Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rollups Recipe

If you’re craving all the cheesy, meaty goodness of classic lasagna but want a fun twist, my Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rollups Recipe is going to become your new favorite. I absolutely love how these rollups come together — they’re like individual servings of lasagna that are perfect for both family dinners and easy meal prep. Plus, the way the gooey cheese melts inside those tender noodles? Pure magic. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through every step so your rollups come out just right every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients all come together to balance hearty meatiness, creamy cheese, and fresh herby brightness. When you pick your beef and sausage, go for quality — it really makes a difference here.

• Whole lasagna noodles: I recommend no-boil noodles if you want to save time, but traditional ones work beautifully too.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté your aromatics — choose a good quality one for the best flavor.
• Medium onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic packs that irresistible punch every lasagna needs.
• Ground beef: I usually use 80/20 for juiciness, but leaner is fine if you want less fat.
• Italian sausage: Adds spice and a little extra fat — the secret to that perfect sauce richness.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Provide a chunky texture and fresh acidity.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness to thicken and deepen the sauce.
• Salt & black pepper: To season evenly and balance flavors.
• Fresh parsley & basil: Chopped finely for fresh herbal brightness both in the sauce and cheese mixture.
• Ricotta cheese: The creamy heart of your cheesy filling.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor that elevates the cheese blend.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so it holds beautifully inside the rollups.
• Mozzarella cheese: Goes on top and inside for that irresistible melty, stringy texture.

Variations

I love how versatile this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rollups Recipe is — so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Whether you want to sneak in extra veggies or swap meats, personalization is part of the fun.

• Vegetable-Loaded: I’ve tossed in sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a veggie boost that adds layers of flavor and texture without overpowering the dish.
• Spicy Kick: Adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or using spicy Italian sausage really wakes up the palate — my family loves it!
• Meat Swap: For a lighter version, try ground turkey or chicken sausage; just keep an eye on moisture so the rollups stay juicy.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with provolone or pecorino instead of mozzarella or Parmesan for a different twist.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rollups Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles and Prep Your Workspace

Start by boiling your lasagna noodles according to package instructions — al dente is key here because they’ll cook more in the oven. When they’re just tender, drain and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment or a lightly oiled surface so they don’t stick together. Trust me, I learned the hard way that this step saves you frustration when rolling!

Step 2: Make the Rich Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté diced onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spatula. Cook until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in the canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with salt, pepper, fresh parsley, and basil. Let this simmer gently for at least 20 minutes to develop rich, layered flavors. I love to sneak a taste here — this sauce is the heart of your rollups.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesy Filling Mixture

While the sauce simmers, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, eggs, salt, pepper, and the remaining chopped parsley and basil in a bowl. Beat lightly so it’s creamy but still holds together. This mixture adds a wonderful creamy texture inside each noodle. I use a fork and just mix enough to blend without overworking it.

Step 4: Assemble the Rollups

Lay a cooked noodle flat and spread about 3-4 tablespoons of the ricotta filling evenly over it. Then spoon some of the meat sauce over the ricotta and sprinkle with grated mozzarella. Carefully roll the noodle up tightly but gently — you don’t want it to break. Place each roll seam-side down in a baking dish coated with a thin layer of sauce. Repeat with all noodles until you’ve used everything.

Step 5: Final Bake for Gooey Perfection

Pour remaining meat sauce evenly over the top of the rollups, then sprinkle generously with leftover mozzarella. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. I always let mine rest for 10 minutes before serving — this helps everything set nicely and makes cutting easier.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rollups Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish with a little extra chopped fresh basil and parsley sprinkled on top. It adds that lovely fresh pop of color and brightness that balances the richness. Sometimes I’ll grate a tiny bit more Parmesan right before serving, too—it just elevates the whole plate.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a crisp Caesar salad and some garlic bread. The crunchy greens help cut through the richness of the cheeses and meat, and the garlic bread? Well, it’s basically a must with any Italian meal. I also love steamed broccoli or roasted veggies for a veggie-packed option.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual rollups in small foil or ceramic ramekins — it makes serving super elegant and fun for guests. Another time, I layered the rollups in a pretty staggered fashion in my baking dish and sprinkled fresh basil leaves all around before baking, which made for a show-stopping presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. These rollups reheat beautifully the next day and the flavors even develop more. When ready to eat, I cover them with foil so the cheese doesn’t dry out during reheating.

Freezing

This Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rollups Recipe freezes brilliantly. I assemble the rollups and freeze them uncooked in a baking dish tightly wrapped in foil. When I want to bake, I thaw overnight in the fridge then bake as usual. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights!

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the rollups with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps the cheese melty and the noodles tender without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I discovered this Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rollups Recipe on a day when I wanted something comforting but a little different from traditional lasagna, and it quickly became a family favorite. It’s just so satisfying to serve up these individual cheesy bundles packed with meaty sauce and fresh herbs. If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a warm hug but isn’t intimidating to make, you’ll enjoy this just as much as I do. Give it a try, and soon you’ll have a new go-to that everyone’s excited to eat!

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