Change up your lasagna routine. Not only does this twist on traditional lasagna turn them into pasta roll-ups, it can also be made ahead of time and frozen.
8 lasagna noodles
3/4 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cups chunky spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese, reserved for topping
Cook the pasta in boiling water as directed on the package. Drain well, rinse in cold water and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
Place the cooked lasagna noodles on a flat work surface. Spread about 1/3 cup over each noodle. Roll the noodles up jelly-roll style and place seam-side down in a 12x8 baking dish.
Pour the spaghetti sauce evenly over the lasagna rolls. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap then wrap the baking dish tightly with foil and freeze.
When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish but replace the foil. Bake the frozen lasagna rolls at 375 degrees F for 1 1/4 hours or until heated through. Remove the foil and top the lasagna rolls with the reserved mozzarella. Bake for 3-4 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Serve hot.
Make sure to fully cook the beef and remove excess fat to keep the filling from becoming greasy.
Be generous with the filling; if you overstuff, the rolls may split while baking, but a little extra filling can result in a more flavorful dish.
If your pasta noodles have stuck together after boiling, you can lightly toss them with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Experiment with different sauces, like Alfredo or pesto for variety.
For added richness, drizzle some olive oil over the top before baking or during the last few minutes of cooking.
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, bulk Italian sausage, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be used as substitutes for ground beef.
You can add sauteed spinach, mushrooms, or a variety of herbs like basil and oregano to the ricotta mixture for more flavor.
You can prepare the lasagna rolls up to the point of freezing. Cover them in the baking dish, refrigerate instead of freezing, then bake as directed the next day, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Other topping options include grated Parmesan, fresh basil, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
Store leftover lasagna rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
It is not recommended to freeze lasagna rolls after they have been baked as it can affect the texture. Instead, freeze them before baking if you want to save them for later.
Reheat leftover lasagna rolls in the oven at 350 degrees F covered with foil to prevent drying out or in the microwave until heated through.
Cheeses such as cottage cheese, feta, or even goat cheese can be used for different flavors.
Basil or spinach can be good substitutes for parsley, providing a fresh flavor to the filling.
You can keep frozen lasagna rolls for about 2-3 months for optimal taste and quality.
Large Pot: For boiling the lasagna noodles.
Colander: To drain the cooked lasagna noodles after boiling.
Large Skillet: To brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic and then the cheeses and parsley.
Measuring Cups: For measuring ingredients such as ricotta cheese, Mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and spaghetti sauce.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring the meat mixture in the skillet and mixing in the cheeses and parsley.
Baking Dish: For assembling the lasagna rolls and holding them while baking.
Plastic Wrap and Aluminum Foil: To cover the baking dish before freezing.
Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing the onion, garlic, and parsley.
Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is a classic side that complements lasagna by adding a crispy texture and buttery flavor.
Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing of a Caesar salad provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the lasagna, offering a balance of textures and tastes.
Steamed Broccoli: This simple side adds color and nutrition, plus its slight bitterness will cut through the richness of the lasagna.
Crusty Italian Bread: Excellent for mopping up any leftover sauce, this bread adds an authentic touch.
Baked Zucchini: Roasted zucchini brings a nice contrast, both in color and taste, and can add a healthy element alongside the heavier lasagna.
Wine Pairings
Chianti: This Italian red wine brings out the rich flavors of the beef and blends nicely with the tomato sauce. Look for one that's medium-bodied with fruity notes of cherry and a hint of earthiness.
Sangiovese: Another Italian option, Sangiovese pairs well with the savory elements of the dish, especially the herbs and meat. Aim for one that's bright with acidity and has subtle notes of plum and herbal undertones.
Cabernet Sauvignon: A fuller-bodied choice, Cabernet has bold tannins and flavors of dark fruit that can really stand up to the hearty nature of the lasagna.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Merlot: This smooth wine offers a soft, fruity flavor that complements the ricotta and mozzarella without overwhelming the dish. Look for one with hints of plum and chocolate.
Italian Lager: A light and crisp lager will cleanse the palate nicely between bites. The carbonation also helps cut through the richness of the cheese and meat.
Malbec: A Malbec brings a fruity richness and a little spice to the table, making it a good match for the savory filling in your lasagna rolls.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Sparkling Water: A refreshing choice that can help cleanse your taste buds. A flavored sparkling water with lemon or lime adds a nice touch to balance the richness of the cheese.
Herbal Iced Tea: Go for a caffeine-free herbal tea with flavors like mint or chamomile. It's light and refreshing, which makes it a perfect counterpoint to the hearty lasagna.
Cranberry Juice: The tartness of cranberry juice can lift the flavors of the dish and provide a nice contrast to the savory aspect of the lasagna rolls.
Pumpkins aren't just for pies or Halloween decorations. These large, orange gourds - while naturally sweet - also work well in savory dishes. They pair well with poultry and pork (and especially bacon) and their creamy-when-cooked texture blends easily into soups.
In a cooking rut? Try one of these taste-tested, family-approved recipes using ground beef.
Pizza night is always a favorite, especially when you have great tasting pizza from some of the most popular restaurants.
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