10+ years ago I was introduced to lasagna roll-ups. I thought it was the coolest concept. Forget layering noodle beyond noodle–roll them and serve them individually instead. I mean it makes sense. I always hate when I don’t have a full box of pasta left–then I’m forced to go out and buy another box of pasta only to be stuck with a few remaining noodles for a recipe.
I believe I first saw lasagna roll-ups on an episode of Rachael Ray. She made lasagna roll-ups with a béchamel sauce, I followed the recipe to a tee, since this was back when I wasn’t making recipes quite my own yet. Thankfully, my family loved them. To put my lasagna roll-up making in perspective, this was back when I was in college and living at home! That’s how far lasagna roll-ups date back for me.
I make lasagna roll-ups a few times each year. Probably quarterly, and when I do make them they are always chocked full of veggies. Never with meat. That’s just how I roll (no pun intended). I’m starting to make quite a few freezer meals in preparation for the little bambino’s arrival next month. I made a double batch of my bolognese sauce the other weekend. I portioned it out and saved 2 cups of sauce for me to use for lasagna. I had this crazy idea to make lasagna roll-ups and use my bolognese sauce instead of a traditional tomato sauce. Best of all, we only ate half the lasagna bolognese roll-ups, so I got to freeze the other half for the future when we are in need of a delicious and quick homemade meal!
In less than an hour you can have a delicious homemade lasagna bolognese roll-ups. They are easy enough to make after a busy day at the office–I promise! Of course, serve it up with a salad and garlic bread.
Katie Original Recipe
Lasagna Bolognese Roll-Ups
Ingredients
- 9 Lasagna Noodles
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 4 oz Light Cottage Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 teaspoon garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoon shredded parmesan
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella divided
- 2 cups bolognese sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package (10-12 minutes). Strain the noodles and rinse with cold water (placing a few ice cubs in the colander to help cool the noodles down quicker). Once the noodles are cooled down begin to pat dry them.
- In a square baking dish, apply cooking spray to pan then spread 1 cup of bolognese sauce.
- Using a medium-size bowl, place ricotta, cottage cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, shredded parmesan, and ¼ cup shredded mozzarella. Mix until well incorporated.
- Take one sheet of lasagna noodle and place 3 tablespoons to ¼ cup of cheese mixture on one end. Carefully begin to roll. Place the first roll-up seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all lasagna noodles and cheese mixture are used. Cover with remaining 1 cup of bolognese sauce.
- Bake with foil on top for 20 minutes. Then add the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella to the top, bake with foil off for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Kevin says
Wouldn’t that be a canneloni?
Katie says
I guess you could consider it a cannelloni; however, cannelloni is a whole tubed pasta.
Isabella says
I made these tonight, they were so yummy. Does anyone know the nutritional facts? … Just wondering, because there’s lots of cheeses lol.
Katie says
Thanks Isabella. Glad you enjoyed them. I’m sorry–I do not provide nutritional facts for my recipes.
Rebecca {foodie with family} says
I think this is an awesome idea. I used to do all sorts of stuffed shells, why not stuffed lasagna?!?
Katie says
Exactly Rebecca! I best of all you don’t have to worry about the shell breaking! 🙂
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
Can you believe I haven’t made lasagna roll ups yet??! This needs to be remedied!!!
Katie says
They are so easy to make, Kayle! Make them ASAP and then freeze whatever you have leftover for another meal!
Caroline @ chocolate & carrots says
So fun! These would be great for my family. Thanks for the great recipe Katie!
Katie says
Thanks Caroline! They freeze wonderfully too! 🙂
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Oooooh, the cheese on these roll-ups is so tempting!!! Love it!!
Katie says
Thanks Anna!
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
Katie – love how easy this comes together. Great idea when you have some leftover bolognese sauce in the fridge!
Katie says
Thanks Jeanette. I love repurposing leftovers and making something “new” to eat!
Paula - bell'alimento says
Rollin’ Rollin’ right into my mouth …
Meredith in sock monkeys slippers says
Love a good saucy meal!
Aggie says
I remember being introduced to rollups by Giada! This looks delicious Katie, gorgeous photographs!
Jackie @ The Beeroness says
Those look adorable! And I’m sure it also makes a great freezer meal. Perfect to bring to a friend that is about to have a baby!
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite says
We love rolled up lasagna. I’m digging this version.
Samantha @FerraroKitchen says
Love this!! I always make lasagna but never do roll ups..such a great idea!!
Katie says
Thanks Samantha!
danielle says
I’ve never thought of doing them in roll ups but next time I make a batch of bolognese I am going to save some for this.
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
Love lasagna, but for some reason never do roll ups. That needs to change!