Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
If you’re anything like me and crave comforting, cheesy dinners that feel like a warm hug, then this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe might just become your new go-to. These roll ups pack all the cozy, rich flavors of classic lasagna but with a fun twist that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing friends without stress. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll find yourself craving that perfect cheesy, meaty bite again and again!
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy Portion Control: Each roll up is a perfect individual serving, making it easy to serve exactly how many you need.
- Less Mess, More Fun: Rolling up lasagna noodles keeps everything tidy and portable without losing that classic flavor.
- Flavor Layers: The mix of seasoned beef, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella guarantees a delicious bite every time.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Meal: You can assemble ahead and bake fresh later or freeze for busy nights, saving you time and stress.
Ingredients & Why They Work
In this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe, each ingredient plays a role in building that irresistible flavor and perfect texture. Whether it’s the tender al dente noodles or that mix of three cheeses, I always recommend getting good quality ingredients—it really makes a difference!

- Lasagna noodles: Make sure to cook them just until al dente to avoid mushy roll ups.
- Ground beef: I prefer 85% lean for good flavor and just the right amount of fat.
- Marinara sauce: Choose a tomato sauce with herbs for extra depth, or make your own if you have time!
- Onion & garlic: They add that savory foundation that makes the meat sauce pop.
- Ricotta cheese: This gives creaminess and moisture to the filling without overpowering.
- Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture so each roll holds together beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty kick that balances the milder cheeses.
- Mozzarella cheese: Use part in the filling and part on top for melty, golden goodness.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the flavors and is lovely for garnishing.
- Seasonings: Sea salt, black pepper, and oregano bring all the flavors together perfectly.
Make It Your Way
I love that this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is so adaptable. Over time, I’ve tried swapping out ingredients to fit what’s in my fridge or to meet different tastes—let me tell you, it’s so forgiving and still comes out delicious!
- Variation: I often swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a little extra spice and flavor depth, which my family totally loves.
- Vegetarian Twist: Try sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini instead of meat for a veggie-packed version that’s still creamy and satisfying.
- Cheese Swap: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses—like provolone or fontina—for a new cheesy dimension.
- Herb Boost: Fresh basil or thyme added to the cheese mixture gives a lovely fresh note I adore in summer.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles Perfectly
Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F. Cook the lasagna noodles in salted boiling water exactly to package instructions but stop just at al dente—you don’t want these to be too soft because they’ll keep cooking in the oven. Once done, drain them, then immediately dunk into cold water to stop the cooking process and to keep them from sticking. Lay them out on a baking sheet to keep things organized while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
In a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown your ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula so it cooks evenly—about 2 minutes until it’s no longer pink. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it softens, around 3 minutes. Add in the minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, sautéing everything together for another minute so all those wonderful aromas develop. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine, bring it just to a simmer, then turn the heat off. A little secret: spreading half a cup of this robust meat sauce on the bottom of your casserole dish keeps your roll ups moist and adds flavor from the bottom up.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cheese Mixture
Grab a large bowl and mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and the chopped parsley. This mix is dreamy creamy, and the egg keeps everything pulling together as you spread it on those noodles.
Step 4: Roll ‘Em Up
Arrange your noodles on a large baking sheet—this keeps your kitchen sane and makes rolling easy. Take about a quarter cup of the cheese mixture and spread it evenly on each noodle, then add a generous tablespoon or so of meat sauce in a line down the middle. Now the fun part: roll ‘em up gently but firmly, then place each roll seam-side down in the casserole dish on top of the marinara base you already spread out. This way, you keep all that cheesy beef goodness neatly tucked inside.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Spread the remaining meat sauce evenly over the top of the roll ups, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese wide and generous for that ultimate golden cheesy crust. Cover the dish with foil—if your pan is shallow, a little trick I use is to stick toothpicks into the roll ups to create a tiny space so foil doesn’t stick to the cheese. Bake for 40 minutes covered, then remove foil and broil for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and just starting to turn golden. Garnish with a little extra chopped parsley and you’re ready to dive in!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: I learned the hard way that mushy noodles make rolling tricky—cooling them right away is key!
- Keep It Neat: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop for cheese filling keeps the portions even and rolling smooth.
- Foil Trick: Toothpicks under the foil save your cheese from sticking to the foil—such a simple lifesaver.
- Double Up on Sauce: Having sauce on the bottom of the dish prevents the noodles from drying out and adds an extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Garnishes
I always top these roll ups with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of bright green and fresh flavor. Sometimes I add a light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving—it feels like a little Italian magic dust! A tiny bit of crushed red pepper flakes on the side is a great option for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
These cheesy beef roll ups pair beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad or simple steamed green beans tossed with garlic butter. For a heartier meal, I like serving crusty garlic bread to soak up all those extra juicy sauce moments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party or special dinner, I arrange these roll ups on a large wooden board or platter, and scatter fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes around. Guests love picking them up like little parcels of cheesy deliciousness! You can even add mini skewers for easy serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, I cover leftover roll ups tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge where they keep well for about four days. This recipe reheats beautifully without losing moisture or flavor, so it’s great for quick lunches or dinner leftovers.
Freezing
I sometimes prepare the whole thing in advance, assemble, and freeze before baking. Simply wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the freezer at 375°F, adding extra time as needed. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, I either microwave single rolls until warmed through or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep it moist. A quick broil at the end revives the cheese’s golden crust beautifully.
FAQs
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Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you want to save time, no-boil noodles work nicely—just make sure to spread extra sauce inside and on the bottom of the dish to help them soften in the oven.
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What can I do if my roll ups fall apart?
That usually happens if the noodles are overcooked or if the cheese mixture is too wet. Stick to al dente noodles and be sure to use the egg to bind the cheese filling. Handling the rolls gently when assembling also helps keep them intact.
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Can I make these roll ups ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, then bake just before dinner. Or freeze assembled roll ups for longer storage and bake straight from frozen—just add some extra baking time.
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Is this recipe freezer-friendly after baking?
Definitely! Cool the baked roll ups completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat gently to preserve that cheesy texture and flavor.
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Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
You sure can! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes all work well—just adjust cooking times as needed to cook the protein thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that never fails to bring a smile to my dinner table. It’s approachable, flexible, and downright delicious—everything I look for in a home-cooked meal. I’m excited for you to try it out, make it your own, and enjoy those cozy, cheesy layers with the people you love. So roll up your sleeves and get ready for a delicious dinner that feels like a little slice of Italy right in your kitchen!
Print
Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delicious and comforting Lasagna Roll Ups featuring tender noodles filled with a creamy ricotta and cheese mixture, layered with savory ground beef marinara sauce, baked to perfection with a golden melted mozzarella topping. Perfect for family dinners and meal prepping.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked to package instructions
Meat Sauce
- 16 oz ground beef, 85% lean
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped, plus more to garnish
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Preheat your oven to 375˚F. Cook lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and immediately transfer noodles to a pot filled with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink, about 2 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano; cook for an additional minute. Pour in marinara sauce, bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Make cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella, and chopped parsley. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble roll ups: Lay cooked noodles flat on a large baking sheet. Spread approximately 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of meat sauce in a line down the center of each. Carefully roll each noodle up and place seam-side down in the prepared casserole dish.
- Top and bake: Spread the remaining meat sauce over the rolled noodles. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella evenly on top. Cover casserole with foil, making sure foil does not touch the cheese (use toothpicks if needed). Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove foil and broil for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is lightly golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Cook a few extra noodles to account for any that may break or tear during preparation.
- Make ahead options include storing baked casserole or unbaked roll ups covered in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 months.
- Store cooked roll ups in the refrigerator covered for up to 4 days or freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat individual roll ups in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg


