Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

Got it! 😋 Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are a fun twist on classic lasagna — instead of layering, you roll up pasta sheets with cheesy filling and meatballs, then bake with marinara and mozzarella. Here’s the detailed recipe:

🍝 Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef + half pork)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the roll-ups:

• 12 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente)

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for filling)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella (for topping)

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Make the meatballs:

1. In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Roll into small bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch).

3. Cook in a skillet with a little olive oil until browned and cooked through (8–10 minutes). Set aside.

2. Prepare the cheese filling:

1. In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until creamy.

3. Cook the noodles:

1. Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper to avoid sticking.

4. Assemble the roll-ups:

1. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.

2. Take one lasagna noodle and spread 2–3 tbsp of the ricotta mixture over it.

3. Place 2–3 mini meatballs on top, then gently roll up the noodle.

4. Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with all noodles.

5. Top and bake:

1. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups.

2. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and a little Parmesan.

3. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

4. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

6. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

• Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

✨ Tips & Variations:

• Swap meatballs for Italian sausage if you like.

• Add a layer of spinach or sautéed mushrooms in the roll-ups for extra flavor.

• These can be made ahead of time and baked later, or frozen for a quick meal prep option.