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To make lasagna roll-ups, you need 9-12 lasagna noodles. Start by cooking them. Follow the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean surface. This helps them cool and prevents sticking. The filling makes the roll-ups special. You will need: - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these ingredients in a bowl. The ricotta and spinach blend well. Add garlic powder for flavor. The egg helps bind the filling. For the sauce, you will use 2 cups of marinara sauce. This adds moisture and flavor. You’ll also need: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (for topping) Spread some marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. This keeps the roll-ups moist. Use fresh basil leaves to garnish if you like. They add a nice touch! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, cook the lasagna noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Cook the noodles until they are al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Check the package for exact times. Once done, drain the noodles. Lay them flat on a clean surface to cool. This helps prevent them from sticking together. Now, let’s prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste Mix all the ingredients well until you have a smooth filling. The spinach adds great color and flavor. This mixture will be the heart of your roll-ups. Next, we assemble the roll-ups. Start with a lasagna noodle. Spoon a generous amount of the cheese and spinach mixture onto one end of the noodle. Carefully roll it up from that end. Place the roll-up seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat this for all noodles. Each roll should be snug but not too tight, allowing for some space to expand. After assembling, it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Use about 1/2 cup of sauce for this. Once all roll-ups are in the dish, pour the rest of the marinara sauce on top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delightful dish! To cook lasagna noodles well, boil a large pot of salted water. Add the noodles and stir gently. Cook them until they are just firm, or al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Don't overcook them, or they will fall apart. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean surface. This helps them cool and keeps them from sticking together. For a tasty filling, use fresh ingredients. I like to mix ricotta cheese with chopped spinach for a fresh taste. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor. You can also experiment with herbs like basil or oregano. Make sure to mix the filling well. This way, every bite is full of flavor. A well-seasoned filling makes all the difference in your lasagna roll-ups. To get a great cheese melt, use a mix of cheeses. I recommend mozzarella for its stretch and Parmesan for its sharp flavor. Layer some cheese into the filling and on top. This adds richness and creaminess. Baking covered with foil helps melt the cheese evenly. Remove the foil at the end to get a nice golden top. A bubbly, golden cheese layer makes your dish look and taste amazing! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Noodles: Ensure the lasagna noodles are cooked al dente; this prevents them from becoming too soft during baking. Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture for a subtle yet delightful flavor enhancement. Extra Creaminess: For an even creamier filling, mix in a splash of heavy cream to the ricotta and spinach blend. Make Ahead: Assemble the roll-ups in advance and refrigerate them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when ready to cook. {{image_2}} You can mix and match fillings in lasagna roll-ups. Besides spinach and ricotta, try using cooked ground beef or turkey for a hearty option. You can also add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a fresh taste. For a creamy twist, blend in some cream cheese or goat cheese. While marinara is classic, other sauces can shine in this dish. Alfredo sauce adds a rich, creamy flavor. You can also use pesto for a fresh, herby note. A simple olive oil and garlic sauce can elevate the taste. Feel free to layer sauces for more depth. Lasagna roll-ups fit any diet. For vegetarians, fill them with veggies, herbs, and cheeses. For meat lovers, add ground beef, sausage, or chicken. You can even mix both! This way, everyone enjoys a tasty meal. Just adjust cooking times for different fillings to ensure they cook through. After you enjoy your lasagna roll-ups, store the leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. When ready to eat, just reheat and enjoy! You can freeze lasagna roll-ups for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each roll-up in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the roll-ups in a baking dish with some marinara sauce. Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Check that they are hot all the way through. For storing, use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. These keep the roll-ups fresh. If you freeze them, use freezer bags that can seal well. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them tasty. If you need a substitute for ricotta cheese, try cottage cheese. It has a similar texture and taste. You can also use cream cheese for a richer flavor. Blend it with a little milk to make it smoother. Silken tofu is a great vegan option. It adds creaminess without dairy. Yes, you can make lasagna roll-ups ahead of time! Prepare them, then cover and chill in the fridge. You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes dinner easy on busy days. You will know the roll-ups are done when the cheese is bubbly and golden. Look for a nice brown color on top. If you poke a roll-up, the filling should be hot. Use a food thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F. That means it's safe to eat! Many sides go well with lasagna roll-ups. A fresh green salad adds crispness. Garlic bread brings a nice crunch. Roasted vegetables add color and flavor too. You might also enjoy a side of steamed broccoli or zucchini. Each adds balance to the meal. Making lasagna roll-ups is a fun and tasty project. You learned how to prepare the noodles, fill them, and bake them to perfection. We also explored tips for great flavor and cheese. You can change the fillings and sauces to fit your taste. Remember to store your leftovers well and feel free to swap ingredients as needed. I hope you enjoy creating these delicious meals! Cooking should be fun, so experiment and make it your own!

Cheesy Spinach & Ricotta Lasagna Roll-Ups

Delicious lasagna roll-ups filled with a cheesy spinach and ricotta mixture, topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 9 noodles lasagna noodles
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg egg
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • optional Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean surface to cool.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, about 1/2 cup.
  • Take a lasagna noodle, spoon a generous amount of the cheese and spinach mixture onto one end, and carefully roll it up to enclose the filling. Place the roll-up seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles.
  • Once all roll-ups are in the dish, pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Keyword cheese, lasagna, ricotta, spinach, vegetarian