Inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s classic lasagna recipe, these lasagna roll ups are a fun and convenient twist on a traditional favorite. This recipe takes all the comforting flavors of lasagna and transforms them into individual portions that are perfect for weeknight dinners or freezer-friendly meal prep. If you’re looking for a satisfying Italian dish that’s easy to make ahead of time, these lasagna roll ups are a must-try.
Lasagna Roll-ups
Why You’ll Love These Pioneer Woman Inspired Lasagna Roll Ups
This recipe is adapted from the Pioneer Woman’s lasagna concept, focusing on creating easy-to-serve and freezer-friendly portions. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love making lasagna roll ups:
- Perfect Portions: Individual roll ups are ideal for controlling serving sizes and are great for families of all sizes, including empty nesters or individuals. No more struggling to cut and serve messy lasagna slices!
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch (or two!) and freeze them for future meals. They are incredibly convenient for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner ready in minutes.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the fun, rolled shape! It’s an engaging way to get them to enjoy lasagna without the fuss.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to your liking. Use ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian filling. Add your favorite vegetables and cheeses to create your perfect lasagna roll up.
- Delicious Flavor: Packed with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella, these roll ups deliver all the classic lasagna flavors you crave.
Ingredients for Lasagna Roll Ups
To make these delightful lasagna roll ups, you’ll need the following ingredients. This recipe is inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s approach to hearty, flavorful meals, using readily available ingredients:
- 1 pound package dry lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey burger
- Olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups spaghetti sauce (your favorite store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups chopped mushrooms
- 32 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese, or a combination)
- 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pioneer Woman Style Lasagna Roll Ups
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delicious lasagna roll ups, inspired by the ease and flavor of Pioneer Woman recipes:
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Prepare the Noodles: Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Drain the noodles and lay them out flat on the prepared baking sheet to prevent sticking.
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Make the Meat Sauce: Pour a bit of olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for a few more minutes until softened. Remove the mushroom mixture to a bowl.
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Brown the Meat: In the same skillet, add ground beef or turkey burger and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
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Combine the Sauce: Add the spaghetti sauce to the skillet with the cooked meat. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cooked mushrooms and garlic mixture back into the sauce and heat through.
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Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Assemble the Roll Ups: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease aluminum foil loaf pans (8×4 inch). Spoon 1/4 to 1/2 cup of meat sauce into the bottom of each loaf pan.
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Fill and Roll: Lay out 3 or 4 cooked lasagna noodles at a time (depending on desired serving size). Spoon about 1/4 cup of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over each noodle. Roll each noodle up tightly.
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Arrange in Pans: Place the rolled lasagna noodles seam-down in the prepared loaf pans on top of the sauce.
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Top and Bake: Spoon more meat sauce over the lasagna roll ups and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
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Bake Immediately or Freeze:
- To bake immediately: Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 25 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- To freeze: Cover the loaf pans tightly with foil and freeze. For baking from frozen, remove from freezer and bake covered at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Individual lasagna roll-ups in foil pans ready for the freezer
Tips for Perfect Lasagna Roll Ups Every Time
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Al dente noodles are key to prevent them from becoming mushy when rolled and baked.
- Dry the Noodles: After boiling, gently pat the noodles dry with paper towels. This helps the cheese mixture adhere better.
- Customize Your Filling: Add spinach, cooked vegetables, different cheeses, or Italian sausage to the ricotta mixture for variety.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the roll ups ahead of time and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great time-saver for busy days.
- Freezing Instructions: For best results when freezing, ensure the roll ups are completely cooled before wrapping tightly in foil. Label and date the pans for easy identification in your freezer. Writing the baking instructions directly on top of the foil is a helpful tip!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 663
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 89mg
- Sodium: 1226mg
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 38g
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Enjoy Your Homemade Lasagna Roll Ups!
These lasagna roll ups, inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s love for hearty and delicious home cooking, are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you bake them fresh or pull them from the freezer for a quick and easy meal, you’ll love the comforting flavors and convenient individual portions. Serve them with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying Italian dinner. Enjoy!
