Easy Beefy Lasagna Roll-Ups Your Family Will Love

Who says a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner has to be a huge production? These Beefy Lasagna Roll-Ups give you all the cozy, cheesy, saucy goodness of a traditional lasagna, but in a fun, portion-controlled package that’s way easier to put together on a busy night. They’re perfect for picky eaters, make fantastic leftovers, and are just a joy to eat. Honestly, I think the individual rolls feel a little more special than a sliced square. You get that perfect pasta-to-filling ratio in every single bite. So good.

What Is Beefy Lasagna Roll-Ups?

Think of these as the fun, deconstructed cousin of classic lasagna. Instead of building layers in a deep dish, you spread a delicious beef and cheese filling onto individual lasagna noodles, roll them up, and bake them in a cozy bed of marinara sauce. They’re a fantastic dinner idea that delivers all the comfort but in a simpler, more manageable form. Each roll-up is its own neat little package, making them perfect for serving and fantastic for leftovers. They are truly one of my favorite pasta dinner recipes to teach in my classes because they always turn out great.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles: The foundation for our roll-ups.
• 1 lb. ground beef (80/20): For a rich, meaty flavor.
• 1 (24 oz) jar of your favorite marinara sauce: For a quick and flavorful base.
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese: Creates the creamy, classic filling.
• 1 large egg: Binds the cheese filling together.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: For that iconic, melty, stretchy top.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics.
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced: Builds a savory flavor base.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential aromatic punch.
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: The easy way to get all those herby notes.
• 1 tsp salt: To season the filling perfectly.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a little gentle heat.
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): For a pop of color and freshness.

Step-By-Step Method

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread about 1 cup of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom.
2. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain them and carefully lay them flat in a single layer on parchment paper or kitchen towels to prevent sticking.
3. While the noodles cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and the Parmesan cheese. Fold in the slightly cooled ground beef mixture until everything is well combined.
6. Take one cooked lasagna noodle and lay it flat. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef and cheese mixture onto the noodle and spread it evenly along the entire length. Gently roll the noodle up from one end to the other and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.
7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the roll-ups, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving—this helps them set up and makes them easier to serve.

Equipment Needed

• 1 large pot (for boiling noodles)
• 1 large skillet (for browning beef)
• 1 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper or kitchen towels (for laying out noodles)

Creative Variations

This recipe is a wonderful canvas for your own creativity! For a twist on healthy dinner ideas, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and whole wheat noodles. Want to sneak in some veggies? Finely chop some spinach or mushrooms and sauté them with the onion—they’ll blend right into the filling. If you’re a fan of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the meat or sauce will do the trick. And for a truly decadent treat, swap the marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce. The possibilities are endless, making it easy to create new dinner dishes your family will request again and again.

Storage & Reheating

Let any leftovers cool completely before storing. They’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, the best method is in the oven. Place them in a covered oven-safe dish with a tiny splash of water at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave single servings for a quick dinner idea, covering them to trap steam. They also freeze beautifully! Freeze baked or unbaked roll-ups in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

These roll-ups are a hearty meal all on their own, but I love serving them with a simple, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of garlic bread is never a wrong answer for soaking up that extra sauce. For a lighter option, some roasted broccoli or asparagus spears would be just perfect. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Budget-Friendly Tips

This is already one of those cheap dinners for a family that feels anything but! To save even more, buy block cheese and shred it yourself—it’s cheaper and melts better. Look for sales on ground beef and stock up, freezing what you don’t use immediately. You can often find store-brand marinara and ricotta that are just as good as the name brands for a lower price. And don’t forget, this recipe makes fantastic leftovers, which means you’re getting two easy weeknight dinners for the effort of one.

FAQs

• Can I make these Beefy Lasagna Roll-Ups ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble them completely, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake them. You might just need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.
• Do I have to boil the noodles first? For this method, yes, you need to boil them so they are pliable enough to roll without cracking. I’ve tried the no-boil noodles for this, and honestly, they just don’t work as well for rolling.
• What can I use instead of ricotta?