Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

Short Description

Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups offer a delightful twist on traditional lasagna. Tender lasagna noodles are rolled around juicy homemade meatballs, layered with creamy ricotta, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This dish combines classic Italian flavors in a convenient, individually portioned format.​

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Portion-Controlled: Each roll-up serves as an individual portion, making serving and storage straightforward.

• Flavorful: The combination of seasoned meatballs, creamy ricotta, and savory marinara sauce delivers a rich and satisfying taste.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when ready, perfect for busy schedules.

• Versatile: Easily customizable with different meats or added vegetables.

• Family Favorite: A dish that appeals to both adults and children alike.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg, beaten

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ cup ricotta cheese

• 2 cups marinara sauce, divided

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese​Lou Lou Girls+4Recipes by Clare+4shesgotthecooks.com+4modernmealmakeover.com+1Recipes by Clare+1

Directions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

   • In a large bowl, combine ground beef or Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

   • Form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.​Recipes by Clare

2. Cook the Meatballs:

   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.​

3. Assemble the Roll-Ups:

   • Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface.

   • Spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese over each noodle.

   • Place 2-3 cooked meatballs on each noodle and roll up tightly.​The Cozy Cook+2Recipes by Clare+2shesgotthecooks.com+2

4. Prepare the Baking Dish:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • In a greased baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom.

   • Place the lasagna roll-ups seam-side down in the dish.

   • Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the roll-ups.

   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.​Recipes by Clare

5. Bake:

   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.​Recipes by Clare

6. Serve:

   • Allow the roll-ups to cool for a few minutes before serving.

   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 (12 roll-ups)

• Preparation Time: 45 minutes

• Cooking Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes​The Cozy Cook

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace meatballs with a mixture of sautéed vegetables and cheese.

• Different Meats: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage for a lighter version.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for added heat.

• Cheese Variations: Incorporate other cheeses like provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.​Recipes by Clare

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze assembled but unbaked roll-ups in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, approximately 15-20 minutes.​

FAQs

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, pre-cooked store-bought meatballs can be used to save time. Simply warm them before assembling the roll-ups.​

What type of marinara sauce works best?

A high-quality store-bought marinara or homemade sauce with robust flavor complements the dish well.​

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the roll-ups, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.​

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

After cooking, lay the noodles flat on a lightly oiled surface or parchment paper to prevent sticking.​

Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil while baking?

Covering with foil helps retain moisture and ensures even cooking. Removing the foil towards the end allows the cheese to brown.​

Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

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• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups bring all the flavor of classic lasagna in a fun, individual twist. Tender noodles are rolled with juicy meatballs, creamy ricotta, rich marinara, and gooey mozzarella — a cozy, crowd-pleasing Italian comfort dish perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.

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Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

• Make Meatballs:
  Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs and bake on a sheet for 15–18 minutes until cooked through.

• Prep Noodles:
  Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat on parchment or a clean surface.

• Assemble Roll-Ups:
  Spread each noodle with a layer of ricotta. Place 1–2 meatballs on one end of each noodle. Roll up and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

• Add Sauce & Cheese:
  Pour marinara sauce over roll-ups. Sprinkle with mozzarella. Cover with foil.

• Bake:
  Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

• Serve:
  Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

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Notes

• Use store-bought or homemade meatballs for flexibility.

• Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if desired.

• Add sautéed spinach for extra nutrition.