetness.
• Ground beef: Adds hearty, savory goodness to the sauce.
• Ground Italian sausage: Gives the meat sauce a spicy or mild kick, depending on your preference.
• Garlic cloves: Classic flavor booster in every great Italian dish.
• Chicken broth: A secret ingredient to deglaze the pan and keep the sauce juicy.
• Marinara sauce: Use a quality jarred sauce or homemade for the richest flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce (optional): Adds an umami boost you might not expect but will love.
• Hot sauce (optional): Just a little bit to kick up the spice if you want.
• Lasagna noodles: Traditional wide noodles work best; cook to al dente to avoid sogginess.
• Additional mozzarella cheese: For topping and that irresistible golden crust.

Variations

I love making this Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe my own by swapping the meat or tweaking the spices now and then. You can so easily adapt it to suit your cravings or dietary needs—plus, it’s fun to experiment a little.

• Vegetarian Version: I’ve replaced the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini; it’s surprisingly hearty and gets rave reviews from meat-eaters too.
• Spicy Twist: Adding extra hot sauce or switching to spicy Italian sausage gives the roll ups a fiery edge, great if you like a little heat.
• Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free lasagna noodles works beautifully; just cook carefully so they don’t break when rolling.
• Cheese Variations: Mixing in some provolone or fontina with the mozzarella keeps things interesting and melty.

How to Make Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Cheesy Filling and Sauce Base

Start by mixing ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and herbs in a bowl until smooth and creamy—that’s your cheesy filling and it’s the heart of the roll ups. Spread about half a cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of your 9 x 13-inch baking dish to keep things saucy during baking.

Step 2: Get Your Meat Sauce Going

While your oven warms to 375°F, bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the noodles. In a skillet, heat olive oil and gently soften diced onions for about 10 minutes—this slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness and mellows the sauce acidity. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, and break it up finely, cooking until fully browned (about 8-10 minutes). Stir in minced garlic during the last minute, then drain excess grease so your sauce isn’t greasy.

Pour in chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the pan—that’s flavor gold! Add remaining marinara sauce plus Worcestershire and hot sauce if using. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently while you finish the noodles.

Step 3: Cook and Roll the Noodles

Boil your lasagna noodles until al dente according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water. This cool rinse stops the cooking and makes noodles easier to handle. Line them up on parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking. Spread about 2 ½ tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle, then layer with about ¼ cup of the meat sauce on top.

Carefully roll up each noodle tightly but gently to keep the filling inside. Place the roll ups seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle the last of your mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Spray a sheet of foil with nonstick spray and tent it over the dish so it won’t stick to the cheese. Bake for 35 minutes. If you want a bubbly, golden cheese crust, remove the foil and broil on high for 2-3 minutes—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.

Once out of the oven, I like to garnish with fresh parsley—it adds a fresh burst of color and flavor that’s just irresistible.

How to Serve Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is my go-to garnish for these roll ups—it adds a pop of color and a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or even some red pepper flakes if we want to kick up the heat.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this dish with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and some garlic bread to soak up all that extra sauce. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus also complement the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the roll ups in a circle on a pretty platter and garnish with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes. It looks stunning and invites everyone to dig in family-style. You can also sprinkle some microgreens or drizzle basil pesto on top for a fresh twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover lasagna roll ups in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep really well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so I often make a double batch just to enjoy the next day.

Freezing

These roll ups freeze beautifully! I like to assemble them and freeze them before baking. Just wrap the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then bake from frozen adding about 15 extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat leftover roll ups, I cover them loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. This keeps the noodles moist and cheese melty without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe delivers all the cozy, comforting flavors we crave without the fuss of traditional layered lasagna. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone to the table smiling—and if you’re anything like me, you’ll enjoy sneaking a few extra cheesy bites while no one’s watching. Give it a try soon; I’m confident it’ll become a new family favorite in your home too.

Print