Lasagna roll ups are a delightful twist on classic lasagna, offering individual portions that are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. This recipe for Pioneer Woman Lasagna Roll Ups takes all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna and simplifies the process, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Get ready to enjoy perfectly portioned pasta packed with a rich cheese filling and savory meat sauce.
A close up of a Pioneer Woman Lasagna Roll Up on a white plate with a fork cutting into it, showcasing layers of cheese and sauce.
Why Pioneer Woman Lasagna Roll Ups are a Must-Try
If you’re a fan of lasagna but sometimes find the traditional layered dish a bit cumbersome to prepare or serve, lasagna roll ups are your answer. This recipe offers several advantages:
- Portion Control: Each roll up is an individual serving, making it easier to manage portions, especially for families with varying appetites.
- Easier to Serve: No more struggling to cut and serve neat slices of lasagna! Roll ups are naturally portioned and hold their shape beautifully on the plate.
- Quicker Cooking: While still delivering the rich flavors of lasagna, roll ups often bake a bit faster than a large, deep-dish lasagna.
- Freezer-Friendly: Like traditional lasagna, lasagna roll ups are excellent for make-ahead and freezer meals. You can prepare a batch and have delicious dinners ready for busy weeknights.
- Fun to Make: Rolling up the lasagna noodles is a fun and engaging cooking activity, and it can even be a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Lasagna Roll Ups
This recipe builds upon classic lasagna flavors with a robust combination of cheese, meat, and sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cheese Filling:
- Ricotta Cheese: The creamy base of our filling. Whole milk ricotta provides the best flavor and texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: We use mozzarella both in the filling and on top for that classic cheesy stretch. Freshly shredded low-moisture mozzarella is ideal.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the cheese mixture. Freshly grated Parmesan is highly recommended for superior flavor.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the cheese filling hold its shape inside the roll ups.
- Italian Seasonings: Oregano, basil, and parsley create that signature Italian aroma and taste.
- Salt & Pepper: To enhance all the flavors in the cheese filling.
For the Savory Meat Sauce:
- Ground Beef & Italian Sausage: A flavorful combination of meats for a hearty sauce. You can choose mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference.
- Onion & Garlic: Aromatics that build the foundation of a delicious sauce.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. A good quality sauce makes a big difference.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the meat sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce & Hot Sauce: These secret ingredients enhance the savory notes without making the sauce spicy. They add complexity and umami.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat.
For the Lasagna Roll Ups:
- Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles are boiled until al dente, making them pliable for rolling.
- Mozzarella Cheese (for topping): Extra mozzarella for that irresistible melted cheese topping.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds a touch of freshness and color.
Ingredients for Lasagna Roll Ups laid out on a wooden countertop including cheese, meat, sauces and spices.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Lasagna Roll Ups
Follow these simple steps to create these crowd-pleasing lasagna roll ups:
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- Make the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add ground beef and Italian sausage and cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add marinara sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Lay the cooked noodles in a single layer on parchment paper or wax paper.
- Assemble the Roll Ups: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce (about ½ cup) on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. For each lasagna noodle, spread a generous amount of cheese filling (about 2-3 tablespoons) evenly over the noodle. Top with about ¼ cup of meat sauce, spreading it over the cheese. Carefully roll up each noodle from one end to the other and place seam-down in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the Lasagna Roll Ups: Pour the remaining meat sauce over the roll ups in the dish. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil (spray the foil with non-stick spray to prevent cheese from sticking). Bake for 35 minutes.
- Broil for a Golden Top (Optional): Remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Pioneer Woman Lasagna Roll Ups are delicious on their own or with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
A baking dish full of freshly baked Pioneer Woman Lasagna Roll Ups, golden brown and bubbly, ready to be served.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions
Pioneer Woman Lasagna Roll Ups are incredibly convenient for meal prepping. Here are options for making them ahead of time:
Refrigerator: Assemble the roll ups completely but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed, or add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Freezer: Assemble the roll ups, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Bake as directed, potentially adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if not fully thawed.
Bake Now, Freeze Later: You can also bake the lasagna roll ups, let them cool completely, and then freeze individual portions or the whole dish. Reheat from frozen in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Lasagna Roll Ups
- Freshly Grated Cheese is Best: For the best melting and flavor, shred your mozzarella and grate your Parmesan cheese fresh from blocks. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain cellulose that can prevent them from melting as smoothly.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook lasagna noodles just until al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven and you want them to hold their shape for rolling.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the noodles with cheese and sauce, or they may be difficult to roll and filling may spill out during baking.
- Get Creative with Fillings: While this recipe is for a classic meat and cheese version, feel free to customize your lasagna roll ups. Add spinach to the cheese filling, use different types of cheese, or try a vegetarian version with ricotta and vegetables.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Using good quality marinara sauce, cheeses, and meats will elevate the flavor of your lasagna roll ups.
Serving Suggestions
Pioneer Woman Lasagna Roll Ups are a satisfying meal on their own, but they are even better with complementary side dishes:
- Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread or cheesy garlic bread is always a welcome accompaniment to pasta dishes.
- Side Salad: A fresh garden salad or Caesar salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini are healthy and flavorful side options.
Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Pioneer Woman Lasagna Roll Ups! They are sure to become a family favorite.
