Description
8 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups marinara sauce
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked mushrooms and
spinach.
Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat. Spread an even layer of the ricotta mixture onto each noodle. Carefully roll each noodle and place seam-side down in the
prepared baking dish.
Pour marinara sauce over the lasagna rolls and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep the Filling: After cooking the mushrooms and spinach, ensure they are cooled to avoid cooking the egg in the ricotta mixture. Thoroughly combine the ricotta, Parmesan, 1/2 cup mozzarella, egg, and seasonings before folding in the vegetables.
2. Assemble the Rolls: Lay noodles on a clean surface. Use about 1/4 cup of the filling for each noodle, spreading it evenly to the edges. Roll tightly from one short end to the other.
3. Bake to Perfection: Covering with foil for the first 20 minutes ensures the rolls heat through without drying out. The final 10 minutes uncovered allows the top cheese to achieve a golden, bubbly finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these lasagna rolls hot from the oven. They pair beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette and a side of garlic bread. For a lighter meal, serve alongside steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus.
How-to Summary
Cook noodles and sauté mushrooms and spinach. Mix with cheeses, egg, and seasonings to create the filling. Spread filling on noodles, roll them up, and place in a dish. Top with marinara and remaining cheese. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 10 more. Rest before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these lasagna rolls ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the rolls in the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? It’s not recommended for rolls, as they are more brittle and don’t roll as easily as pre-cooked traditional noodles.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian? This recipe is already vegetarian. Ensure your marinara sauce does not contain meat.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a covered dish in the oven.
Can I freeze lasagna rolls? Absolutely. Assemble and bake as directed, let cool completely, then wrap the dish well or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Noodles: Cook noodles al dente. They will continue to soften during baking, and mushy noodles are difficult to roll.
- Adding Hot Filling Ingredients: Let the mushroom-spinach mixture cool before adding it to the cheese and egg to prevent curdling.
- Overfilling the Rolls: Using too much filling will cause it to spill out during rolling. Stick to about 1/4 cup per noodle.
- Skipping the Rest Time: Letting the baked rolls rest for 5 minutes allows them to set, making them easier to serve neatly.
Conclusion
These Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna Rolls offer a delightful and elegant twist on classic lasagna. They are surprisingly simple to prepare, perfect for portion control, and ideal for both weeknight dinners and entertaining. With the ability to make them ahead and freeze, they are a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire. Enjoy this delicious, cheesy, and satisfying meal.