Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups
Cheesy, Saucy, and Packed with Classic Italian Flavor!
Looking for a fun twist on traditional lasagna? These Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups deliver all the comfort of lasagna—with a playful, individual spin! Tender lasagna noodles are rolled around juicy, homemade meatballs, creamy ricotta, rich marinara, and melted mozzarella. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, make-ahead meals, or impressing guests with minimal effort. Think meatballs meet lasagna—in the best way possible!
What You’ll Need (Makes 12 Roll-Ups / Serves 6):
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Filling & Assembly:
12 lasagna noodles, cooked and laid flat
1½ cups ricotta cheese
1 egg (to mix into the ricotta)
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Noodles:
Boil the lasagna noodles until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on parchment or foil to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef or sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
3️⃣ Form and Cook Meatballs:
Roll the mixture into 12 small meatballs (about 1½ inches each). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Set aside.
4️⃣ Prepare the Ricotta Filling:
In a small bowl, stir together ricotta and one egg until smooth and creamy.
5️⃣ Assemble the Roll-Ups:
Spread a thin layer of ricotta mixture over each lasagna noodle. Place a cooked meatball at one end, roll it up carefully, and place seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6️⃣ Add Sauce and Cheese:
Pour marinara sauce evenly over the roll-ups. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
7️⃣ Bake Until Bubbly:
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
8️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
Top with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot. Each roll-up is cheesy, saucy perfection in every bite!
Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna Roll-Ups:
Use parchment to lay out noodles: It keeps them from sticking while you prep.
Make ahead: Assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Add veggies: Mix some spinach into the ricotta for extra color and nutrients.
Why You’ll Love Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups:
Portion-Perfect: Everyone gets their own cheesy, saucy roll!
Classic Flavors, Easy Format: No layering or slicing needed.
Freezer Friendly: Great to freeze and reheat for later meals.
Nutritional Information (per roll-up, approx.):
Calories: 360
Protein: 21g
Carbs: 26g
Fat: 20g
Sugar: 4g
FAQ About Lasagna Roll-Ups:
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes! Just make sure they’re fully cooked and small enough to fit inside the roll.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely—skip the meatballs and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Common Problems and Fixes:
Roll-ups falling apart?
Don’t overfill them, and make sure the noodles aren’t too soft or broken.
Too dry after baking?
Be generous with the marinara sauce to keep them moist while baking.
Flavor Variations You Can Try:
Spicy Meatball Roll-Ups: Add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
White Sauce Roll-Ups: Swap marinara for Alfredo for a creamy twist.
Cheesy Pesto Version: Add a spoonful of pesto inside each roll for extra flavor.
Perfect for Every Occasion:
These lasagna roll-ups are a hit for family dinners, potlucks, or even holiday meals. They’re fun to make, impressive to serve, and satisfying every time.
Lasagna, Reinvented:
These Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups take everything you love about classic lasagna—tender pasta, rich meat, creamy cheese—and roll it into a fun, flavorful package. It’s lasagna with a twist, and it just might become your new favorite.
Made these? Tag us with your roll-up creations—we’d love to see your cheesy masterpieces!