Easy Cheesy Lasagna Rolls – 30-Minute Dinner

I remember the first time I made lasagna rolls – I was nervous about the whole process, but they turned out so much easier than I expected! These little bundles of joy are perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Each roll is filled with creamy ricotta, savory marinara, and gooey mozzarella, then baked until bubbly. They're great for kids and adults alike, and you can easily customize them with your favorite add-ins.

So grab your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and let's make some delicious cheesy lasagna rolls together! You've got this.

About the Ingredients

12 lasagna noodles

Use regular lasagna noodles that you boil until al dente. You can also use no-boil noodles, but you'll need to soften them in hot water for a few minutes before rolling.

2 cups (500g) ricotta cheese

Full-fat ricotta gives the creamiest texture. For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta or cottage cheese (blended smooth).

2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded. You can also use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra flavor.

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano adds a nutty, salty kick. If you only have pre-grated, that works too.

1 large egg

Helps bind the ricotta filling. For an egg-free version, use 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or a flax egg.

2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce

Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade. Look for a sauce with low sugar and no added sugar for a healthier option.

1 teaspoon dried basil

Adds a lovely herbaceous note. Substitute with 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil if you have it.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For a subtle garlic flavor. You can also use one minced clove of fresh garlic.

1/2 teaspoon salt

Adjust to taste. If using salted marinara, you might want to reduce this.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground is best for flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Don't overcook the noodles

Cook them 1 minute less than the package directions – they'll finish cooking in the oven and stay firm enough to roll without tearing.

Pat the noodles dry

After draining, lay them on a clean kitchen towel to absorb excess water. This prevents the rolls from becoming soggy.

Roll gently but firmly

Use a light touch to avoid squeezing out the filling. If a noodle tears, just patch it with a piece of another noodle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Cook Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking. Lay them flat on a clean towel to dry.

3. Make Ricotta Filling

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

4. Assemble Rolls

Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared dish. Take one lasagna noodle and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly over it. Roll it up tightly and place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with remaining noodles and filling.

5. Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolls, spreading it to cover them evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella on top.

6. Bake Until Bubbly

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. For a golden top, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes – watch carefully to avoid burning.

7. Rest and Serve

Let the rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps them set and makes them easier to lift. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Delicious Variations

• Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the ricotta filling for a heartier meal.
• Swap ricotta for a spinach and cream cheese mixture – sauté 2 cups fresh spinach with garlic, then mix with cream cheese and ricotta.
• For a vegetarian twist, add sautéed mushrooms and zucchini to the filling.

How to Store Cheesy Lasagna Rolls Dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope these cheesy lasagna rolls bring as much joy to your table as they do to mine. Try them tonight and let me know how they turn out! Share your creations in the comments below – I'd love to hear from you.

Cheesy Lasagna Rolls Dinner

Enjoy classic lasagna flavors in fun, easy rolls! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

★★★★½ 4.8 (156 ratings)

15 minPrep time30 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

Print RecipePin Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups (500g) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat Oven — Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. 2Cook Lasagna Noodles — Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking. Lay them flat on a clean towel to dry.
3. 3Make Ricotta Filling — In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. 4Assemble Rolls — Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared dish. Take one lasagna noodle and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly over it. Roll it up tightly and place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with remaining noodles and filling.
5. 5Add Sauce and Cheese — Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolls, spreading it to cover them evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella on top.
6. 6Bake Until Bubbly — Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. For a golden top, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes – watch carefully to avoid burning.
7. 7Rest and Serve — Let the rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps them set and makes them easier to lift. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: If you're short on time, you can use store-bought marinara and pre-shredded cheese, but the fresh stuff really elevates the flavor.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: Italian-American

Course: Dinner

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat

Written by Aisha Khan
Aisha writes about mindful parenting and child development, drawing from her experiences raising three kids. She offers gentle, realistic advice for everyday challenges.