Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
These Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delicious twist on traditional lasagna—stuffed with creamy ricotta, savory meatballs, and rich marinara, then baked to cheesy perfection. Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests.
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Medium bowl (for cheese filling)
- Baking dish (9x13-inch)
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
- Saucepan (if making homemade marinara)
- Knife & cutting board (if chopping fresh herbs or garlic)
Ingredients
For the Roll-Ups:
- 12 lasagna noodles regular, not oven-ready
- 12 –15 small Italian-style meatballs homemade or frozen and thawed
- 2 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
For the Ricotta Cheese Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat Oven & Cook Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a parchment-lined surface to prevent sticking.
Mix the Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully blended.
Assemble the Roll-Ups
- Spread a thin layer of marinara on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- On each noodle, spread 2–3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly.
- Place 1 meatball (or 1.5 if small) on one end of each noodle.
- Roll up the noodles starting from the meatball end and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
Top with Sauce and Cheese
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the roll-ups.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley.
- Serve warm with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Pair these roll-ups with:- Garlic knots or crusty Italian bread
- Caesar or arugula salad
- A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot