Description
A delicious twist on traditional lasagna, these cheesy roll-ups feature a savory blend of Italian sausage and three cheeses wrapped in tender pasta sheets. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the roll-ups cook evenly while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly without burning the top.
- Make the Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, parsley, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. The egg helps bind the filling while the herbs and spices add flavor.
- Prepare the Baking Dish
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the roll-ups from sticking to the bottom and adds flavor to the pasta.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups
- Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles on a clean surface and spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture on each noodle. Distribute it evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add the Sausage
- Top the cheese mixture with about 2 tablespoons of cooked sausage, spreading it evenly over the cheese layer. The savory sausage complements the creamy cheese mixture.
- Roll and Arrange
- Carefully roll up each noodle and place seam-side down in the baking dish. This prevents them from unraveling during baking and creates a neat presentation.
- Add Sauce
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups, making sure to cover them evenly. The sauce keeps the pasta moist and adds flavor.
- Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the roll-ups. This creates a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
- Bake Covered
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. The foil helps trap moisture and allows the roll-ups to heat through without the cheese burning.
- Bake Uncovered
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This final uncovered baking allows the cheese to brown and develop a delicious texture.
- Rest Before Serving
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the roll-ups to set, making them easier to serve while still warm.
Notes
- You can prepare these roll-ups ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just add about 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can be substituted for dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
- Leftover roll-ups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage instead of traditional Italian sausage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 roll-ups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg