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- 9 lasagna noodles - 1 pound ground beef (or turkey) - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning To make Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups, gather the right ingredients. The key starts with lasagna noodles. Choose high-quality noodles for the best texture. Next, select your meat. Ground beef or turkey works well. I prefer beef for its rich flavor. Marinara sauce adds moisture and taste. You can use store-bought or make your own. I love homemade sauce, as it has a fresh taste. Cheese is essential for flavor. Grated Parmesan gives a sharp kick. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully. I like to add extra mozzarella on top for a bubbly finish. Seasonings bring everything together. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch. Garlic gives depth and richness. Italian seasoning blends flavors perfectly. This mix makes the roll-ups delicious and aromatic! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, cook the lasagna noodles. Follow the package instructions until they are al dente. This means they should be firm but not hard. Drain the noodles carefully to avoid breaks. To cool them, lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel. This step helps prevent them from sticking together. Next, make the meatball mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Add half of the mozzarella cheese, the egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spoon. It’s important to integrate all the ingredients evenly. This will help the meatballs hold together and taste great. Now, it’s time to form the meatballs. Shape the mixture into small balls, about one inch wide. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the meatballs and set them aside. For assembly, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half a cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. Take a lasagna noodle, place a meatball at one end, and roll it tightly. Place the roll-up seam-side down in the dish. Repeat this step with the remaining noodles and meatballs. Finally, pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the roll-ups. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Add any extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for a nice touch. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. To make juicy meatballs, keep a few things in mind. - Moisture: Add bread crumbs and an egg to keep them soft. - Flavor: Use fresh garlic and Italian seasoning for a tasty kick. For cooking, use a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until they turn brown. This adds great flavor. When rolling up the lasagna, stability is key. - Roll-Up Stability: Make sure to place the meatball at one end of the noodle. Roll it tightly. This keeps the filling inside. - Marinara Sauce: Use half of your sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add the rest on top before baking. This keeps the roll-ups moist. Garnishing makes your dish look special. - Garnishing Ideas: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Add extra cheese for a delightful touch. - Pairing with Side Dishes: A side salad or garlic bread works well. It adds freshness and crunch to your meal. These tips will help you create tasty meatball lasagna roll-ups that everyone will love! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish, so don’t skip it! You can also experiment with other herbs like basil or oregano for added depth. Perfect Meatball Size: Aim for meatballs that are about 1 inch in diameter. This size ensures they cook evenly and fit perfectly inside the lasagna roll-ups. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents them from becoming mushy. Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add extra ingredients to your marinara sauce, such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even a splash of red wine, to enhance the flavor. {{image_2}} You can use different meats in this recipe. Ground turkey or chicken works well if you want a leaner option. These meats have less fat but still pack a punch in flavor. If you prefer a meat-free meal, consider using lentils or chickpeas to make vegetarian meatballs. They bring a hearty texture and great taste. Sauce choices can change your dish a lot. You can use homemade marinara for a fresh taste, or grab your favorite store-bought kind for speed. If you're feeling adventurous, try using Alfredo sauce instead. It gives a creamy twist that makes the roll-ups special. Cheese is key in this dish. While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, you can mix it up. Try using provolone or ricotta for a different flavor. Adding fresh spinach or herbs can also boost taste and nutrition. These changes keep your meal exciting and fresh every time you make it. To store leftovers, let the roll-ups cool. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze roll-ups, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, take them out. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place them in a baking dish. Cover with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warm. For the best taste, reheat roll-ups slowly. This keeps them from drying out. Remove the foil halfway through reheating. This helps the cheese get bubbly and golden. Enjoy your tasty meal just like fresh! Yes, you can make these roll-ups ahead of time. Prepare everything up to the baking stage. After assembling, cover the dish with foil. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. To keep your lasagna noodles from sticking, follow these tips: - Use plenty of water: Boil the noodles in a large pot with enough water. - Add salt: This helps flavor and can reduce sticking. - Oil the noodles: Once cooked, toss them in a little olive oil. - Lay flat: Spread the noodles on a clean kitchen towel to cool. This helps them stay separate. These roll-ups pair well with many side dishes. Here are a few ideas: - Garlic bread: This adds a nice crunch. - Side salad: A fresh salad adds color and taste. - Roasted vegetables: They bring more flavor and nutrition. - Extra marinara sauce: Serve on the side for dipping. In this post, I covered key ingredients for Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups, from noodles to cheese varieties. I provided step-by-step instructions to guide you through preparation and assembly. Tips on ensuring moisture in meatballs and storing leftovers were also shared. Remember, you can customize this dish with different meats or sauces. With a few simple tricks, you can create a meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making this delicious dish your way!

Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

Delicious lasagna noodles rolled with meatballs and topped with marinara sauce and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 9 noodles lasagna
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 unit egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to cool.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully integrated.
  • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Take one lasagna noodle, place a meatball on one end, and roll it up tightly. Place the roll-up seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and meatballs.
  • Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the roll-ups. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top, followed by any extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Allow the roll-ups to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley and a side salad for a pop of color.
Keyword Italian, lasagna, meatballs, pasta