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Easy Make-Ahead Lasagna Roll-Ups Perfect for Busy Weeknight Dinners

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This easy make-ahead lasagna roll-ups recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, combining creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce rolled inside noodles for a comforting, quick dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular, cooked if needed)
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (about 375g), preferably whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 200g), divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (about 700ml), homemade or store-bought
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 noodles and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain carefully and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent sticking. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.
  2. Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups ricotta, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until smooth and well combined.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  4. Assemble the roll-ups: Spread about ⅓ cup (80ml) of filling evenly over each noodle, leaving a little space at the edges for rolling. Carefully roll each noodle from one end to the other, tucking the filling inside like a little package.
  5. Arrange the roll-ups seam-side down in the greased baking dish, packing them snugly but without squishing.
  6. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the roll-ups, making sure each one has a good coating. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella over the top.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the sauce is simmering.
  8. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving to help the roll-ups set and make slicing easier.

Notes

Use no-boil noodles for quicker prep. Cover dish with foil during initial baking to retain moisture, then remove foil to brown cheese. Let rest before serving for easier slicing. Roll noodles gently to avoid tearing. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours or frozen up to 3 months before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna roll-ups, make-ahead dinner, easy lasagna, weeknight dinner, Italian comfort food, ricotta, mozzarella, marinara sauce

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/easy-make-ahead-lasagna-roll-ups-perfect-for-busy-weeknight-dinners/