Easy Lasagna Roll Ups to Enjoy Tonight
If you have a busy evening ahead but crave something comforting and delicious, these easy Lasagna Roll Ups are here to save the day. Filled with creamy (plant-based) cheese and enveloped in a rich tomato sauce (natural), this recipe is a fun twist on classic lasagna that’s quicker to prepare and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, making these roll ups will have you excited for dinnertime in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: These Lasagna Roll Ups cut down on cooking time while still delivering all the flavors you love.
- Customizable Filling: You can easily swap out ingredients in the filling to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Perfect Portion Control: Each roll up is an individual serving, making it practical and fun to eat.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: This recipe keeps the soul-warming feel of traditional lasagna but in a more exciting form.
- Great for Entertaining: They look impressive on the plate, ideal for casual dinner parties or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how simple yet essential these ingredients are for creating that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and hearty flavors. Each component plays a vital role in delivering the texture and taste that make these Lasagna Roll Ups so irresistible.
- Lasagna noodles: Flat sheets that hold the filling beautifully and soften perfectly when cooked.
- Plant-based ricotta cheese: Provides a luscious, creamy texture that melts delightfully inside each roll.
- Spinach (fresh or frozen): Adds a fresh green element and boosts the nutritional value with vitamins.
- Garlic and onion: Essential aromatics that build depth and richness in the sauce and filling.
- Crushed tomatoes (natural): Forms a vibrant, tangy base for the sauce that complements the cheese fabulously.
- Olive oil: Enhances flavor and helps sauté veggies to soften them perfectly.
- Herbs (basil, oregano): Bring classic Italian seasoning notes to life in every bite.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and complexity in the sauce without overpowering.
Variations for Lasagna Roll Ups
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own based on the ingredients you have on hand or your personal preferences. Whether you want to boost the veggie count or try a different cheese blend, these ideas will keep things exciting.
- Vegan mix: Swap plant-based ricotta cheese with a blend of mashed tofu and nutritional yeast for a different creaminess.
- Extra veggies: Add roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini slices inside each roll for a veggie-packed dinner.
- Protein boost: Include cooked ground lamb or lean chicken if you prefer a heartier, meaty roll up.
- Spicy touch: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne to the tomato sauce for warmth.
- Herb swap: Experiment with fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary for unique herbaceous flavors.
How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the lasagna noodles. Cook them until they are al dente, firm but tender, so they hold their shape when rolled. Drain carefully and lay them flat on a clean sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the filling
In a mixing bowl, combine plant-based ricotta cheese with finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and chopped herbs. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring every roll up will be packed with flavor.
Step 3: Make the tomato sauce (natural)
Heat olive oil in a saucepan, sauté minced onion and garlic until fragrant, then add crushed tomatoes (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and Italian herbs. Let it simmer gently to develop a rich and slightly thickened sauce that will perfectly complement the cheese filling.
Step 4: Assemble the roll ups
Spread a thin layer of the filling evenly over each noodle, then carefully roll them up from one end to the other. Place each roll seam side down in a baking dish layered with a little tomato sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the roll ups, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. If you want the top to brown slightly, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Pro Tips for Making Lasagna Roll Ups
- Prevent sticking: Lay cooked noodles on parchment or lightly oil them so they don’t clump together before filling.
- Even filling: Spread the cheese mixture in a thin, consistent layer on each noodle to ensure smooth rolling and perfect bites.
- Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the noodles to tear or the roll ups to burst while baking.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil or oregano adds more vibrant flavor than dried, but both work well depending on what you have.
- Cover while baking: Keeping the dish covered locks in moisture, preventing the roll ups from drying out.
How to Serve Lasagna Roll Ups
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley brings a fresh, green pop to the plate, while a few shaved (plant-based) parmesan cheese flakes add the perfect finishing touch for those who love extra cheesiness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Lasagna Roll Ups with a crisp garden salad dressed lightly in lemon juice and olive oil or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a complete, balanced meal full of color and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the roll ups individually in deep bowls with a spoonful of extra warm tomato sauce (natural) spooned over. Alternatively, arrange them neatly on a large platter for a buffet-style dinner that encourages everyone to dig in and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover roll ups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen over time, making reheated portions even more delicious.
Freezing
Freeze fully assembled but unbaked roll ups in a freezer-safe dish covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftover roll ups in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent the top from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free noodles for Lasagna Roll Ups?
Absolutely. Many gluten-free lasagna noodles work well as long as they are cooked according to package instructions and handled gently to prevent cracking when rolled.
How do I make the filling extra creamy?
Try adding a little plant-based cream cheese or a splash of almond milk into the ricotta mixture for an extra smooth and luscious texture.
Can I prepare Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the roll ups earlier in the day, cover, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for maximum convenience and fresh flavor.
Are Lasagna Roll Ups suitable for picky eaters?
Definitely. The individual portions are easy to customize with milder fillings or additional seasoning based on personal taste preferences.
What is a good substitute for spinach in the filling?
Kale or finely chopped Swiss chard work beautifully in place of spinach, providing a similar texture and nutrient boost.
Final Thoughts
Easy Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful, approachable way to enjoy the familiar comforts of lasagna without the fuss and long baking times. This recipe brings both flavor and simplicity to your dinner table, making it a wonderful choice for weekday meals or special gatherings alike. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this cozy dish with your loved ones!
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Lasagna Roll Ups
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 roll ups (servings) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Lasagna Roll Ups combine creamy plant-based cheese filling with rich natural tomato sauce, offering a quicker, customizable twist on classic lasagna. Perfect for busy evenings and sharing with family or friends, this comforting dish delivers individual portions that are hearty, delicious, and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Lasagna Roll Ups
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh or frozen spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1/2 cup vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes (natural)
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup mashed tofu mixed with nutritional yeast (vegan mix alternative to ricotta)
- 1/2 cup roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini slices (extra veggies)
- 3/4 cup cooked ground lean chicken or lamb (protein boost)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne (spicy touch)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary (herb swap)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the lasagna noodles. Cook until al dente, firm but tender, so they hold their shape when rolled. Drain carefully and lay flat on a clean sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine plant-based ricotta cheese with finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and chopped herbs. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring every roll up will be packed with flavor.
- Make the tomato sauce (natural): Heat olive oil in a saucepan, sauté minced onion and garlic until fragrant, then add crushed tomatoes (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and Italian herbs. Let it simmer gently to develop a rich and slightly thickened sauce that will perfectly complement the cheese filling.
- Assemble the roll ups: Spread a thin layer of the filling evenly over each noodle, then carefully roll them up from one end to the other. Place each roll seam side down in a baking dish layered with a little tomato sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Bake to perfection: Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the roll ups, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. For a slightly browned top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Notes
- Prevent sticking by laying cooked noodles on parchment or lightly oiling them before filling.
- Spread cheese mixture in a thin, consistent layer for smooth rolling and perfect bites.
- Do not overfill to avoid tearing noodles or bursting roll ups while baking.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for more vibrant flavor; dried herbs also work well.
- Keep the dish covered while baking to lock in moisture and prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Lasagna Roll Ups, Plant-based cheese, Tomato sauce (natural), Easy Italian recipe, Vegetarian dinner, Comfort food
