These Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups take everything you love about classic lasagna and transform it into elegant, individual portions filled with tender meatballs, creamy ricotta, rich marinara, and perfectly melted mozzarella. Each roll-up delivers the ideal balance of pasta, cheese, and savory meat in a fun spiral presentation that looks impressive while remaining surprisingly simple to assemble. This recipe is comforting, satisfying, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These roll-ups offer all the flavor and comfort of traditional lasagna but in a tidier, more elegant format. They are easy to serve, kid-approved, and ideal for meal prep or make-ahead dinners. Their individual presentation feels restaurant-worthy without requiring expert cooking skills. Whether hosting guests or feeding a hungry family, this dish provides consistent portions, rich Italian flavors, and a beautiful melt of cheese that never fails to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 lasagna noodles, cooked
1 tablespoon olive oil

Meatball mixture:
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 large egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Assembly and toppings:
2 cups marinara sauce, divided
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente, then lay them flat to cool.

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or Italian sausage with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until cooked through. Set aside.

Lay each lasagna noodle flat and spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese over the surface. Place 2–3 meatballs at one end of each noodle and gently roll them up.

Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the roll-ups seam-side down.

Top with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6 (12 roll-ups, 2 per serving)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 65 minutes

Variations

• Swap half the ground beef for turkey or chicken to create a lighter version while maintaining the same texture.
• Mix sautéed spinach into the ricotta for added color, nutrients, and richness.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara for gentle, warming heat.
• Try a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a deeper, smokier cheese flavor.
• Substitute plant-based meatballs and dairy-free cheese for a satisfying vegetarian alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain the best texture. To freeze, assemble the roll-ups without baking, wrap tightly, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes. About 24–30 small thawed frozen meatballs work perfectly and save prep time.

How do I keep the roll-ups from coming apart?

Place them seam-side down and pack them snugly in the baking dish so they stay in place as they bake.

Can these be made ahead?

Yes. Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What can I use if I don’t have ricotta?

Cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese with a splash of milk works well as a substitute.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can replace the meatballs with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers, or use plant-based meatballs.

Can these roll-ups be frozen?

Yes. Freeze unbaked roll-ups for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as instructed.

How do I prevent overcooking the noodles?

Boil them until just al dente since they continue cooking in the oven.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes. Finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be mixed into the ricotta or added alongside the meatballs.

What type of marinara works best?

A thicker marinara with robust flavor helps the roll-ups hold together and prevents excess moisture.

How do I know the roll-ups are done?

The cheese should be melted and golden, and the centers should be heated through when tested with a knife.

Conclusion

Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups bring together the comfort of classic lasagna and the convenience of individual servings. With tender meatballs, rich cheese, and perfectly rolled pasta, this dish is both impressive and approachable for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, entertaining guests, or preparing meals ahead of time, these roll-ups deliver dependable flavor and a beautiful presentation every time.

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