Description
Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe with Emojis
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
12 lasagna sheets
Salt for boiling water
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 tbsp chopped parsley
For Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup marinara sauce
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta
:
Boil lasagna sheets in salted water
until al dente.
Drain and lay flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
:
In a large skillet, cook ground beef or sausage
over medium heat until browned.
Add chopped onion
and minced garlic
, sauté until fragrant.
Stir in marinara sauce
, Italian seasoning
, and season with salt and pepper
. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Make the Cheese Mixture
:
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese
, shredded mozzarella
, Parmesan
, egg
, and chopped parsley
. Mix until smooth.
Assemble the Roll-Ups
:
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce
on the bottom of a baking dish.
Take one lasagna sheet, spread 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture
on it, and add a spoonful of meat sauce
on top.
Roll the lasagna sheet tightly and place it seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with remaining sheets.
Top and Bake
:
Spoon the remaining marinara sauce
over the roll-ups.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella
generously on top.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve and Enjoy
:
Garnish with extra chopped parsley
for freshness.
Serve warm and enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish!
This recipe brings the cozy vibes of the lasagna roll-ups to life—perfectly cheesy, saucy, and delicious!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect lasagna roll-ups every time. First, ensure your lasagna sheets are boiled just to al dente; overcooked pasta will tear when rolling. While they cool, prepare your fillings. For the meat sauce, cook the meat until no pink remains, then drain any excess fat before adding the aromatics to prevent a greasy sauce. For the cheese mixture, ensure all ingredients are well combined for a smooth, spreadable filling. When assembling, lay the pasta sheet on a clean surface, spread the cheese mixture evenly, leaving a small border at one end. Add a modest spoonful of meat sauce. Starting from the end with the filling, roll firmly but gently. Placing them seam-side down in the sauced dish secures them.
Serving Suggestions
These roll-ups are a complete meal on their own, but pairing them with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread makes for a classic Italian feast. For a lighter side, try roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus. They also reheat wonderfully, making them an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknights or potlucks.
How-to Summary
In summary: Cook pasta al dente. Brown meat, add aromatics and sauce to create a rich meat sauce. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley for the filling. Assemble by spreading cheese and a bit of meat sauce on each pasta sheet, then rolling. Place in a dish, top with remaining sauce and cheese, and bake covered at 375°F for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 10 more minutes until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these lasagna roll-ups ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the roll-ups in the baking 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. No-boil sheets are thicker and stiffer, making them difficult to roll without cracking. Traditional pre-boiled sheets are essential for pliable roll-ups.
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian? Simply omit the ground meat. You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers to the marinara sauce for a hearty vegetarian filling.
- What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
- Can I freeze baked lasagna roll-ups? Yes. After baking and cooling, freeze them in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven, covered, until hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid overcooking the pasta, which leads to tearing during assembly.
- Do not overfill the pasta sheets, as the filling will spill out when rolling.
- Ensure you drain excess fat from the cooked meat to prevent a greasy sauce.
- Do not skip the egg in the cheese mixture; it acts as a binder, holding the filling together.
- Always remember to spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking and burning.
Conclusion
Lasagna roll-ups are a fun, elegant, and delicious twist on classic lasagna. They offer perfect portion control and a stunning presentation. By following this enhanced guide, avoiding common pitfalls, and utilizing the provided tips for preparation and serving, you can master this comforting dish. It’s a versatile recipe sure to become a cherished favorite for family dinners and special occasions alike.