Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

Name: Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 cooked lasagna noodles; 450 g ground beef or Italian sausage; 60 g breadcrumbs; 25 g grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg, beaten; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper; 120 g ricotta cheese; 170 g shredded mozzarella cheese; 480 ml marinara sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Author: Lora

Published: August 13, 2025

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Introduction to Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

As a busy mom, I know the struggle of needing a quick solution for dinner without sacrificing flavor. That’s where my Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups come in—it’s the perfect dish to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine rolling up savory meatballs and creamy cheeses inside tender lasagna noodles, all topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! Plus, these roll-ups are a fun way to bring the family together, turning mealtime into a little culinary adventure.

Why You’ll Love This Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

These Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are not just delicious; they’re a total game-changer for busy nights! With minimal prep time and a simple baking process, dinner can be ready in less than an hour. The bursts of flavor from seasoned meatballs and gooey cheese will have your family asking for seconds. Plus, they’re versatile—perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasions. Who doesn’t love comfort food that’s also a little fancy?

Ingredients for Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

Gathering your ingredients for Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups is half the fun. Each one adds a little something special to the dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Lasagna noodles: The base of our roll-ups, these stretchy sheets hold everything together!
Ground beef or Italian sausage: This is where the meatball magic begins! You can also use turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Breadcrumbs: They help bind the meatballs and add a bit of texture.
Grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of nutty flavor to elevate your meatballs!
Egg: Acts as the magic glue for those meatballs, keeping everything in place.
Garlic: A must-have for that aromatic punch! Fresh minced garlic works best.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings depth to your meatballs. Feel free to adjust to taste!
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all those yummy flavors.
Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess to the filling, making each bite satisfying.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: It wouldn’t be lasagna without a generous layer of melty mozzarella on top!
Marinara sauce: A rich and tangy sauce that ties the whole dish together; choose your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
Olive oil: A splash for sautéing and adding flavor to the roll-ups.

If you’re looking to customize, don’t hesitate to toss in different herbs or veggies! Also, the ingredients with exact quantities can be found below, making it easy to grab and cook right away.

How to Make Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to cooking! Making Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups is a delightful process, and I’m excited to guide you through each step.

Preheating and Preparation

First, let’s start by preheating the oven to 190°C (375°F). A hot oven means perfectly baked roll-ups!

While the oven warms up, grease a large baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray. This will prevent our delicious creation from sticking later on. Set the dish aside, and we’ll come back to it soon!

Making the Meatballs

Next, it’s time to create those savory meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or Italian sausage with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and the beaten egg. The egg acts as a binding agent, holding everything together!

Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the mix. As you blend these ingredients, take a moment to appreciate the aromas wafting up. It’s like a cozy hug from your kitchen!

Now, shape the mixture into small, uniform meatballs. I find that using a cookie scoop helps with portioning, making them all about the same size. It ensures even cooking!

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re fully cooked. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside. You’re halfway there!

Assembling the Roll-Ups

Time for the fun part! Lay each cooked lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese across each noodle. This creamy goodness adds richness!

Now, place 2 to 3 cooked meatballs at one end of the noodle. Feel free to add a sprinkle of mozzarella for some extra cheese goodness. Roll each noodle tightly from the meatball end and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Once all the roll-ups are nestled in the dish, pour about 240 ml of marinara sauce over them, ensuring they’re nicely covered. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cheese really makes everything better, doesn’t it?

Baking the Roll-Ups

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep all those delicious flavors locked in. Bake for 25 minutes in your preheated oven. The anticipation will have your mouth watering!

After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. The sight of that melted cheese is like music to my eyes!

Once done, let the roll-ups cool for several minutes before serving. Trust me; the wait is worth it! Your Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are ready to impress!

Tips for Success

Prep your ingredients ahead of time to make the assembly smoother.
Use a sharp knife to cut through lasagna noodles for neat roll-ups.
Get creative—add spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta filling!
Make extra meatballs and freeze them for future meals.
Keep an eye on the cheese while baking to achieve that perfect golden color!

Equipment Needed

Baking dish: A 9×13 inch dish works well; use any large oven-safe dish.
Skillet: A nonstick skillet is great, but any skillet will do for browning.
Mixing bowl: Any large bowl for combining ingredients is perfect.
Cookie scoop: For easy meatball shaping; a spoon works, too!
Aluminum foil: Essential for covering the dish while baking.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute meat with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives for a tasty vegetarian dish.
Extra Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the ricotta filling for added nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes with the meat mixture for flavorful spice.
Cheesy Twist: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or fontina for a unique taste.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
A side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that delicious marinara sauce.
Consider serving with a light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, for a delightful pairing.
For presentation, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color!

FAQs about Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

Can I prepare Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble these delicious roll-ups ahead of time and refrigerate them for later. Just cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, cream cheese or cottage cheese can work in a pinch. Each brings a unique flavor and texture to your Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups.

How can I make these roll-ups gluten-free?
You can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using gluten-free lasagna noodles and breadcrumbs. You’ll still enjoy all that comforting goodness without any hassle!

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Sure! Using frozen meatballs is a fantastic time-saver. Just heat them according to package instructions and then follow the assembly steps.

What sides go well with Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups?
These roll-ups pair beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. It’s the perfect way to round out your meal!

Final Thoughts

Making Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups is more than just cooking; it’s about weaving memories around the dinner table. Each bite is a comforting embrace that brings the family together, turning an ordinary weeknight into something special. These roll-ups offer a chance to showcase your culinary creativity while keeping it practical for those busy days. You might even find yourself laughing and chatting with loved ones as you enjoy this delightful dish. So roll up those noodles, soak in the good times, and relish each delicious moment that Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups bring to your home!