Meal Bite: Lasagna Roll Ups

Hi Busies!

It’s finally cooling off here in Rals, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with some warm, cheesy pasta!   I usually bring out this meal around the same time I bring out the sweatpants and slipper socks, and it’s basically a ~*PaRtY*~.  I know I sound like a baby since it’s barely fall and I live in the South, but in my defense, Drew and I play a little game where we try to wait as long as we can to turn on the heat for the first time each year (we’re basically in denial about summer being over).  So currently, the house is only 63°! ???

I may be wearing 3 layers and 2 blankets, but I won’t be the first to admit defeat!

These lasagna roll-ups are lightened up a bit from traditional lasagna because the roll form requires less cheese (you won’t even miss it, I promise!), they use lean ground turkey in the meat sauce, and even have some spinach, because VEGETABLES.  Make then as part of my meal prep plan and pop them in the freezer for one of those nights when you’re ready for pasta and fuzzy socks.

A couple of these lasagna rolls, smothered in warm marinara and baked until the cheese is oooozing out, make the perfect dinner for a busy weeknight when all you want to do is cuddle under a blanket.  Plus, they can be reheated straight from the freezer!  

These lasagna roll-ups are easier and more fun to make than regular lasagna – I can see the roll ups being a super fun activity for any kiddos who like to be involved in cooking!  But I kept all the fun for myself (see GIF below for evidence).  Wilt some spinach while boiling water for lasagna noodles, then use the same pan to brown the ground turkey while the noodles cook.  Stir together the filling while all that cooks, and you’re ready to assemble!  

Some tips on working with lasagna noodles – I drizzle about 1 tsp of olive oil in the cooking water, and stir well after draining to avoid noodles sticking together.  I laid out some parchment paper on my counter and laid out all the noodles while they were still warm, to avoid stickies.

Now, excuse me while I retreat to being covered up under multiple blankets and pray I don’t spill any marinara on them while I eat these!

Print

Lasagna Roll-Ups

Lasagna roll ups with a spinach and cheese filling, layered with a marinara sauce (meat optional!)

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Servings 5

Author Sam - Busy Girl Bites

Ingredients

Filling

• 7 oz ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup fresh spinach or ~1/3 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 egg

Roll Ups

• 1 box lasagna noodles
• 1 jar marinara sauce divided
• 1 lb package ground beef or turkey optional

Instructions

Noodles and Filling

1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
2. Cook ground meat over medium high heat until cooked through. Drain and stir in 1/4 cup of marinara sauce.
3. If using fresh spinach, saute over medium heat with 1 tsp olive oil until wilted. Drain and chop.
4. Stir together ingredients for filling.

Roll-Ups

1. Prepare a clean surface and coat lightly with olive oil or cooking spray. Prepare a container lined with nonstick foil or cooking spray, spread 1/2 of remaining marinara sauce in the base of the container.
2. Lay 1 noodle flat, spread with ~1T filling and ~1T meat. Roll and place seam side down in the prepared container.
3. Repeat until noodles and filling are gone.
4. Spread remaining meat and sauce over top of the roll ups. Cover, refrigerate overnight, and freeze until ready for use.

To Serve

1. Thaw overnight.
2. Place desired number of rolls in a pan lined with nonstick foil or cooking spray. Cover and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until cheese is hot and bubbling.

Recipe Notes

When spreading the filling, it helps to keep the filling at least 1" away from both the short edges of the lasagna noodle. This makes for easier rolling!