Introduction
Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups combine two classic comfort foods into one delicious baked dish. Tender lasagna noodles are rolled around creamy ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and savory meatballs, then covered with marinara sauce and baked until bubbling and golden.
They are easier to portion than traditional layered lasagna and make a wonderful family dinner, weekend meal, or freezer-friendly dish.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna Roll-Ups
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 12–16 cooked meatballs, cut into halves or small pieces
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
For the Meatballs
You can use your favorite prepared meatballs or make homemade ones.
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
If making homemade meatballs, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix gently until combined.
Shape into small meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through.
Allow them to cool slightly, then cut each meatball in half or chop into smaller pieces.
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until just tender.
Drain carefully and arrange the noodles in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet or parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
3. Make the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Roll-Ups
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Lay one lasagna noodle flat. Spread a thin layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodle.
Place several pieces of meatball along one end of the noodle.
Carefully roll the noodle up from one end to the other.
Place the roll-up seam-side down in the baking dish.
Repeat with the remaining noodles.
5. Add the Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the tops of the roll-ups.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella evenly over everything.
Add a little extra Parmesan if desired.
6. Bake
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
Let the roll-ups rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Don’t overcook the noodles. Slightly firm noodles are easier to roll and won’t become mushy during baking.
- Use small meatballs. Smaller pieces distribute the meat evenly throughout each roll-up.
- Don’t overfill. Too much filling can cause the noodles to split while rolling.
- Use plenty of sauce. It helps keep the noodles moist while they bake.
- Let them rest before serving. A short resting period helps the filling set and makes the roll-ups easier to serve.
Variations
Italian Sausage Meatball Roll-Ups
Use Italian sausage meatballs instead of beef for a richer, more savory flavor.
Spinach and Meatball Roll-Ups
Add ½ cup of cooked, squeezed-dry spinach to the ricotta filling.
Extra Cheesy Version
Add shredded provolone or fontina along with the mozzarella.
Spicy Version
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or cheese filling.
Chicken Meatball Roll-Ups
Use chicken meatballs and a creamy Alfredo-style sauce instead of marinara.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Assemble the roll-ups completely, cover the baking dish tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes, then bake as directed. You may need a few additional minutes if the dish is still cold.
Freezer Instructions
Assemble the roll-ups in a freezer-safe baking dish but don’t bake them.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and free