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Cozy Make-Ahead Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe Easy Meat Sauce Dinner

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These cozy make-ahead lasagna roll-ups with meat sauce are a quick, comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights. They feature tender pasta sheets rolled with creamy ricotta and hearty beef sauce, baked to bubbly perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil sheets)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (small-curd preferred)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley or basil, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and mix gently until combined.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 2-3 tablespoons of ricotta mixture evenly over each cooked noodle. Spoon a generous amount of meat sauce on top of the cheese layer, then roll the noodle tightly from one end to the other. Place roll seam-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles and filling.
  7. Pour leftover meat sauce over the roll-ups. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let the lasagna roll-ups rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

Notes

Do not overcook noodles; aim for al dente to prevent tearing. Use a thin, even layer of filling to make rolling easier. Lay noodles flat on a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking. Simmer meat sauce low and slow for best flavor. Let roll-ups rest after baking for easier slicing. Can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated or frozen before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna roll-ups, make-ahead dinner, meat sauce, easy weeknight meal, comfort food, Italian pasta, ricotta filling

Find it online: https://avabake.com/cozy-make-ahead-lasagna-roll-ups-recipe-easy-meat-sauce-dinner/