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Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that’s both fun to make and irresistibly delicious, you absolutely need to try this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe. These roll-ups are like lasagna’s cooler, more portable cousin—filled with juicy beef, creamy cheese, and smothered in marinara, they’re fantastic for weeknights or entertaining friends. Trust me, once you roll into the groove with these, you’ll want to make them again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Portion Control: Each roll-up is an individually sized serving, making dinner feel special and mess-free.
  • Balanced Flavors: The savory beef sauce pairs beautifully with rich cheeses for that ultimate comfort food vibe.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these in advance, freeze, and bake later—perfect for busy days.
  • Customizable Layers: You can easily swap cheeses, add veggies, or switch up spices to fit your mood.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The heart of this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe lies in the classic combo of hearty beef, creamy ricotta, and mozzarella that melts just right. Picking quality ingredients here really pays off, especially when it comes to the marinara and cheeses — they bring everything together with rich, comforting flavors.

Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups, easy lasagna roll-ups, beef and cheese roll-ups, weeknight dinner ideas, portable lasagna dishes - Flat lay of twelve cooked lasagna noodles arranged neatly, a mound of fresh ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red marinara sauce, a small white bowl of diced white onion, three peeled garlic cloves, a whole clean large brown egg, a small white bowl of creamy ricotta cheese, a small white bowl with shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of shredded white mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl of chopped fresh green parsley, a pinch of dried oregano and ground black pepper sprinkled beside the bowls, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Lasagna noodles: Make sure to cook them al dente and cool quickly to keep them from sticking or breaking when you roll.
  • Ground beef: I use 85% lean for great flavor without too much grease, but you can adjust based on your preference.
  • Marinara sauce: A good quality jar works wonders, but homemade is even better if you have it on hand.
  • Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce—don’t skip it!
  • Garlic: Minced fresh for that punch of aroma and flavor.
  • Sea salt and black pepper: Season to taste; these basics elevate all the ingredients.
  • Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that complements tomato sauce beautifully.
  • Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, gives the filling a luxurious texture.
  • Large egg: Binds the ricotta filling so it won’t ooze out when baking.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty kick to the cheese mix.
  • Mozzarella cheese: The star for melty, gooey goodness—divided so some melts inside, and some bubbles on top.
  • Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh finish both inside and as garnish.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking the Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or who I’m cooking for. You can easily swap out the beef for turkey for a leaner version or add some sautéed mushrooms and spinach right into the cheese filling for a veggie boost. You’re in the driver’s seat here—get creative and make it yours!

  • Meat variations: I’ve swapped ground turkey or even Italian sausage for beef, and honestly, each brings its own unique zing.
  • Adding veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers fold right into the cheese mix and add color and nutrients.
  • Cheese swaps: Try adding a little fontina or provolone for a different melty texture and flavor.
  • Spice it up: Toss in red chili flakes or fresh basil for a little punch if that’s your jam.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Step 1: Master the noodles

Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F—steady heat is key here. Then, cook your lasagna noodles in well-salted boiling water following the package’s directions but aim for al dente. Overcooked noodles turn mushy and tear easily when rolling, so set a timer and keep an eye. Once cooked, drain and immediately transfer them to cold water—this shocks them to stop the cooking and keeps them from sticking while you prep the filling.

Step 2: Build that savory meat sauce

In a deep skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink (about 2 minutes), toss in your diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Next, add the garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano—these fragrances will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water! Pour in the marinara sauce, stir it all together, bring to a gentle simmer, and then remove from heat. For an even bake, spread half a cup of this meaty sauce evenly on the bottom of your casserole dish.

Step 3: Whip up the cheesy filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the beaten egg, Parmesan, half the mozzarella, and chopped parsley. Stir it gently but thoroughly—you want every bite of the roll-up to be cheesily satisfying without the eggs scrambling or the mixture becoming too runny.

Step 4: Roll ’em up and layer

Lay out your noodles on a large baking sheet to keep them neat and prevent sticking. Spread about a scant scoop (about 1/4 cup) of the cheese mixture over each noodle, followed by a generous spoonful of meat sauce down the center strip. Now, gently but firmly roll each noodle up from one end to the other, securing all those delicious layers inside. Arrange the roll-ups side by side in your prepared casserole dish.

Step 5: Sauce, cheese, and bake

Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the roll-ups to keep them moist during baking. Sprinkle the last of the mozzarella all over the top, then cover the dish with foil—pro tip: use toothpicks to hold the foil slightly above the cheese so it doesn’t stick and pull when you remove it later. Bake at 375˚F for about 40 minutes until bubbly and hot, then take off the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese gets that beautiful golden brown crust. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cooking them al dente and rinsing with cold water stops them from getting mushy when baked.
  • Keep Cheese Mixture Thick: Using an egg binds the cheese filling so it holds inside the rolls instead of leaking out.
  • Use Toothpicks for Foil: Prevents foil from touching melting cheese, keeping that perfect cheesy top intact.
  • Make Extra Noodles: I always cook a couple extra noodles in case of tears or sticky mishaps—it saves a last-minute panic.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups, easy lasagna roll-ups, beef and cheese roll-ups, weeknight dinner ideas, portable lasagna dishes - A rolled lasagna piece sits on a white plate with soft, wavy pasta layers visible on the sides. The lasagna has three layers inside, filled with a mix of rich red tomato sauce and light orange cheese sauce. The top is covered with a thick layer of melted white cheese that has some golden brown spots, sprinkled with small green parsley leaves. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and there is a blurred second plate in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top—it adds a pop of brightness and freshness that balances the rich cheese perfectly. Sometimes I also add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if I want a little heat.

Side Dishes

Simple green salads with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted garlic asparagus pair beautifully with these roll-ups. For something heartier, garlic bread or a crusty baguette is always a welcome side to mop up the leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the roll-ups on a large platter garnished with edible flowers or fresh basil leaves. You could also use mini individual ramekins or muffin tins to bake single servings—great for a party or potluck to keep portions neat and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled, I cover the roll-ups tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully whether you want a quick lunch or reheat for dinner.

Freezing

This Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe freezes like a dream! I either freeze them after baking or freeze uncooked rolls in the casserole dish covered tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Make sure they’re thoroughly thawed overnight in the fridge before baking if frozen uncooked.

Reheating

For leftovers, I like to cover and microwave individual roll-ups until warm, or if you want to reheat several, pop the whole dish into a 350°F oven until heated through—this keeps the cheese bubbly and delicious.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble the roll-ups a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate them until baking. You can also freeze them either cooked or uncooked to bake later, perfect for meal prep or busy days.

  2. Is it okay to substitute ground turkey or chicken?

    Yes! Ground turkey or chicken is a great lean substitute for ground beef. Just brown it well and season to bring out the flavor—it works well in this recipe without compromising taste.

  3. What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

    You can swap ricotta for cottage cheese (blended smooth) or even mascarpone for a richer, creamier texture. Just keep an eye on moisture levels and adjust the egg if needed.

  4. How do I prevent lasagna noodles from tearing when rolling?

    Cook noodles just until al dente and rinse them in cold water immediately after draining. Working on a flat baking sheet and rolling gently also helps keep noodles intact.

  5. Can I add vegetables to the cheese filling?

    Definitely! Finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers blend nicely with the cheese mixture. Just sauté any raw veggies before folding them in to avoid excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is one of those cozy dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s approachable, delicious, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Seriously, once you make it, you’ll wonder why you ever stuck with traditional lasagna! Give it a whirl—you’ll love the cheesy, meaty goodness rolled into every bite, and the ease that comes with prepping ahead. Happy cooking and bon appétit!

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Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 19 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 42 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun and delicious twist on traditional lasagna, featuring tender noodles rolled with a flavorful mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, layered with a savory ground beef marinara sauce, baked to bubbly perfection, and topped with golden melted cheese and fresh parsley.


Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked to package instructions

Meat Sauce

  • 16 oz ground beef, 85% lean
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 24 oz marinara sauce

Cheese Mixture

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped, plus more to garnish


Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles: Preheat oven to 375˚F. Cook noodles in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, then fill pot with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare meat sauce: In a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink, about 2 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, cooking another minute. Add marinara sauce, bring to a simmer, then turn off heat. Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce over the bottom of a casserole dish.
  3. Make cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella, and chopped parsley. Stir well until evenly mixed.
  4. Assemble roll-ups: On a large baking sheet, arrange lasagna noodles in a single layer. Spread about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture over each noodle. Add a heaping tablespoon of meat sauce in a strip down the center of each noodle. Roll noodles tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared casserole dish.
  5. Top and bake: Spread the remaining meat sauce evenly over the roll-ups. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil, making sure the foil does not touch the cheese (use toothpicks if needed to keep foil elevated). Bake covered at 375˚F for 40 minutes.
  6. Broil cheese topping: Remove foil and broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is lightly golden and bubbly. Garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Cook a few extra lasagna noodles to allow for any breakage during cooking or rolling.
  • Make ahead options include storing baked and cooled casserole in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 months, or refrigerating or freezing uncooked roll-ups before baking.
  • Reheat leftovers in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350˚F until warmed through.
  • To prevent foil from sticking to cheese during baking, use toothpicks to hold foil away from cheese if your casserole dish is shallow.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll up
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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