Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

If you’re craving all the comforting flavors of lasagna but want an easier way to serve and enjoy it, you’re going to love this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe. I absolutely love how these individual roll ups come together — they’re cheesy, meaty, and perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering. Plus, you get that satisfying lasagna flavor without the fuss of cutting and serving a traditional lasagna pan. Trust me, once you try roll ups, you won’t go back!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe come together beautifully—simple pantry staples that pack a ton of flavor. You’ll want to use good quality marinara to keep the sauce rich, and don’t skip on the fresh parsley for a pop of bright freshness.

• Lasagna noodles: Make sure to cook them al dente so they roll nicely without breaking.
• Ground beef: I prefer 85% lean for a balance of flavor and fat.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you have some on hand.
• Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic always elevates the flavor.
• Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground works best here.
• Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that blends perfectly in the sauce.
• Ricotta cheese: Creates that creamy, dreamy filling.
• Large egg: Helps bind the cheese filling together.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty bite to the cheese mixture.
• Mozzarella cheese: You’ll want plenty to sprinkle both inside and on top for that ooey-gooey goodness.
• Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley brightens up the roll ups and also looks gorgeous sprinkled on top.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is. Feel free to tweak it to match your family’s tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few of my favorite ways to switch it up:

• Swap the meat: I’ve swapped ground beef for Italian sausage or a mix of both for a spicier, heartier version that my husband absolutely devours.
• Vegetarian version: Try sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini in place of meat for a veggie-packed roll up that’s just as satisfying.
• Cheese swaps: If you want a bit of tang, add some shredded provolone or fontina to the cheese filling for a fun twist.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles, just make sure to adjust cooking time according to package instructions.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Step 1: Cook your noodles just right

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, which means they should be tender but still have a bit of bite—they’ll continue cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it. Once cooked, drain the noodles and immediately fill the pot with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. This little trick keeps your noodles from turning mushy and lets you handle them easily when rolling.

Step 2: Make the savory meat sauce

In a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for about 2 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula. When the beef is nearly cooked through, toss in the diced onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, then cook another minute to release all those fragrant flavors. Pour in your marinara sauce, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then turn off the heat. Before assembling, spread about 1/2 cup of this savory meat sauce on the bottom of your casserole dish to keep the roll ups nice and saucy from the start.

Step 3: Prepare your cheesy filling

In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, the egg, parmesan, half of the mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups), and chopped parsley. This blend gives you that creamy, cheesy filling that contrasts beautifully with the meaty sauce and tender noodles. Make sure to stir everything until smooth and well combined — this filling is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Roll it up and assemble

Lay out your noodles on a large baking sheet in a single layer to keep things neat. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle. Then add a generous tablespoon of the meat sauce down the center of each noodle. Now comes the fun part — carefully roll each noodle from one end to the other and place each roll seam side down into your prepared casserole dish. This assembly keeps everything compact, making baking and serving a breeze.

Step 5: Top and bake to melty perfection

Once your roll ups are snug in the dish, spoon the remaining meat sauce over the tops. Sprinkle the rest of your mozzarella cheese evenly over everything for that bubbly, golden finish. Cover with foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese—you can use toothpicks to prop it up if needed. Bake covered at 375°F for 40 minutes. For the final touch, take off the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese gets that irresistible golden brown edge. Garnish with a little fresh parsley before serving to add a lovely splash of color and freshness.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving—not only does it add a lovely pop of color, but the fresh herbaceous brightness helps balance the richness of the cheese and beef. Sometimes I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick that my family enjoys.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I love pairing these roll ups with a simple crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette is also perfect to soak up any extra sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the roll ups in a circular pattern on a large platter with fresh basil leaves scattered around. It makes the dish look festive and inviting, perfect for potlucks or dinner parties where presentation counts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheesy beef lasagna roll ups store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to portion them out individually so reheating is quick and easy without drying out the whole dish.

Freezing

I often make a double batch and freeze half before baking. Wrap each individual roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. These freeze beautifully and can be baked straight from frozen (just add extra baking time and cover with foil), which saves so much time on hectic nights.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, cover them with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. I avoid microwaving if I can, because baking keeps the texture and flavors much better — plus, you get the cheese nice and melty again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals, especially when I want something familiar but easy to serve and share. I love how each bite offers that classic lasagna flavor with a gooey, cheesy center—and since they’re perfect for make-ahead meals, I never hesitate to whip up a batch when I’m feeding a crowd or planning a cozy family dinner. Give this a try, and I’m sure you’ll be just as hooked as we are!

Print