Ultimate Lasagna Roll Ups: Easy, Cheesy, & Perfectly Portioned for Family Dinners & Meal Prep
These Lasagna Roll Ups are an absolute game-changer in the kitchen – incredibly easy to prepare and bursting with incredible flavor. They offer the perfect solution for portion control, delivering a hearty blend of lean protein, vibrant veggies, and irresistible cheesy goodness in every bite. This dish is truly a perfect fit for the entire family, promising a satisfying and delicious meal that even picky eaters will love.
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Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups with Italian Sausage
There’s nothing quite like a simple, hearty meal that you know everyone at the table will adore. These lasagna roll-ups fit that description perfectly. They capture all the beloved, rich flavors of classic lasagna but come with the added convenience of being individually rolled and portioned. This makes serving a breeze and offers an excellent option for freezing, ensuring you always have a delicious, homemade meal ready when time is tight.
I distinctly remember the very first time I ventured into making lasagna roll-ups. It was back in my dating days with my now-husband. His brother and father were coming over for dinner, and my ambitious plan was to prepare a traditional, elaborate lasagna from scratch. However, as often happened in my pre-kids life, I got so caught up in other things—or perhaps just a bit too good at procrastinating—that I completely lost track of time. Dinner was rapidly approaching, and my grand lasagna vision was quickly fading!
In a moment of culinary inspiration (and perhaps a little panic), I recalled seeing a quick lasagna roll-up method. Deciding to give it a try, I quickly adapted my ingredients. To my immense relief, they were a colossal hit! Not only did everyone love them, but I was genuinely surprised by how easy and quick they were to assemble. From that day forward, lasagna roll-ups earned a permanent spot in my recipe repertoire, becoming a reliable go-to for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. They deliver all the comfort of lasagna without the fuss, making them truly revolutionary for any home cook.
Ingredients
This fantastic recipe cleverly utilizes many of the familiar components of a classic lasagna, ensuring that rich, comforting taste you love. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create these delicious roll-ups:
- Lasagna Noodles: Whether you opt for traditional, whole wheat, or gluten-free varieties, all will work beautifully in this recipe. The key is to cook them al dente according to the package directions. This ensures they are pliable enough to roll without tearing but still firm enough to hold their structure during baking.
- Olive Oil Spray: Essential for browning your sausage and ensuring nothing sticks. I personally love my EVO sprayer for a perfectly even and light coating.
- Ground Sweet Italian Chicken or Turkey Sausage: This is where a lot of the savory depth comes from. You have the flexibility to make your own Italian sausage using ground chicken or turkey for a healthier, customizable option, or simply use store-bought for convenience. If you prefer, lean ground beef or turkey are also excellent substitutes, offering a milder flavor profile that still pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
- Spinach: A fantastic way to boost the nutrient content and add a subtle earthy flavor. You can use either fresh or frozen spinach, depending on what you have on hand. If using frozen, be sure to thaw it completely and, crucially, squeeze out every last drop of liquid using a clean kitchen towel. Excess water can make your filling watery, so this step is vital for a perfect texture.
- Part-Skim Ricotta Cheese or Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: This forms the creamy, tangy heart of your filling. While ricotta is traditional, don’t shy away from low-fat cottage cheese! As a spoiler, I promise you won’t taste the cottage cheese’s characteristic texture or flavor once it’s mixed in. It provides a similar creaminess and protein punch, making it a great, often lighter, alternative.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor that is indispensable in Italian dishes. I’m a huge fan of using Pecorino Romano cheese for its robust and complex profile, but any good quality Parmesan will elevate your roll-ups.
- Egg: This acts as a vital binding agent, holding the creamy cheese and meat filling together, preventing it from crumbling out of your noodles during baking.
- Crushed Red Pepper: Completely optional, but a wonderful addition if you enjoy a subtle warmth and a gentle kick to your lasagna. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
- Tomato Sauce or Marinara Sauce: The foundation of your lasagna’s saucy goodness. You can truly elevate this dish by using Homemade Tomato Sauce or a Fresh Tomato Sauce (Instant Pot) for unparalleled flavor. For a quick and easy option, a high-quality, store-bought, no-sugar-added pasta sauce like Rao’s works beautifully.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the cheesy, melty top. For the best flavor and texture, I prefer to shred my own mozzarella in a food processor. However, buying pre-shredded mozzarella is a perfectly acceptable time-saver without compromising too much on the final result.
Substitutions
One of the beauties of lasagna roll-ups is their incredible adaptability! Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe to your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic substitution ideas to get you started:
- Swap Up the Protein: This dish is wonderfully forgiving when it comes to the meat. While Italian sausage adds a fantastic flavor, feel free to use lean ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken seasoned with Italian herbs for a different twist. For an even quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken can be tossed into the filling – just ensure it’s well-seasoned to match the rich flavors of the dish.
- Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and add more layers of flavor by incorporating additional vegetables. Finely grated carrots or zucchini (make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture!), sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even finely chopped kale can be folded into the meat and cheese mixture. This is a brilliant way to sneak in extra greens and other healthy ingredients for your family.
- Make a Vegetarian Version: Easily transform this into a delightful meatless meal. Simply omit the ground meat entirely and bulk up the filling with extra spinach, more vegetables like those suggested above, or your favorite plant-based meat crumbles. You could also add some finely chopped artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
- Make Them Dairy-Free: For those with dietary restrictions, making these roll-ups dairy-free is surprisingly simple. Replace traditional dairy cheeses with your favorite dairy-free mozzarella shreds and dairy-free ricotta alternatives. Brands like Violife offer excellent dairy-free shredded cheeses that melt beautifully, and Kite Hill provides a delicious almond-based ricotta that works wonderfully in this recipe, maintaining the creamy texture without the dairy.
Instructions
Creating these delightful lasagna roll-ups is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked, delicious meal:
- Prepare the Lasagna Noodles: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add your lasagna noodles and cook them according to package directions until they are al dente. This means they should be firm to the bite but still pliable. Overcooked noodles will be difficult to roll. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and lay them flat on a piece of wax paper or parchment paper on your counter to prevent them from sticking together. If they are very wet, gently pat them dry with paper towels.
- Cook the Sausage: While the noodles are cooking, place a large skillet over medium-high heat and spray it with olive oil spray. Add the ground sweet Italian chicken or turkey sausage. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the heat, drain off any excess fat, and let it cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×12 inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking oil or grease it with butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled cooked sausage, the thoroughly drained spinach, part-skim ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), grated Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, the egg, and a generous seasoning of salt and black pepper. If using, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper for a little kick. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined and the filling has a uniform texture.
- Layer the Sauce: Pour about 1 cup of your chosen tomato or marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates a flavorful base and helps prevent the noodles from sticking.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Lay out a single cooked lasagna noodle on your clean work surface (wax paper or parchment paper is ideal). Take about 1/3 cup of the sausage and cheese filling and spread it evenly over the entire surface of the noodle, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll up the noodle, starting from one end. Repeat this process with the remaining noodles and filling. As you roll each noodle, place it seam-side down into the prepared baking dish, nestling them snugly together.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Once all the roll-ups are in the baking dish, ladle 1-2 spoonfuls of the remaining tomato sauce over the top of each roll-up. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over all the noodles.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. If you desire a golden-brown, slightly crispy cheese topping, remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking.
- Serve: Let the lasagna roll-ups rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making them easier to handle and preventing them from falling apart.
Recipe FAQs
Don’t let the idea of cottage cheese deter you from trying this recipe! While you can certainly use traditional part-skim ricotta for your lasagna roll-ups, I can confidently promise that the distinct flavor and texture of cottage cheese completely disappear once it’s mixed into the rich, savory filling. When combined with Parmesan, spinach, and the robust Italian sausage, the cottage cheese simply adds a wonderful creamy consistency and a boost of protein without any noticeable tang. For the best, most seamless integration, look for a small-curd cottage cheese (I highly recommend brands like Good Culture) or even a whipped variety. You’ll get all the benefits of a lighter, protein-packed filling without any of the things you might typically dislike about cottage cheese!
Absolutely, yes! Lasagna roll-ups are exceptionally well-suited for meal prep and make-ahead dinners. This recipe is one of my go-to choices for Sunday meal prepping. You can assemble the entire dish, up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready for dinner on Monday or Tuesday, simply pop it into the oven and bake! This preparation method truly sets your week off right, ensuring a delicious, homemade meal is just minutes away. In fact, in my weekly meal plans, I frequently recommend this exact approach for maximum convenience.
They can absolutely be! Making these spinach lasagna roll-ups gluten-free is incredibly simple. All you need to do is substitute regular lasagna noodles with your favorite brand of gluten-free lasagna noodles. Many excellent brands are available today that hold up beautifully during cooking and rolling, ensuring a delicious and safe option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just follow the package instructions for cooking your chosen gluten-free noodles, and the rest of the recipe remains the same – a truly yummy gluten-free meal!
Yes, these lasagna rolls are incredibly freezer-friendly, making them perfect for future meals! You can prepare them ahead of time and freeze them unbaked for the best results, or freeze any leftovers. This is fantastic for expanding your meal prep efforts. I often make a double batch on a Sunday – one for immediate enjoyment and another to stash in the freezer for a busy weeknight down the line. It’s a lifesaver for those days when you need a quick, wholesome dinner without any fuss. For detailed instructions on how to freeze and reheat, please refer to the “Meal Prep and Storage” section below!
Meal Prep and Storage
The make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature of these lasagna roll-ups is one of their biggest advantages, making them perfect for busy schedules. Here’s how to handle them for maximum convenience:
To Prep Ahead (Unbaked): This recipe is ideal for preparing in advance. You can fully assemble the lasagna roll-ups, placing them in the baking dish with sauce and cheese, up to the point where you would normally bake them. Instead of baking, simply cover the entire tray tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store the unbaked roll-ups in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, just uncover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from chilled.
To Store Leftovers: Any leftover lasagna roll-ups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they have cooled completely to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. If you’re storing the entire prepared dish, simply re-cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating.
To Freeze (Unbaked for Best Results): Freezing these roll-ups is incredibly easy and highly recommended. For the best quality, I prefer to freeze them *unbaked*. Assemble the lasagna roll-ups as instructed, placing them in an oven-safe, freezer-safe container. Disposable foil tins are fantastic for this if you plan on going directly from freezer to oven without needing to thaw in a different dish. Cover the dish tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label clearly with the date and cooking instructions. Freeze for up to 3 months.
You can also freeze any baked leftovers you might have. Once cooled, wrap individual portions or the entire baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. These can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture of the noodles might be slightly softer than if frozen unbaked.
To Reheat Frozen Roll-Ups:
- From Frozen (Unbaked): If baking from frozen (recommended for unbaked rolls), remove the plastic wrap but keep the foil cover. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60-75 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling. Remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
- From Thawed (Unbaked or Cooked): If you’ve thawed the roll-ups overnight in the refrigerator, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25-35 minutes for unbaked, or 15-20 minutes for already cooked portions, or until piping hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For cooked leftovers, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through.
Looking for more healthy lasagna recipes? Try one of these next!
If you loved these convenient and delicious Lasagna Roll Ups, you’re in for a treat! The world of healthy lasagna-inspired dishes is vast and incredibly tasty. From low-carb options to speedy Instant Pot versions and creative twists on traditional flavors, there’s a lasagna recipe for every craving and dietary need. Expand your culinary horizons and explore some of my other favorite variations:
- Low Carb Lasagna Stuffed Zucchini Boats: A fantastic way to enjoy lasagna flavors with fewer carbs, using fresh zucchini as your vessel.
- Instant Pot Zucchini Lasagna: Get all the rich taste of lasagna in a fraction of the time, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup | 21 Day Fix Lasagna Soup [Gluten-free | Slow Cooker Option]: All the flavors of lasagna in a comforting, warming soup form, with gluten-free and slow cooker options.
- Lazy Butternut Squash Lasagna: A unique and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna, featuring the sweetness of butternut squash in an easy-to-make recipe.
- One Skillet Lazy Zucchini Lasagna: Minimal clean-up with maximum flavor, this skillet version simplifies lasagna without compromising taste.
- Mexican Lasagna: A vibrant and spicy fusion that brings together the best of Mexican flavors with the beloved lasagna structure.
- Spaghetti Squash Lasagna: Another excellent low-carb option, using tender spaghetti squash as a base for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Lasagna Roll Ups
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Ingredients
- 8 whole wheat or GF lasagna noodles — cooked al dente according to package directions.
- Olive oil spray — for cooking and greasing.
- 1 pound ground sweet Italian chicken sausage — or lean ground beef/turkey for substitution.
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach — thawed and completely drained (or 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped small).
- 8 oz part skim ricotta or cottage cheese — (small curd or whipped cottage cheese is recommended if using).
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese — or Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- 1 egg — for binding the filling.
- Salt and fresh pepper — to taste.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper — optional, for a little heat.
- 2 cups homemade — or 1 jar of no-sugar-added tomato pasta sauce (such as Rao’s).
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese — shredded, for topping and mixing into the filling.
Instructions
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Cook Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain thoroughly and lay flat on wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pat dry if necessary.
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Brown the Sausage: While noodles cook, spray a large skillet with olive oil spray and heat over medium-high. Add ground sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat, drain any excess fat, and let cool slightly.
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Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×12 inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking oil.
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Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooled cooked sausage, well-drained spinach, ricotta (or cottage) cheese, Parmesan cheese, HALF of the shredded mozzarella, the egg, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper (if using). Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
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Layer Sauce in Dish: Spread 1 cup of tomato or marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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Assemble Roll-Ups: Lay one lasagna noodle flat. Spread approximately 1/3 cup of the sausage and cheese filling evenly over the entire noodle. Carefully roll up the noodle and place it seam-side down into the baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles and filling, nestling them snugly in the dish.
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Top & Bake: Ladle 1-2 tablespoons of the remaining sauce over the top of each roll-up in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the noodles. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. For a golden-brown top, uncover for the last few minutes if desired.
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Serve: Let the lasagna roll-ups rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set. Enjoy!
Notes
WW (Weight Watchers): Calculated using reduced-fat cheese, part-skim ricotta, and 99% fat-free ground turkey. Per 1 roll: 7 points. Per 2 rolls: 13 points. (Points are subject to change based on specific ingredient brands and program updates).
Nutrition