Name: Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 42 min
Total time: 1 h 12 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles (cooked to package instructions); 16 oz ground beef (85% lean); 1/2 cup diced onion; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 24 oz marinara sauce; 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste); 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (shredded); 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided); 1/4 cup parsley (chopped, plus more to garnish)

If you love comfort food with a little twist, you’re going to absolutely adore this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe. It’s like classic lasagna got a makeover—making it easier to serve, perfectly portioned, and just as rich and satisfying as the original. I discovered this trick when I wanted to bring my family’s favorite meal to a potluck without the mess of slicing a sloppy pan of lasagna. Trust me, once you try these roll-ups, you’ll wonder why you ever made lasagna any other way!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Portion Control Made Easy: Each roll-up is its own perfectly sized serving, making dinner less messy and more fun.
Rich and Cheesy Filling: The creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and Parmesan combo makes every bite indulgent.
Simple Prep and Clean-Up: You can make the meat sauce and cheese filling ahead, so assembly is quick on busy nights.
Family Favorite: My crew goes crazy for this, especially when we add that sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

The image shows a close-up of a rolled lasagna with three visible layers: the outer pasta layer is yellow with wavy edges, the middle layer contains a red meat sauce with bits of ground meat and some melted cheese, and the inner layer has creamy white cheese mixed with small green herb pieces. The top is covered with a layer of melted white cheese that is slightly browned and bubbly, sprinkled lightly with green herbs. The lasagna is held by a white utensil, with a portion being lifted to show the stretchy melted cheese inside, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups, beef lasagna roll-ups, cheesy lasagna roll-ups, easy lasagna roll-ups, baked beef lasagna roll-ups

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe relies on classic Italian ingredients that work perfectly together to create that hearty, cozy vibe you want from lasagna. Just make sure your marinara sauce is something you really love—it’s the star behind the scenes.

Flat lay of uncooked lasagna noodles neatly stacked, a mound of raw ground beef with a bright red hue, a small white bowl filled with rich red marinara sauce, a few diced pale yellow onion pieces arranged in a simple white bowl, three whole garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a small white bowl containing coarse sea salt crystals, another small white bowl with cracked black peppercorns, a small white bowl of dried oregano leaves, a generous dollop of creamy white ricotta cheese in a white ceramic bowl, one large uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl heaped with finely shredded pale yellow Parmesan cheese, another small white bowl holding shredded mozzarella cheese strings, and a small pile of freshly chopped vibrant green parsley leaves placed in a white bowl, all ingredients arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups, beef lasagna roll-ups, cheesy lasagna roll-ups, easy lasagna roll-ups, baked beef lasagna roll-ups

Lasagna noodles: Choose regular or no-boil; I prefer regular cooked al dente, so they hold their shape but still roll easily.
Ground beef: I use 85% lean for balance—enough fat to keep it juicy without being greasy.
Marinara sauce: Your secret weapon—go for a jar or homemade one with good herbs and a robust tomato flavor.
Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth; cook until soft to blend beautifully.
Garlic cloves: Fresh is best; the aroma while cooking totally elevates the whole dish.
Sea salt and black pepper: Season your sauce thoughtfully; these spices bring everything together.
Dried oregano: That warm, slightly bitter hint is classic Italian magic.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it balances out the beef and tomato perfectly.
Egg: Binds the cheese filling so it holds together nicely in the noodle rolls.
Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty—adds a subtle kick to the cheese mixture.
Mozzarella cheese: Use freshly shredded for the best melt and gooey texture.
Parsley: Brightens the dish; mix some into the filling and save some for garnish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to lighten it up, add some veggies, or make it vegetarian-friendly, you can customize it to match what you have on hand or your family’s tastes.

Vegetarian Roll-Ups: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach—my kids barely notice the difference!
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to your marinara or sprinkle some chili powder in the cheese filling for a subtle heat. I tried this once and it really woke up the flavors.
Herb Swap: Try fresh basil instead of parsley for a sweeter, aromatic touch.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles; just be sure to check the cooking times so they don’t get mushy.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Step 1: Cook the noodles to al dente perfection

Preheat your oven to 375˚F. Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water according to package instructions until just al dente—this is key so they roll without breaking. Don’t overcook! Drain them, then immediately plunge into cold water. This step stops the cooking and keeps the noodles from sticking together, which makes rolling them a breeze later on.

Step 2: Create the hearty meat sauce

In a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until there’s no pink visible, breaking it up as you go (about 2 minutes). Toss in diced onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes, then add minced garlic, sea salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook another minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, bring to a gentle simmer, then turn off the heat. Before rolling, spread about ½ cup of this flavorful meat sauce on the bottom of your casserole dish—it keeps the rolls moist and adds extra saucy goodness.

Step 3: Mix the dreamy cheese filling

In a large bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, half of the mozzarella cheese (1½ cups), and chopped parsley. This mixture is creamy, cheesy perfection and is what makes every roll-up so irresistible. The egg helps everything stick together when baked, which I learned is crucial—no one wants a cheesy mess!

Step 4: Assemble your roll-ups

Lay the noodles in a single layer on a large baking sheet—this helps keep each strand manageable while you work. Spread about ¼ cup (a scant ice cream scoop works great) of cheese mixture evenly over each noodle, then add a generous tablespoon of meat sauce in a line down the center. Roll each noodle up tightly and set them seam-side down in the casserole dish over the sauce you spread earlier. This assembly method keeps everything neat and easy to serve later.

Step 5: Top and bake to bubbly bliss

Spread the remaining meat sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with the remaining 1½ cups mozzarella cheese. Cover the casserole tightly with foil—just make sure it doesn’t touch the cheese (toothpicks work great here if your pan isn’t deep enough). Pop it into the oven for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, and voilà—dinner is served!

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Prevent Soggy Noodles: Stopping the noodles in cold water after boiling is a game-changer; it cools them quickly and keeps them from sticking or becoming mushy.
Use Freshly Shredded Mozzarella: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that affect melt and texture—I learned this the hard way.
Keep Foil Off Cheese When Baking: Using toothpicks to prop foil up protects the cheese’s golden top during baking and broiling.
Assemble Ahead, Bake Later: You can roll these up a day ahead and refrigerate; just add a little extra bake time if baking cold.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a rolled lasagna piece on a white plate, placed over a white marbled surface. The lasagna has many wavy layers of soft, yellow pasta filled with a thick red meat sauce and melted cheese. The top is covered with a layer of creamy white melted cheese that is slightly browned in spots, sprinkled with bright green chopped herbs. The sauce peeks through the edges of the pasta rolls, adding a rich red color to the dish. In the blurred background, part of another portion is visible on a similar white plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups, beef lasagna roll-ups, cheesy lasagna roll-ups, easy lasagna roll-ups, baked beef lasagna roll-ups

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and fresh with a sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving—it adds a pop of color and a bit of brightness against the rich, cheesy layers. Sometimes I also add a few red pepper flakes if the crowd likes spice, or even a dusting of extra Parmesan just for that final cheesy touch.

Side Dishes

We usually pair these roll-ups with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette—something light to balance all the cheesy goodness. Garlic bread is also a must in my house; occasionally, I’ll serve roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini for a little color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the roll-ups standing upright in a round baking dish like little lasagna towers. It makes for a stunning presentation and easy plating. Serving with small ramekins of extra marinara or garlic butter on the side gives your guests options for dipping, which always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover roll-ups store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I like to separate portions with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. When I’ve done this, the flavors actually deepen overnight and leftovers taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream! I assemble and roll them, then place the uncooked roll-ups on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen—just add about 15 minutes to the baking time and cover tightly with foil.

Reheating

For leftovers, I reheat in the oven at 350˚F covered with foil until warmed through to keep the cheese gooey and prevent drying out. Microwave works too if you’re in a hurry, but I find the oven method keeps that just-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I prepare the Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the assembly up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add extra baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator. It’s perfect for meal prep or hosting a crowd.
What type of cheese works best in the filling?

The combination I recommend is ricotta for creaminess, Parmesan for sharpness, and mozzarella for meltiness. Using freshly shredded mozzarella really makes a difference in texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the roll-ups from falling apart?

Rolling the noodles tightly and including the egg in the cheese mixture helps bind everything together. Also, placing the rolls seam-side down in the baking dish helps keep them intact during cooking.
Can I use gluten-free noodles for this recipe?

Yes! Just be mindful to cook them carefully to al dente according to package instructions, as gluten-free noodles can be more fragile. Handle gently when rolling.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe turns out every time. It’s comforting, satisfying, and just plain fun to eat—the perfect dinner to cozy up with family or impress friends with minimal effort. If you’ve ever struggled with messy pans or uneven pieces of lasagna, these roll-ups will be your new best friend. Grab your ingredients and give them a try—I promise you’ll be hearing “make this again!” around your table in no time.