Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
If you’re craving a comfort meal that feels cozy yet a little fancy, you’re going to love this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe. It’s a fun twist on traditional lasagna that’s easier to portion out and absolutely packed with melty cheese and rich, savory beef sauce. I promise once you try this, it’ll become your go-to dinner for family nights or when you want to impress without extra fuss.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple, approachable technique: Rolling up the lasagna noodles makes assembly quicker and less intimidating than layering traditional lasagna.
- Balanced flavors: The savory beef sauce combined with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella hits all the right notes every time.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prep these roll-ups in advance or freeze leftovers without losing that fresh-baked taste.
- Perfect portion control: Each roll-up is a neat, individual serving, so no wrestling with oversized slices.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The star ingredients in this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe work beautifully together to create layers of texture and deep flavor. Plus, choosing the right components means your sauce is rich but not watery, the cheese melt is gooey but not greasy, and the noodles are tender without falling apart. Here’s how each part plays an essential role:

- Lasagna noodles: Cooking them until just al dente ensures they’re pliable enough to roll without tearing.
- Ground beef: I stick with 85% lean for juicy flavor that’s not too fatty.
- Marinara sauce: Using a good quality one gives you that classic tomato richness with herbs built in.
- Onion and garlic: They build a savory base that makes the meat sauce sing.
- Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese adds moisture and mild tang to balance the tomato sauce.
- Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture, so it’s easy to spread and holds together when baking.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and depth of flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: It’s all about that melty, stretchy cheese texture on top and inside.
- Parsley: Freshness and a little herbaceous pop to brighten the rich layers.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe invites personalization. Whether you want it extra cheesy, a little spicy, or more herb-forward, you can make it your own without complicated tweaks. Here’s how I’ve played around with it:
- Variation: I’ve swapped ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage to mix up the flavor profiles and spice levels—both work beautifully.
- Vegetarian version: Replacing meat with sautéed mushrooms and spinach packed with extra garlic makes a hearty, satisfying option.
- Spice it up: Adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the meat sauce kicks up the heat just right.
- Cheese mix: Sometimes I sneak in some provolone or fontina with mozzarella for a richer cheese pull.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Cook Your Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F and cooking the lasagna noodles according to package directions—but here’s a trick: cook them just until al dente and not beyond, or they’ll tear when rolling. Once cooked, drain and immediately rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking together. I always cook a couple of extra noodles to have backups in case any break.
Step 2: Build the Meat Sauce
In a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula until no pink remains—you’ll want that meaty base to be nicely textured. Then toss in diced onions and cook until they’re soft and fragrant, around 3 minutes. Next, stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano and sauté another minute until aromatic. Pour in your marinara sauce, bring it to a gentle simmer, then turn off the heat. I like to spoon a bit of this sauce (about half a cup) spread evenly across the bottom of my casserole dish to keep the roll-ups from sticking and to infuse flavor from the bottom up.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, stir together ricotta, one egg, Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and the chopped parsley. This mixture is creamy but still holds its shape well for spreading on the noodles. The egg helps everything bind nicely so you get cheesy pockets in every bite, not a crumbly mess.
Step 4: Roll ’Em Up
Lay your noodles out on a large baking sheet in a single layer (to keep mess contained and make rolling easier). Spread about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture evenly over the top of each noodle, then add a generous tablespoon or so of meat sauce in a line down the middle. Now gently roll each noodle up and place them seam side down in your sauce-coated casserole dish. It’s oddly satisfying to see all those neat little packages ready for baking.
Step 5: Finish with Sauce, Cheese & Bake
Pour the remaining meat sauce over the roll-ups, then sprinkle the rest of your mozzarella on top. Cover tightly with foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese—if it looks like it will, I sometimes pop a few toothpicks in the rolls to prop the foil up and keep the cheese from sticking. Bake covered for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is bubbly and lightly golden. Sprinkle a little extra parsley to finish and serve hot!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Al dente noodles roll better and hold their shape with less chance of tearing.
- Keep the foil off the cheese: Using toothpicks or careful tenting prevents the foil from sticking to that gorgeous melt.
- Make ahead and freeze: You can freeze uncooked roll-ups assembled in the dish—just bake them straight from the freezer with a few extra minutes.
- Customize the cheeses: A blend of mozzarella and provolone gives a beautiful stretch and deeper flavor.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Garnishes
I always finish mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—there’s just something about that green pop that cuts through all this cheesy richness so nicely. Sometimes I add a little extra shredded Parmesan on top for good measure. Fresh basil leaves are a lovely alternative if you want a slightly sweeter herbaceous note.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is hearty, I like pairing it with something fresh and light—like a crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula and lemon vinaigrette salad. Garlic bread or a warm baguette buttered and toasted works beautifully if you want something to sop up every last bit of that sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged these roll-ups side by side in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes—they make for pretty single servings that feel fancy yet homey. You can also bake them in a muffin tin for “lasagna cups” that are perfect for parties or kids, and they’re super easy to pick up and eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container or cover the casserole tightly with foil in the fridge for up to 4 days. This way, they stay moist and flavorful without drying out. When I reheat, I usually add a splash of marinara or a little water to keep them juicy.
Freezing
One of my favorite things about this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is how well it freezes. I cool the roll-ups completely, then pack them in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to use them, I thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
For reheating, I prefer the oven to preserve that lovely texture—cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20-25 minutes. If I’m in a hurry, the microwave works fine, but I cover the roll-ups with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out and heat in short bursts.
FAQs
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Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to adjust the moisture in your sauce since no-boil noodles absorb more liquid while baking. You might want to slightly increase your marinara sauce or cover the dish tightly to trap steam for even cooking.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the roll-ups and store them in the fridge overnight before baking, or freeze them unbaked for later. Just bake them from chilled or frozen, adding extra baking time if frozen.
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What’s the best way to avoid soggy noodles?
Don’t overcook the noodles; they should be al dente as they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Also, rinsing them in cold water right away stops cooking and prevents sticking. If you prefer, dry the noodles gently before spreading the cheese and sauce to minimize excess moisture.
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Can I substitute other cheeses in this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe?
Definitely! Mozzarella and Parmesan are classics for melty texture and flavor, but you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a little sharp cheddar for a different twist.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe has become such a beloved dish in my house because it strikes the perfect balance between indulgent comfort food and simple, fuss-free cooking. Rolling those noodles up with savory beef sauce and creamy cheeses feels like a little hug on a plate—and who doesn’t need more of those? I really hope you give this a try and enjoy every gooey, flavorful bite as much as my family and I do. Let me know how your roll-ups turn out—I’m rooting for you!
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
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Delicious and hearty Lasagna Roll Ups featuring layers of tender noodles, savory ground beef marinara sauce, and a creamy cheese filling, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting meal that serves 12.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles
- 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 the oven to 375˚F. Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and immediately immerse the noodles in cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook ground beef for about 2 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano and sauté for another minute. Pour in the marinara sauce, bring to a simmer briefly, then turn off the heat. Spread 1/2 cup of 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. Stir well until thoroughly mixed.
- Assemble Roll Ups: Lay the cooked noodles in a single layer on a large baking sheet to keep them separated. 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 noodle. Carefully roll each noodle up and place seam side down in the prepared casserole dish.
- Top and Bake: Pour the remaining meat sauce over the roll ups, then sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil, ensuring the foil does not touch the cheese (use toothpicks in the roll ups if needed to keep foil away). Bake covered at 375˚F for 40 minutes.
- Broil for Finish: Remove the foil and broil the lasagna roll ups for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is lightly golden and bubbly. Garnish with extra chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Cook extra lasagna noodles to allow for breaks or tears during cooking.
- Make ahead options: Store baked and cooled casserole covered in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 months, or store uncooked and covered before baking similarly.
- Refrigerate cooked roll ups for up to 4 days, or freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen items overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat individual roll ups in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg


