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Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rolls

Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rolls

Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rolls are a comforting and hearty meal featuring savory seasoned ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and layers of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses rolled inside tender lasagna noodles. This dish offers a delightful twist on traditional lasagna with perfectly portioned rolls that are easy to serve, customizable, and family-friendly. Ideal for make-ahead meals, these rolls bake to bubbly, golden perfection and deliver a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dining experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Pasta and Sauce

  • 810 lasagna noodles (no-boil or traditional)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce, divided

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for sautéing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat and stir in about ¼ cup marinara sauce to keep the mixture moist. Remove from heat.
  2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until just tender but still firm (al dente). Drain noodles and lay them flat on a clean surface or baking sheet to cool, preventing them from sticking together and making rolling easier.
  3. Make the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, egg, and chopped fresh basil if using. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
  4. Assemble the Rolls: Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture evenly over each cooled noodle. Top with a spoonful of the beef filling, spreading it evenly. Starting at one short end, carefully roll up each noodle tightly and place seam side down in a lightly marinara-coated baking dish.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the rolls. Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.

Notes

  • Prep Ahead: Make the beef filling and cheese mixture a day in advance to save time.
  • Don’t Overcook Noodles: Boil noodles al dente to prevent cracking when rolling.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley for brighter flavor.
  • Layer Generously: Use plenty of cheese and sauce to keep rolls moist and flavorful.
  • Cover While Baking: Optional to cover with foil for first 20 minutes to keep top soft, then uncover to brown.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna rolls, cheesy beef lasagna, comfort food, Italian, baked pasta, make-ahead meal, family dinner