Lasagna rolls are a delightful twist on traditional lasagna. Instead of layering sheets of pasta with sauce and cheese, you roll individual lasagna noodles around a filling of ricotta, spinach, and herbs. These rolls are then placed in a baking dish, covered with marinara sauce, and topped with mozzarella before being baked until bubbly and golden. This approach offers a more personal serving size and makes it easier to customize the filling according to taste preferences. It’s a fun and elegant way to enjoy the classic flavors of lasagna.
You’ll need 10 lasagna noodles,
1 lb ground beef,
1 roll sausage,
1 diced medium onion,
3/4 container of ricotta,
a big bag of shredded mozzarella,
and 2 cans of sauce.
Cook down the onions, then brown the sausage and beef together and drain.
Boil and lay out the noodles, spread a ricotta and meat blend with some mozzarella on top, and roll them (not too tight!).
Coat the bottom of the pan with sauce so the noodles don’t stick, then place the rolls in the pan.
Cover with sauce and cheese, and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes.
Add seasoning to the ricotta and meat mixture.
Serve with garlic bread.
Variations for Lasagna Rolls:
- Meat Lover’s Roll: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or Italian sausage to the ricotta mixture for a hearty, meaty version.
- Vegetarian Roll: Mix in finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini with the ricotta filling. You can also use a mix of different cheeses for added flavor.
- Chicken Alfredo Roll: Replace marinara with Alfredo sauce and use cooked shredded chicken mixed with spinach for a creamy twist.
- Pesto Roll: Substitute marinara with basil pesto and add sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the ricotta mixture for a Mediterranean flair.
- Spicy Roll: Incorporate red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the ricotta filling for a bit of heat.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna Rolls:
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: Boil the lasagna noodles until they are just underdone. This prevents them from becoming mushy after baking.
- Prepare Filling Ahead: Mix your filling ingredients and let them sit for a few hours or overnight. This helps the flavors meld together.
- Avoid Overstuffing: Be generous but not excessive with the filling. Overstuffed rolls can be difficult to manage and may overflow during baking.
- Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil for the first part of baking to keep the rolls moist. Remove the foil towards the end to allow the top to brown and cheese to melt.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna rolls sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps them set and makes serving easier.
Storing lasagna rolls properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious. Here’s how to do it:
Short-Term Storage (Up to 3-4 Days):
- Cool Completely: Allow the lasagna rolls to cool to room temperature after baking.
- Refrigerate: Place the cooled rolls in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Long-Term Storage (Up to 3 Months):
- Cool Completely: Make sure the rolls are fully cooled before freezing.
- Wrap Individually: Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze: Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label with the date.
Reheating:
- From the Refrigerator: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the top to crisp up if desired.
- From the Freezer: Thaw the rolls in the refrigerator overnight. Follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated rolls. For quicker reheating, you can bake directly from frozen, but it will take about 45-60 minutes; cover with foil to avoid burning and remove it towards the end to brown the top.
Microwave Reheating:
- From the Refrigerator: Place rolls on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe cover or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and turning halfway through.
- From the Freezer: Thaw in the refrigerator first. Microwave as above, but add time as needed, usually 4-6 minutes on medium power.
By following these steps, you can keep your lasagna rolls fresh and ready to enjoy anytime!
The nutritional information for lasagna rolls can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. Here’s a general idea based on a standard recipe for a single lasagna roll.
Typical Nutritional Information (per roll):
- Calories: 250-350 kcal
- Protein: 12-18 grams
- Fat: 12-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25-35 grams
- Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Sugars: 6-8 grams
- Sodium: 500-700 mg
- Cholesterol: 60-90 mg.
Factors Affecting Nutrition:
- Cheese: Using more cheese or different types (like full-fat vs. low-fat) will alter fat and calorie content.
- Meat: Adding ground beef or sausage increases protein, fat, and calories.
- Sauce: Creamy sauces (like Alfredo) are higher in fat and calories compared to tomato-based sauces.
- Vegetables: Incorporating vegetables can add fiber and vitamins with minimal calories.
For the most accurate nutritional information, calculate based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe.