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Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

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4.4 from 60 reviews

This Easy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups recipe offers a delicious twist on classic lasagna by rolling seasoned ricotta and meat sauce inside tender lasagna noodles. Baked until bubbly and golden, this comforting Italian dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Ricotta Filling

  • 24 ounces (3 cups) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Other

  • 12-15 lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (additional for layering/topping)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (additional for topping), as needed
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meat Sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped yellow onion until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned thoroughly, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute to release aromas. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, bay leaf, and granulated sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Let the sauce cool slightly.
  2. Make the Ricotta Filling: In a large bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the filling is smooth and well incorporated.
  3. Cook Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Lay the noodles flat on a baking sheet to cool slightly.
  4. Assemble Roll Ups: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread 1 to 1.5 cups of meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the dish. Take one noodle and lay it flat. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta filling evenly over the noodle, then 1-2 tablespoons of meat sauce, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon shredded mozzarella. Carefully roll the noodle from one short end to the other, forming a tight spiral. Place the roll seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles and fillings, arranging the rolls snugly side by side in the dish.
  5. Bake the Roll Ups: Pour the remaining meat sauce over the assembled roll ups. Generously sprinkle with the remaining 2 cups shredded mozzarella and additional grated Parmesan cheese to taste. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For extra browning, optionally broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let the roll ups rest for 5-10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired before serving. Enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier filling; part-skim ricotta can be substituted but may alter texture.
  • Do not overcook the noodles to prevent tearing when rolling.
  • Make the meat sauce ahead of time to deepen the flavors.
  • Broiling at the end is optional but adds a lovely golden crust on top.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for meal prep.

Find it online: https://mealoria.com/beef-lasagna-roll-ups-recipe/