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- 9 lasagna noodles - 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey) - 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) These main ingredients form the base of your dish. The lasagna noodles hold the filling, while the ground meat adds protein. Marinara sauce brings rich flavor and moisture to the roll-ups. - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Adding these optional ingredients can elevate your meal. Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty taste. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. Italian seasoning blends herbs for extra flavor. - Mixing bowl - Skillet - Baking dish Having the right tools helps you cook efficiently. A mixing bowl is needed for the meatball mix. A skillet is best for browning the meatballs. The baking dish holds everything as it bakes. {{ingredient_image_2}} To cook the lasagna noodles, start with a big pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add the noodles and cook them as per the package's guide. Aim for al dente texture. This means the noodles should be firm but cooked through. When done, drain the noodles. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to cool. This keeps them from sticking together. For the meatball mixture, gather a large mixing bowl. In it, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella, the egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything well. Mixing thoroughly is key. This ensures all flavors blend together nicely. Next, shape the meatballs. Lightly grease your hands to prevent sticking. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch wide. This size cooks evenly. For cooking, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully. Cook them until they turn golden brown on all sides, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, place the meatballs on a plate and set them aside. Now it’s time to assemble the roll-ups. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom. For each lasagna noodle, place one meatball on one end. Roll the noodle tightly around the meatball. Make sure the seam is on the bottom to keep it secure. Repeat this for the other noodles and meatballs, placing them side by side in the dish. After that, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. Add any extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a nice touch. - Preventing noodles from sticking: To keep your noodles from sticking, use a large pot of boiling salted water. Stir the noodles when you add them. After cooking, lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel. This will help them cool and stay separate. - Ensuring meatballs hold together: Use fresh bread crumbs and mix well. Make sure your hands are slightly greased when rolling. This helps shape the meatballs without them falling apart. - Ground beef alternatives: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. This gives a leaner option while still being tasty. - Low-carb or gluten-free options: For a low-carb dish, try zucchini strips instead of noodles. For gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or rice paper. - Creative serving suggestions: Serve the roll-ups upright in bowls or plates. This shows off their layers and makes them look great. - Garnishing for visual appeal: Add fresh parsley on top for color. You can also sprinkle extra grated Parmesan for a nice touch. A side salad with vibrant greens adds more color and freshness to your meal. Pro Tips Chill the Meatball Mixture: Allowing your meatball mixture to chill for about 30 minutes before shaping can help it hold together better while cooking. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley not only adds a burst of flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of your dish. Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or oregano. Layer Flavors: For a deeper flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to your meatball mixture. These additions can bring a unique twist to your roll-ups. Make Ahead: You can prepare and assemble the roll-ups a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator, then bake when ready to serve. {{image_4}} If you want a meat-free option, try plant-based meatballs. You can use lentils, beans, or mushrooms. These options give you a hearty bite. You can also use store-bought veggie meatballs for quick prep. Just swap the ground beef with your choice! Don't feel stuck with marinara. Pesto brings a fresh twist. It adds nice herbal notes that mix well with cheese. You can also try Alfredo sauce for a creamy version. Mix it with a bit of marinara for a rich taste. Feel free to get creative with what you have. Want to boost nutrition? Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Chop them small so they mix well. These veggies add color and flavor, plus extra vitamins. You can even throw in some fresh basil for a pop of taste. Each addition makes your roll-ups even better! To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container. Let the roll-ups cool first. Place wax paper between layers to avoid sticking. Store in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the roll-ups. Wrap each roll-up in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot. When stored properly, your roll-ups can last in the fridge for three days. If you freeze them, they are safe for three months. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as off smells or discoloration. Enjoy your meal! You can prepare many steps in advance. Start by cooking the lasagna noodles. Once cooled, lay them flat. Make your meatball mix and shape the meatballs. Cook them in olive oil until golden. You can store the meatballs in the fridge. Assemble the roll-ups the day you want to eat. Just pour the sauce and cheese on top before baking. Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. They save time since you skip the cooking step. However, ensure you add extra sauce. This keeps the noodles moist while baking. They will absorb some sauce, making them soft and tasty. Several side dishes pair well. A fresh green salad with a light dressing adds crunch. Garlic bread is another great choice. You could also serve roasted vegetables for color and flavor. Consider a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy option. To reheat leftovers, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F. Place the roll-ups in a baking dish. Cover with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. This method helps keep the cheese gooey and the noodles soft. In this post, we explored Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups. We discussed the main and optional ingredients that add flavor. I walked you through tools needed to assemble this dish. We covered step-by-step cooking, tips for perfection, variations, and storage. These roll-ups are a fun twist on classic lasagna. They are easy to make and can fit any taste. Now, you have everything you need to create this tasty meal. Enjoy making them and sharing with others!

Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

Delicious lasagna noodles rolled with meatballs and topped with marinara sauce and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 9 noodles lasagna
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook them according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to cool completely.
  • Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, the egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients thoroughly until fully incorporated.
  • Shape the Meatballs: With hands lightly greased, take portions of the mixture and roll them into small meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter.
  • Cook the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet and cook them until they are golden brown on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
  • Assemble the Roll-Ups: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Take a lasagna noodle and place one meatball on one end. Roll the noodle tightly around the meatball, ensuring the seam is on the bottom to secure it in place. Repeat this process for the remaining noodles and meatballs, arranging them side by side in the dish.
  • Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the arranged roll-ups. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, followed by any additional grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped parsley for a touch of color.
  • Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. Afterward, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  • Serve: Once baked, let the roll-ups cool in the dish for about 5 minutes. This will help them firm up slightly for easier serving.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley.
Keyword Italian, lasagna, meatballs, pasta