Mini Lasagna Rolls

Introduction

Mini Lasagna Rolls are a fun, delicious twist on the traditional lasagna recipe. These bite-sized rolls are filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, layered with rich tomato sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping, Mini Lasagna Rolls pack all the comforting flavors of lasagna into an easy-to-serve format.

I remember the first time I made these for a cozy family dinner. The table was filled with smiles as everyone enjoyed their own perfectly portioned lasagna roll. What’s great about Mini Lasagna Rolls is how customizable they are—you can add ground beef, sausage, or spinach to the filling, or switch up the sauce with Alfredo or pesto for a unique twist. They’re also a hit with kids, who love the fun, roll-up design and cheesy goodness in every bite.

These rolls are surprisingly simple to make, too. Using cooked lasagna noodles, a quick ricotta mixture, and your favorite sauce, you can prepare and bake them in under an hour. They’re also great for meal prepping—just assemble, freeze, and bake when needed for a stress-free dinner. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a fun twist on a classic comfort food, Mini Lasagna Rolls are sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Potlucks
• Meal prep
• Parties and gatherings
• Italian food enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Mini Lasagna Rolls are bound to become a staple in your recipe collection:

• Perfectly Portioned: Each roll is a single serving, making them easy to serve and enjoy.
• Packed with Flavor: Creamy cheese, savory sauce, and tender pasta create the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the filling to suit your preferences, from adding veggies to using different cheeses.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love these fun, rolled-up lasagna bites.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These rolls can be prepared in advance and baked when needed.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings (approximately 12 rolls)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Mini Lasagna Rolls:

For the Rolls:

• 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Filling Additions:

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms, finely chopped
• ½ cup cooked shredded chicken

Ingredient Highlights

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy, rich filling for the rolls.
• Lasagna Noodles: The foundation for the rolls, providing structure and texture.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds a savory, tomato-based flavor to complement the creamy filling.
• Italian Seasoning: Enhances the dish with a blend of classic Italian herbs.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey topping for the rolls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Mini Lasagna Rolls:

Prepare the Noodles:

1. Cook the Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on a clean surface or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Filling:

2. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Add Optional Ingredients: If using spinach, mushrooms, or shredded chicken, mix them into the filling.

Assemble the Rolls:

4. Spread the Filling: Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly onto each lasagna noodle.
5. Roll the Noodles: Starting at one end, roll up the noodles tightly to form a compact roll.
6. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Place the Rolls: Arrange the lasagna rolls seam-side down in the baking dish.

Bake the Rolls:

8. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Garnish:

10. Cool Slightly and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
11. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and color.

How to Serve

• With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping.
• For a Buffet: Perfect for parties or gatherings as part of a buffet spread.
• As a Snack: Enjoy leftovers as a quick snack or lunch.

Additional Tips

• Use non-stick spray or parchment paper to prevent noodles from sticking.
• Cook noodles al dente to avoid tearing when rolling.
• Allow rolls to cool slightly before serving to make them easier to handle.
• Double the recipe to freeze a batch for later.

Recipe Variations

1. Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna Rolls
2. Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Rolls
3. Veggie-Packed Lasagna Rolls (zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers)
4. Three-Cheese Lasagna Rolls (ricotta, mozzarella, fontina)
5. Pesto and Ricotta Lasagna Rolls

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Assemble the rolls but don’t bake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Special Equipment

• Large pot for boiling noodles
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula or spoon for spreading filling

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
2. Can I prepare these in advance? Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate until ready to bake.
3. Can I substitute ricotta cheese? Yes, try cottage cheese or a vegan ricotta alternative.
4. Can I make these vegetarian? Yes, use vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini as filling.
5. Can I use store-bought sauce? Absolutely, any marinara or tomato-based sauce will work.

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Conclusion

Mini Lasagna Rolls are a delightful way to enjoy the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a fun, portable format. These perfectly portioned rolls are packed with layers of rich marinara, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and your favorite fillings, all rolled into tender pasta sheets. Whether you stick with classic ingredients or customize them with vegetables, meats, or herbs, they’re endlessly versatile and sure to please.

This recipe is as easy as it is delicious, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. With their compact size and bold flavor, Mini Lasagna Rolls are a fun twist on a family favorite that everyone will love.

I’d love to see how your Mini Lasagna Rolls turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!