Introduction
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. This recipe combines layers of savory ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and melty mozzarella, all enveloped in hearty lasagna noodles and rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
12 dry lasagna noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ onion, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 pound ground beef
24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese (1 container)
3½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley and/or basil
1 large egg
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it. Next, boil salted water in a large pot and cook the lasagna noodles until they reach an al dente texture, following package instructions. Drain them and rinse with cold water, then place them flat on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion along with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Incorporate the ground beef and cook until it is browned, draining any excess fat before stirring in the marinara sauce. Remove the skillet from heat.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley and/or basil, the egg, the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix until everything is well integrated.
Spread about ½ cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. On each noodle, spread 3-4 tablespoons of the cheese mixture and top with 2-3 tablespoons of the meat sauce. Roll up each noodle tightly, placing them seam-side down in the baking dish. Once all noodles are placed, spread the remaining meat sauce on top, followed by sprinkling the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese over everything.
Cover the dish with foil and bake it for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Before serving, garnish with additional chopped parsley and/or basil for a fresh touch. Enjoy this delectable lasagna surrounded by friends and family!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles to al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Lay the noodles flat on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan.
3. Sauté the Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt; cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning
Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef; cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
6. Incorporate Marinara Sauce
Stir in the marinara sauce; remove the skillet from heat.
7. Prepare Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley and/or basil, egg, remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ground black pepper; mix until well combined.
8. Layer Meat Sauce in Baking Dish
Spread about ½ cup of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
9. Fill Lasagna Noodles
On each lasagna noodle, spread 3-4 tablespoons of the cheese mixture, then top with 2-3 tablespoons of the meat sauce.
10. Roll the Noodles
Roll up each noodle tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
11. Top with Remaining Meat Sauce
Spread the remaining meat sauce over the roll-ups.
12. Add Mozzarella Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the top.
13. Cover and Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
14. Uncover and Continue Baking
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
15. Garnish and Serve
Garnish with additional chopped parsley and/or basil before serving.
Notes
Lasagna Noodles
Always check package instructions for cooking time as it may vary by brand.
Ground Beef
For a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken.
Vegetarian Option
To make this dish vegetarian, omit the ground beef and add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Cheese Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or gouda, for different flavors.
Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Cook techniques
Boiling Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding the lasagna noodles. This ensures the noodles cook evenly and don’t stick together. Prepare them al dente following the package instructions for the best texture.
Sautéing Aromatics
When cooking onions and garlic, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions until they are soft and translucent, then add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking just until fragrant. This technique enhances the overall flavor of your dish.
Cooking Ground Beef
Add ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook until browned and crumbly, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat to ensure your dish isn’t greasy.
Layering Ingredients
When assembling the lasagna roll-ups, spread 3-4 tablespoons of the ricotta cheese mixture on each noodle followed by 2-3 tablespoons of meat sauce. This layering method helps to maintain flavor in each bite and ensures even distribution.
Baking
Cover the baking dish with foil to trap moisture during the first 25 minutes of baking. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly and golden.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be used instead of ground beef for a different flavor or dietary preference.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. You may also add lentils for protein.
Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day ahead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and follow the baking directions.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover lasagna rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, the assembled lasagna roll-ups can be frozen before baking. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Conclusion
This delicious lasagna roll-up recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish, making it both visually appealing and easy to serve. The combination of meat, ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all wrapped in hearty lasagna noodles, offers a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. With its savory flavors and comforting ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Vegetable Lasagna Roll-Ups
Substitute ground beef with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers for a lighter, vegetarian option. Use marinara sauce and ricotta mixture just as in the original recipe.
Mexican Lasagna Roll-Ups
Use ground turkey or beef seasoned with taco spices. Replace marinara sauce with enchilada sauce and top with Mexican cheese blend for a spicy twist.
Pesto Lasagna Roll-Ups
Spread a layer of pesto on the lasagna noodles before adding the cheese mixture and meat sauce. Top with mozzarella and fresh basil for a fresh flavor.
Seafood Lasagna Roll-Ups
Incorporate shrimp or crab meat into the ricotta mixture for a luxurious seafood option. Pair with a light alfredo sauce instead of marinara for added creaminess.
Spinach and Artichoke Lasagna Roll-Ups
Mix chopped artichoke hearts and blanched spinach into the ricotta blend for a creamy and flavorful twist, complemented by a rich cheese topping.
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups
Use shredded cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Top with a drizzle of ranch dressing and crumbled blue cheese before serving.
