Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6–8 roll-ups
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Calories per Serving: ~480 kcal

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Introduction

If you love the comfort of lasagna but crave something a little more fun and elegant, then these Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are the perfect dinner recipe for you. They take everything you love about traditional lasagna — tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, cheesy layers, and juicy meatballs — and roll them into individual portions that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

These roll-ups are a twist on classic Italian comfort food, easy to serve and perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Each roll is filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, wrapped around tender lasagna noodles, and topped with savory marinara and homemade (or store-bought) meatballs.

The best part? No messy slicing required — every roll-up is perfectly portioned and bursting with flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Portions: Easy to serve and store — no cutting into messy lasagna squares.

• Family-Friendly: Kids love the “rolled-up” look and cheesy goodness.

• Customizable: Use beef, turkey, or plant-based meatballs.

• Freezer-Friendly: Great for meal prep — make ahead and bake later.

• Comfort Food Made Fun: Classic Italian flavors in a creative format.

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Ingredients

For the Roll-Ups:

• 8–10 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)

For the Sauce:

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

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley

• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling noodles)

• Mixing bowls

• Baking dish (9×13-inch)

• Large skillet or frying pan

• Spatula or tongs

• Aluminum foil

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Step-by-Step Instructions

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Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs (15 minutes)

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix gently until just combined — overmixing can make the meatballs dense.

3. Roll into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
They don’t need to cook through completely — they’ll finish baking in the oven.

Set the meatballs aside to cool slightly.

Intensity Level: Moderate – You’re shaping and browning meatballs, but nothing too tricky! Just take your time.

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Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles (10 minutes)

While the meatballs cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain and lay noodles flat on a sheet of parchment paper or a lightly oiled baking tray to prevent sticking.

Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcook! Slightly firm noodles are easier to roll and won’t tear.

Intensity Level: Low – Basic boiling and draining, just be careful not to overcook.

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Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling (5 minutes)

In a medium bowl, mix together:

• Ricotta cheese

• Mozzarella

• Parmesan

• Egg

• Parsley

• Italian seasoning

• Garlic powder

• Salt and pepper

Stir until smooth and creamy. This mixture is the heart of your lasagna roll-ups — rich, cheesy, and full of flavor.

Intensity Level: Low – Just mixing, but the aroma is incredible already!

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Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups (10 minutes)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish.

3. Take one lasagna noodle and spread 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling evenly over it.

4. Place one or two small meatballs along the noodle’s center, then roll up gently from one end to the other.

5. Place the rolled noodle seam-side down in the baking dish.

6. Repeat with the remaining noodles.

Once all roll-ups are arranged, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden, cheesy crust.

Intensity Level: Moderate – A bit of assembly work, but it’s fun! Kids can help with this part, too.

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Step 5: Bake the Roll-Ups (25–30 minutes)

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

The sauce should be hot, and the meatballs fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).

Intensity Level: Low – The oven does the work while your kitchen fills with that irresistible lasagna aroma.

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Step 6: Cool, Garnish, and Serve (5 minutes)

Let the lasagna roll-ups cool for 5–10 minutes before serving — this helps them set and makes them easier to plate.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-quality finish.

Serve hot with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete Italian feast.

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Tips for Success

• Use high-quality marinara: The sauce ties everything together. Homemade or a good store-bought brand makes a big difference.

• Don’t skip the resting time: Cooling helps the roll-ups hold their shape when served.

• Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

• Freezer-friendly: Assemble and freeze before baking. When ready to cook, bake covered at 375°F for 45–50 minutes.

• Vegetarian option: Swap meatballs for sautéed spinach, roasted eggplant, or mushrooms.

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Flavor Variations

• Spicy Meatball Roll-Ups: Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage to your meatball mix.

• Cheesy Alfredo Roll-Ups: Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce for a creamy, indulgent twist.

• Turkey Pesto Version: Use turkey meatballs and add a layer of pesto under the cheese filling.

• Three-Cheese Delight: Add provolone to the mix for extra cheesiness.

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Microwave individual roll-ups for 1–2 minutes or bake covered at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Freeze: Freeze fully baked roll-ups for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

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Nutrition Information (Per Roll-Up)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on ingredients used.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair these Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups with:

• Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks or Crusty Italian Bread

• Caesar Salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

• A glass of Chianti, Merlot, or sparkling water with lemon

They’re also perfect for meal prep — bake once and enjoy hearty lunches all week long!

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Final Thoughts

These Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are everything you love about homemade lasagna — rolled into neat, cheesy, saucy bundles of joy. Each serving delivers the perfect bite of pasta, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and juicy meatball goodness.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping weeknight dinners, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

It’s hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table smile.

So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and roll your way to lasagna perfection — one delicious bite at a time.