Name: Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 42 min
Total time: 1 h 12 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles, cooked to package instructions; 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; 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 32 reviews

If you’ve ever loved the comfort of classic lasagna but wished for a fun, easy-to-serve twist, you’re in for a treat with my Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe. These roll-ups are basically lasagna noodles rolled up around a dreamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and savory beef sauce—baked until bubbly and golden. Trust me, they’re a game changer: easy to portion, less noodle fiddling, and all the cheesy goodness that’ll have your family begging for seconds (and thirds!). So pull up a chair, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail this crowd-pleaser at home.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Portions: Rolling the lasagna noodles individually makes serving a breeze and keeps leftovers neat and tidy.
Balanced Flavors: The combination of juicy beef, tangy marinara, and creamy cheeses hits all the comfort food notes.
Easy Prep: Cooking noodles ahead and layering the fillings is straightforward—no complicated assembly required.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep in advance, freeze uncooked, or bake ahead and warm up, making weeknight dinners stress-free.

Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups, easy baked lasagna roll-ups, cheesy beef pasta, homemade lasagna recipes, family-friendly dinner - A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered lasagna. The top layer is melted cheese with golden brown spots and sprinkled with small green parsley pieces. The layer underneath shows hints of a rich red tomato sauce and pasta edges peeking through. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe plays a part in crafting that rich, comforting flavor profile we all crave. From the hearty ground beef to the fresh parsley popping with color, here’s what you’ll want to look for—and why it matters.

Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups, easy baked lasagna roll-ups, cheesy beef pasta, homemade lasagna recipes, family-friendly dinner - Flat lay of twelve cooked lasagna noodles arranged neatly, a mound of fresh ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red marinara sauce, a small white bowl of diced white onion, three peeled garlic cloves, a whole clean large brown egg, a small white bowl of creamy ricotta cheese, a small white bowl with shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of shredded white mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl of chopped fresh green parsley, a pinch of dried oregano and ground black pepper sprinkled beside the bowls, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lasagna noodles: Look for no-boil or traditional noodles; I prefer cooking a few extra in case of breakage—the cold water bath stops the cooking perfectly.
Ground beef: 85% lean gives good flavor without too much grease; it browns nicely and remains juicy.
Marinara sauce: Choose a robust, herby jarred sauce or make your own for deeper flavor.
Onion & garlic: These aromatics build a savory base—don’t skip sautéing them for maximum flavor.
Ricotta cheese: The creamy filling’s star; opt for whole milk ricotta if you want richness.
Mozzarella cheese: Fresh shredded melts beautifully, giving that gooey irresistible pull.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty notes that elevate the whole dish.
Egg: Binds the cheese filling together so it spreads easily and holds inside the noodle.
Parsley: A fresh herb brightness that cuts through all the richness and dresses up the final dish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is—you can easily switch things up based on what you have or your family’s preferences. It’s my go-to when I want a classic Italian feel but with a personal twist.

Variation: For a veggie boost, I like mixing finely chopped spinach or mushrooms into the ricotta filling—it adds some earthiness and sneaks in greens for the kids.
Healthier option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
Spice it up: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or add a touch of smoked paprika in the meat sauce for a subtle kick.
Make it vegetarian: Replace the meat sauce with a chunky roasted vegetable marinara and double the cheese—you won’t miss the meat!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles Just Right

I always start by cooking the lasagna noodles al dente as per the package directions—that means they’re tender but still have a bite and won’t get mushy after baking. Once cooked, I drain them and immediately dunk them into cold water. This trick stops the cooking process and keeps the noodles from sticking together—super important when you’re rolling them up later. Pro tip: cook a few extra noodles in case any rip while rolling.

Step 2: Build Flavor: Preparing the Meat Sauce

In a large pan, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink—break it up as you go for even cooking. Then toss in diced onions and cook until soft and fragrant, followed by minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano for that classic Italian vibe. Pour in your marinara sauce, stir well, and let the sauce simmer just enough to marry the flavors. I usually turn off the heat once it starts simmering so it doesn’t reduce too much before baking. Save a bit of the sauce to spread in the casserole dish—it keeps the roll-ups super moist!

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling

In a big bowl, I mix ricotta, the egg (this helps the filling set during baking), Parmesan, half of the mozzarella, and some fresh parsley. This combo is the star inside each roll and gives you that amazing creamy, cheesy texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 4: Roll-Up Assembly Time

Lay out the cooked noodles on a large baking sheet—you want them in a single layer so they don’t stick. I use an ice cream scoop (about a scant 1/4 cup) to spread the cheese mixture evenly across each noodle. Then, spoon about a heaping tablespoon of meat sauce down the center. Roll them up super gently but firmly enough to hold everything inside, and arrange the roll-ups snugly in your casserole dish. Make sure to spread a bit of the reserved meat sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Top, Cover, and Bake

Pour that remaining meat sauce over the top of the roll-ups, and sprinkle your final bit of mozzarella over everything for a beautifully melted, gooey finish. Cover the dish with foil—here’s a trick: if your pan is shallow and you don’t want the foil to touch the cheese (which can stick and pull cheese off), try inserting toothpicks into the roll-ups to hold the foil up. Bake at 375˚F for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and broil for a couple of minutes to get that gorgeous golden bubbly top. Garnish with extra parsley right before serving for a fresh pop of color.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Noodle Handling: Spacing noodles on a baking sheet helps prevent sticking—don’t skip the cold water bath after boiling.
Sauce Thickness: If your marinara is very watery, let it simmer a bit longer before assembling to avoid watery roll-ups.
Foil Trick: Using toothpicks to keep foil from touching cheese prevents sticking and keeps that perfect crust intact.
Make-Ahead Prep: Roll-ups can be prepped and frozen uncooked, then baked directly from the freezer—seriously convenient!

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups, easy baked lasagna roll-ups, cheesy beef pasta, homemade lasagna recipes, family-friendly dinner - A rolled lasagna piece sits on a white plate with soft, wavy pasta layers visible on the sides. The lasagna has three layers inside, filled with a mix of rich red tomato sauce and light orange cheese sauce. The top is covered with a thick layer of melted white cheese that has some golden brown spots, sprinkled with small green parsley leaves. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and there is a blurred second plate in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m all about simple garnishes that pop visually and give a fresh note to the dish. For these roll-ups, chopped parsley is my go-to—it adds color and a slight herbal brightness that balances all the richness perfectly. Sometimes, I sprinkle a pinch of extra Parmesan on top for a salty finish. Fresh basil can work too if you have it on hand.

Side Dishes

Since these roll-ups are packed with flavor and pretty filling, I like pairing them with a crisp green salad—especially one with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the cheese. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is always a winner, too. For a veggie side, roasted zucchini or a simple sauté of green beans complement the dish without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these roll-ups nestled in individual mini cast iron skillets or cute ramekins, making each portion feel extra special. You can also bake them in colorful baking dishes to brighten up the table. And here’s a fun idea: top each roll-up with a dollop of fresh ricotta or a drizzle of pesto before serving for a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find that these roll-ups store beautifully in the fridge. Once cooled, I tightly cover the casserole dish with foil or plastic wrap. They keep great for up to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

Freezing

Freezing is a fantastic option for this recipe. You can freeze them before baking or after they’re fully cooked and cooled. When freezing uncooked, cover the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. I’ve successfully frozen mine for up to 3 months with delicious results.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a few roll-ups in the microwave for a quick fix or warm the entire casserole back in the oven at 350°F until heated through—usually about 20-25 minutes. If frozen, I thaw overnight in the fridge first for best texture. This keeps the cheese melty and the sauce luscious.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for the roll-ups?

Yes! No-boil noodles can work well and save time since they soften during baking. Just make sure to soften them enough in hot water first so they are pliable enough to roll without cracking.
How do I prevent the roll-ups from falling apart?

Spreading the cheese mixture evenly and rolling gently but firmly helps. Also, the egg in the cheese filling acts as a binder to hold everything together during baking. Using a spoon or ice cream scoop gives consistent portions that roll easier.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and roll everything a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh later. Or freeze it for longer storage, baking straight from frozen adds convenience with delicious results.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you’re not a fan of ricotta, cottage cheese works as a substitute though the texture is slightly different. For a richer option, mascarpone or cream cheese can be mixed with Parmesan to mimic that creamy filling.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is one of those dishes that has quietly become a favorite in my home—everyone loves the individual portions, the balance of meaty sauce and creamy cheese, and the simplicity of preparation. Plus, having leftovers that taste just as good (if not better) warms my heart—and my busy weekdays. I highly recommend giving these a go whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or feeding a crowd—you’ll find this recipe as comforting and satisfying as I do!