These 3-Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups transform the traditional layered lasagna into elegant, individually portioned spirals of flavor. Combining the rich taste of Italian sausage with a trio of cheeses wrapped in tender pasta sheets, this dish delivers all the comfort of classic lasagna with an impressive presentation. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, these roll-ups offer the ideal balance of rustic Italian flavors and sophisticated presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Each roll-up creates a perfect individual portion, making serving easy and elegant
• The combination of three distinct cheeses creates unmatched depth of flavor and creaminess
• Easier to serve than traditional lasagna with no messy, falling-apart layers
• Make-ahead friendly for busy weeknights or entertaining preparations
• Customizable with your favorite fillings while maintaining the basic technique

Ingredients

• Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles work best here—avoid no-boil varieties as they’re too stiff for rolling. Cook them until just al dente for the perfect pliability.
• Italian Sausage: Use traditional Italian sausage for authentic flavor, or substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option. Remove from casings before cooking for easier crumbling.
• Ricotta Cheese: Full-fat ricotta provides the creamiest texture, but part-skim works if you prefer. For extra smoothness, whip it briefly before mixing with other ingredients.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh or pre-shredded mozzarella both work well. For best melting quality, avoid the low-moisture variety that’s been aged too long.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano offers superior flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch. You can also substitute Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent for the cheese mixture. For an egg-free version, you can omit it, though the filling may be slightly less stable.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce for convenience or homemade for extra flavor. A chunkier sauce provides nice texture contrast to the creamy filling.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings brightness and color to the filling. Italian flat-leaf variety has more flavor than curly parsley.
• Dried Basil: Infuses the cheese mixture with classic Italian flavor. You can substitute fresh basil (about 2 tablespoons chopped) when in season.
• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent garlic flavor throughout the filling. Fresh minced garlic can be substituted if you prefer a more pronounced garlic punch.

Variations

Vegetarian Roll-Ups

Replace the Italian sausage with a flavorful vegetable mixture. Sauté 2 cups of mixed diced vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers until tender, then cool before adding to your roll-ups. For extra protein, consider adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or a cup of white beans to the vegetable mixture.

Chicken Alfredo Roll-Ups

Swap the marinara sauce for a creamy Alfredo sauce and replace the sausage with shredded rotisserie chicken. Keep the cheese mixture the same, but consider adding a handful of fresh spinach leaves to each roll-up for color and nutrition. Finish with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top before baking for a classic Alfredo flavor enhancement.

Spicy Mexican-Inspired Roll-Ups

Give this Italian classic a Mexican twist by seasoning the sausage with taco seasoning. Replace the marinara with enchilada sauce, add some black beans and corn to the filling, and use a mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack in place of some of the mozzarella. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro instead of parsley.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Components

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions, but shave off about 1 minute of cooking time so they’re just shy of al dente. They’ll continue cooking in the oven. Once cooked, drain and lay them flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet to prevent sticking. Meanwhile, cook the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly while preparing the cheese mixture.

Step 2: Create the Cheese Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, the beaten egg, chopped parsley, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. This creamy mixture should be spreadable but not runny. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed—this is your chance to perfect the flavor before assembly.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay each lasagna noodle flat and spread approximately 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly across its surface, leaving about 1/2 inch at one end bare. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of the cooked sausage on top of the cheese layer. Starting from the end with filling all the way to the edge, carefully roll up each noodle and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Once all roll-ups are in place, pour the remaining marinara sauce over them, making sure to cover all exposed pasta to prevent drying. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Cover with foil (spray the underside with cooking spray to prevent cheese from sticking) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Slightly undercook the lasagna noodles since they’ll continue cooking in the oven—this prevents mushy roll-ups
• For easier handling, briefly rinse cooked noodles with cold water and lay them on a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking
• Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon for even distribution of the cheese filling on each noodle
• If the cheese mixture seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to reach a more spreadable consistency
• Leave a small border at the end of each noodle free of filling to ensure it seals properly when rolled
• For a more uniform appearance, trim any broken or irregular noodle edges before filling and rolling

How to Serve

Serve these lasagna roll-ups hot from the oven, with 2-3 roll-ups per person as a main course. For an elegant presentation, place each roll-up on a pool of extra warmed marinara sauce and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil chiffonade. Complete the meal with a simple side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette and crusty garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce. For wine pairings, a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead

These roll-ups are perfect for make-ahead meal planning. You can prepare them up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if cooking directly from refrigerated.

Alternatively, freeze the assembled, unbaked roll-ups in the baking dish for up to 3 months. Cover with plastic wrap, then foil, and label with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 15-20 minutes to the covered baking time. For individual freezing, place roll-ups on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to freezer bags—this allows you to take out just what you need for smaller portions.

FAQs

Can I make these roll-ups without meat?

Absolutely! You can simply omit the sausage for a cheese-only version, or substitute with 2 cups of sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian alternative. Just make sure to thoroughly drain any liquid from the vegetables before adding them to your roll-ups.

Why did my roll-ups fall apart?

The most common reason is overcooked noodles. Make sure to cook them just to al dente or even slightly underdone as they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Also, allowing the roll-ups to rest for 5 minutes after baking helps them set up and hold their shape better when serving.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, but with some preparation. Drain cottage cheese well and pulse it in a food processor a few times for a smoother texture closer to ricotta. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. Use the same amount as called for with ricotta.

How do I prevent the roll-ups from drying out?

Make sure to completely cover the roll-ups with sauce, especially any exposed pasta edges. Also, ensure your foil is sealed tightly around the baking dish during the initial baking phase. If reheating leftovers, add a splash of extra sauce before warming.

Conclusion

These 3-Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups offer all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in an elegant, portion-controlled presentation that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving a weeknight family dinner or entertaining guests, this versatile recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. The combination of savory sausage and three complementary cheeses creates a rich, satisfying dish that’s destined to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Give these roll-ups a try when you want to elevate a classic comfort food to something special!

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