Easy Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe With Meat

A Cozy Kitchen Idea

I used to make a big pan of lasagna. It was always so heavy to lift. One day, I decided to try something new. I made little roll-ups instead. I still laugh at that happy accident.

These roll-ups are so much easier to handle. You get your own perfect little bundle. This matters because cooking should be fun, not a chore. What is your favorite cozy meal to make?

Let’s Make the Sauce

First, we cook the onion and garlic in a bit of oil. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It makes the whole house feel warm. Then we add the ground beef and let it brown.

We stir in the herbs and marinara sauce. Let it all bubble together. The simmering mixes all the flavors just right. This is the heart of the dish.

The Cheesy Secret Inside

Now for the creamy filling. We mix soft cream cheese with mozzarella and parsley. It becomes so smooth. This cool cheese is a nice surprise next to the warm meat.

Fun fact: The first lasagna recipes were made in ancient Italy. They were very different from ours today! Do you prefer cream cheese or ricotta in your fillings?

Rolling Up With Love

Lay a noodle flat on your board. Spread the cheese mixture on top. Then add a spoonful of that lovely meat sauce. Now, just roll it up gently.

Place each roll in your baking dish. See how they sit side-by-side? They look like little food hugs. This matters because we eat with our eyes first.

Time to Bake

We pour the rest of the sauce over the rolls. Then we add a final blanket of mozzarella cheese. Into the oven it goes. We wait for it to get bubbly and golden.

The hardest part is waiting for it to cool. The smell is so tempting. Have you ever burned your tongue because you were too excited to eat?

Why This Meal is Special

This recipe turns simple ingredients into a feast. It is a wonderful way to bring everyone to the table. Sharing a meal is about more than just food.

It is about connection and making memories. That is the most important ingredient of all. What is a food that always makes you think of family?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Lasagna noodles	12 pieces
Oil	1 tablespoon
Onion	1 medium	finely chopped
Garlic	3 cloves	minced
Ground beef	500g (1 lb)	90% lean
Salt	to taste
Ground black pepper	½ teaspoon
Bell pepper	½ cup	finely chopped
Dried oregano	1 teaspoon
Dried basil	1 teaspoon
Marinara sauce	1 can (24 oz)
Tomato paste	2 tablespoons	optional, for richer flavor
Cream cheese or ricotta	8 oz	softened
Shredded mozzarella cheese	1 cup	plus extra for topping
Chopped parsley	¼ cup	plus more for garnish

My Cozy Lasagna Roll-Ups

I have always loved a good lasagna. But my grandson, Leo, found the big slices messy. So we started making these fun roll-ups together. They are like little pasta presents. Each one is its own perfect portion. I still laugh at how much neater it is for little hands. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it bakes?

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

First, let’s cook our noodles. Boil them just like the package says. You want them to be tender but still have a little bite. After draining, give them a cold water rinse. This stops them from sticking into one big noodle blob. (A hard-learned tip: Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel. This makes them so much easier to handle later!).

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Now, for the saucy part. Heat a little oil in a pan. Cook your chopped onion and garlic until they smell wonderful. Then add your ground beef. Use your spoon to break it up as it browns. Stir in your salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. My kitchen smells like a little Italian restaurant right now.

Step 3: The Creamy Filling

Let’s make the creamy filling. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, and parsley. Mix it all until it’s smooth and happy. This cheesy mix is my favorite part. It gets all creamy and dreamy inside the rolls. Do you prefer cream cheese or ricotta for your fillings? Share below!

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Time to assemble our rolls. Spread a little meat sauce in your baking dish. Take one noodle and lay it flat. Spread a layer of the cheese filling on it. Then add a spoonful of the meat sauce. Now, just roll it up gently. Place it in the dish with the seam side down. It’s like tucking it in for a nap.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Almost done! Pour the rest of the sauce over your little roll-ups. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella on top. Bake until it’s all bubbly and wonderful. For a gorgeous golden top, broil for the last few minutes. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t get too toasty.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Take the dish out of the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes. This helps everything settle. Then, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve them up warm and watch everyone smile. It’s a simple joy that always brings people together.

Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner, Pasta

Let’s Mix It Up!

This recipe is wonderful as it is. But you can also have fun with it. Try one of these tasty twists next time you make it. They are all so delicious in their own way.

• Veggie Lover’s Dream: Swap the beef for chopped mushrooms and spinach. It’s so hearty and good for you.
• Little Bit Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. It gives it a nice, warm kick.
• Summer Garden Twist: Use thin slices of zucchini instead of noodles. It’s a lighter, fresh-tasting version.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Plate

These roll-ups are a full meal by themselves. But I love to make the plate look pretty. A simple green salad with a light dressing is perfect. It adds a fresh crunch. Some warm, buttery garlic bread is always a hit too. You can’t go wrong.

For a drink, a fizzy Italian soda is so fun for the whole family. If you’re having a special night, a glass of Chianti wine pairs beautifully. It’s my favorite way to relax after a long day in the kitchen.

Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Lasagna Roll-Ups Happy

Let’s talk about storing these tasty roll-ups. They keep well in the fridge for three days. Just cover your baking dish tightly.

You can also freeze them for a busy night. I once made a double batch for my grandson. He was so happy to find a ready-made dinner.

To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F. This keeps the noodles from getting soggy. Batch cooking like this saves you time and stress.

It means a good meal is always close by. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Fixing Common Kitchen Hiccups

Sometimes noodles can tear while you cook them. I remember when this happened to me. I just patched the tear with cheese filling.

If your rolls won’t stay closed, place them seam-side down. This simple trick holds them together perfectly in the oven.

Is your sauce too watery? Let it simmer a bit longer. A thicker sauce makes your roll-ups much easier to handle.

Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the final dish taste so much better. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Lasagna Roll-Up Questions

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Assemble the rolls a day before baking.

Q: What can I use instead of beef? A: Ground turkey or lentils work wonderfully.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course. Use two baking dishes to fit them all.

Q: Is the tomato paste needed? A: It’s optional but gives a richer flavor. *Fun fact: tomato paste makes sauces taste deeper and sweeter.* Which tip will you try first?

A Note From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making these roll-ups. They are full of cozy, happy flavor.

I would love to see your creation. Sharing food is one of life’s great joys.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at Olivia’s Kitchen Table.

Happy cooking!

—Olivia Hartwell.