Name: Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound mild Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed); 1 small yellow onion, chopped (or 1 teaspoon onion powder); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 3-4 garlic cloves, minced; Pinch red pepper flakes (optional); 1 32 oz. jar marinara sauce (e.g., Rao's Brand); 3/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon (cubed, granulated or base); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 egg; 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (grated on micro grater); 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; Pinch nutmeg; 12 lasagna noodles (classic, NOT no boil); 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a comforting Italian dinner, and this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe hits all the right notes with melty cheese, robust meat sauce, and tender pasta rolled into perfect individual servings. It’s approachable, fun to make, and always a hit at the dinner table.

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish with three visible rolled layers filled with a mixture of meat sauce, rice, and tomato sauce inside a white rectangular dish. Each layer is covered with melted white cheese that looks soft and slightly browned in spots. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the top, adding color contrast to the red tomato sauce and melted cheese. The edges of the dish show some sauce stains, giving a fresh baked look. A gold-colored serving spoon is partially visible on the right side, scooping one portion. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember making this recipe with my family on weekends, and the kids loved unrolling their own little lasagna bundles! The Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is not just tasty but also simple enough to tackle on a busy night, making it a real crowd-pleaser.

Perfect Individual Portions: Rolling up each noodle makes serving easy and mess-free, especially great when you have picky eaters.
Layered Flavors: Homemade meat sauce with Italian sausage and fresh herbs balances beautifully with creamy cheese filling.
Customizable: You can easily swap cheeses or adjust spice levels to suit your family’s tastes.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the roll ups in advance for a stress-free, delicious dinner anytime.

This image shows a close-up of a lasagna piece being lifted with a golden fork from a white baking dish. The lasagna has three main layers: a bottom layer of pasta noodles that are light yellow with a slightly wavy texture, a middle layer packed with a rich red tomato sauce mixed with brown cooked meat, and a top layer covered in melted white cheese that stretches as the piece is lifted. Green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the cheese, adding a fresh touch. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the gooey texture and vibrant colors of the lasagna photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe lies in the harmony of simple, fresh ingredients working together—rich sausage, a well-seasoned tomato sauce, and a luscious blend of cheeses creating warmth and comfort in every bite.

Flat lay of mild Italian sausage in raw bulk form, a small peeled yellow onion chopped, whole uncracked brown egg, a small mound of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth whole milk ricotta cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of rich red tomato paste, a few garlic cloves peeled and whole, a few sprigs of fresh basil, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, a small white ceramic bowl with olive oil, a pinch of dried red pepper flakes on white ceramic, a pinch of dried oregano, a pinch of dried thyme, a few classic cooked lasagna noodles laid flat, all ingredients arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Italian sausage: Adds a flavorful, slightly spiced base that elevates the meat sauce beyond plain ground beef.
Yellow onion: Sautéed until sweet and tender, it enriches the sauce with depth and aroma.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds body to the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic lends a bright, savory kick essential to Italian cuisine.
Marinara sauce: The foundation of your meat sauce, I like a high-quality jar like Rao’s for convenience and flavor.
Fresh herbs (basil, parsley): These bring freshness and balance to both meat sauce and cheese filling.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it softens the filling and makes it luscious.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, providing that gooey, cheesy pull we all love.
Sour cream: Adds slight tang and silkiness to the cheese mixture, making it smooth.
Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it rounds out the cheese filling with depth.
Lasagna noodles: Classic boiled noodles are essential for perfect roll ups without any sogginess or breakage.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is how customizable it is. Whether you want to sneak in extra veggies or swap in ground turkey for a lighter version, it’s super adaptable.

Vegetable Sneak-In: I sometimes add finely chopped spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce, which adds moisture and nutrition without overpowering the flavors.
Dairy-Free Swap: You can replace ricotta with a plant-based alternative and use vegan mozzarella for a dairy-free version that still satisfies.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a bold twist.
Make It Ahead: Assemble everything the night before to save time—this recipe reheats beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Cook and Dry Your Noodles

Start by boiling your lasagna noodles in salted water, but watch the clock carefully—I like to pull them 1-2 minutes before the package says to avoid mushy edges later. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then pat them dry with towels. Lay them flat on baking sheets lined with parchment or silicone mats so they don’t stick together while you prepare everything else.

Step 2: Build Your Flavorful Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a heavy pot, then sauté chopped onion until soft and translucent. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until nicely browned. Stir in tomato paste, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to boost the aroma. Then add the marinara, water, fresh herbs, and seasonings. Let it gently simmer for about 8 minutes to meld all those delicious flavors together.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Filling

In a bowl, beat an egg and fold in ricotta, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, herbs, and nutmeg. I find using fresh herbs here really brightens the filling—plus the nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that makes a big difference.

Step 4: Fill and Roll Each Noodle

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, dollop about ¼ cup of cheese filling down the center of each noodle, smoothing it out evenly. Top with an equal amount of meat sauce, then roll carefully but tightly to keep everything inside. Place each roll seam-side down in your baking dish that’s been lightly greased and spread with a bit of marinara.

Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Pour the remaining meat sauce over the roll ups, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Cover loosely with foil (I tent mine so it doesn’t stick to the cheese) and bake at 375˚F for about 35-40 minutes until bubbling and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley, and you’re ready to serve!

Top Tip

Over the years of making this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe, I’ve picked up some little tricks that help everything come out just right—these tips make the difference between good and unforgettable!

Don’t Overcook Noodles: Pull them al dente to ensure they hold together when rolling and during baking.
Pat Your Noodles Dry: Excess water can make the roll ups watery, so drying is a must.
Tent Your Foil When Baking: Avoids cheese sticking to the foil and keeps the top nice and bubbly.
Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, fresh basil and parsley brighten up flavor far more than dried versions.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish these roll ups with fresh chopped parsley—not only does it add a pop of color, but the fresh herbal flavor lifts the dish. Sometimes I sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving for an extra cheesy touch.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette is also fantastic to soak up any leftover sauce on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the roll ups in a spiral pattern in round dishes or mini casserole dishes for individual servings. They look so impressive, and guests love the personal portion-size feel. A drizzle of pesto on top is a fun flavor twist too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, I tightly cover leftover roll ups with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. It’s nice how the flavors deepen after sitting overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the roll ups unbaked in a freezer-safe dish wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When I’m ready, I thaw them in the fridge overnight, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake with extra time for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

Reheating

For leftovers, popping an individual roll up in the microwave for about a minute works great for a quick meal—just cover with a paper towel to keep things tidy. Or, cover them with foil and reheat in a 325ºF oven for 20-25 minutes for that just-baked comfort. Both methods keep the cheese melty and sauce flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use no-boil noodles for this recipe?

For the best texture, I recommend classic boiled lasagna noodles. No-boil noodles tend to be too soft and can fall apart when rolled, which might make the presentation messy.

How do I prevent the cheese filling from leaking out?

Make sure to spread the cheese filling in an even layer and roll the noodles tightly but gently. Using slightly less filling per noodle also helps keep things snug and reduces leakage. Patting the noodles dry before filling is crucial, too.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the roll ups a day in advance and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. Just let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and add 10 minutes to the bake time for perfectly cooked rolls.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

For quick reheating, the microwave works well—cover the portion to avoid splatters and heat in intervals. For a more evenly warmed meal with the cheese still bubbling, reheat covered in the oven at 325ºF for 20-25 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Beef Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen as a go-to dish that’s both comforting and approachable. I love how it brings family around the table with smiles and full bellies. Give it a try—you’ll find it an easy, satisfying way to enjoy classic lasagna flavors with a fun twist.