Name: Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound mild Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed); 1 small yellow onion, chopped (may sub 1 tsp onion powder); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 3-4 garlic cloves, minced; pinch red pepper flakes (optional); 1 32 oz. jar marinara sauce (I like Rao's Brand); 3/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried); 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried); 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon (cubed, granulated or base); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp 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 tsp dried); 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried); 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp 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 so comforting about Italian food, and these Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe bring a fun twist to the classic layered lasagna you know and love. It’s cheesy, saucy, and just the right bit meaty—plus, rolling them up makes it feel like you’re eating little personal lasagnas, which is just irresistible.

The image shows a close-up of a white baking dish filled with several rolled pasta pieces covered in thick red tomato sauce mixed with bits of cooked meat. Each roll is topped with a melted layer of white cheese that looks soft and slightly browned. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled evenly over the cheese, adding color contrast. The sauce is rich and chunky, with visible tomato pieces and bits of meat that make the dish look hearty. The rolled pasta edges are visible under the sauce and cheese layers, adding texture. A golden spoon is lifting one piece from the dish, showing the layers inside with saucy pasta, meat, and cheese. The dish is set 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 Meat Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to admit, when I first tried making these Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll Ups, I was hooked instantly. They’re not only delicious but also super fun to make — perfect for weekends or when you want to impress dinner guests without too much fuss.

Individual Rolls: Serving lasagna in rolls means each portion is neat and perfect—no digging through layers to find your piece.
Rich, Balanced Flavors: The sausage-based meat sauce combined with creamy ricotta cheese and fresh herbs creates a beautiful harmony of tastes.
Customizable: You can tweak the filling and sauce easily, making it your own version every time you make it.
Great Make-Ahead Dish: Assemble it the day before and pop it in the oven when ready—great for busy days or entertaining.

This image shows a close-up of a white dish filled with rich lasagna made of three visible layers: the bottom layer is wide, wavy pasta noodles with a light yellow color; the middle layer consists of chunky red tomato sauce mixed with brown ground meat; the top layer is thick, melted white cheese sprinkled with bright green chopped herbs. The dish looks hot and gooey, with some cheese stretching as a serving spoon lifts a portion from the dish. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe plays a role in balancing texture, flavor, and richness. From the savory sausage in the meat sauce to the creamy, herby cheese filling, these components come together to create something truly special.

Flat lay of a mound of mild Italian sausage in raw ground form, a small chopped yellow onion heap, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of finely minced fresh basil leaves, another small white ceramic bowl of finely chopped fresh parsley, a few dried red pepper flakes scattered on the surface, a small white ceramic bowl holding loose dried oregano, a small white ceramic bowl with dried thyme, a block of whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy whole milk ricotta cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of whole nutmeg nut, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce, a stack of flat cooked classic lasagna noodles, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley for garnish, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic surface, placed 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

Mild Italian Sausage: Provides savory depth and a juicy texture to the meat sauce; swapping for spicy sausage adds a nice kick if you like extra heat.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and aroma; finely chopping helps it integrate smoothly into the sauce.
Tomato Paste & Marinara Sauce: Tomato paste builds rich, concentrated flavor, while good-quality marinara (I love Rao’s) keeps it fresh and vibrant.
Fresh Basil & Parsley: These herbs brighten the sauce and cheese filling, cutting through the richness with freshness.
Ricotta Cheese & Mozzarella: Ricotta offers a creamy, slightly tangy texture in the filling, while mozzarella melts perfectly on top for that melty, golden finish.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, umami complexity, especially nice grated fresh from a microplane.
Sour Cream: A little unexpected, but it lightens the cheese filling and keeps it silky smooth.
Lasagna Noodles (Classic, not no-boil): Boiling noodles and drying them prevents sogginess and helps them roll nicely without breaking.

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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

I like swapping the mild sausage for ground turkey sometimes when our family is trying to eat lighter, and honestly, we don’t miss the fat at all. You could also add some roasted veggies inside the roll ups if you want to sneak in extra nutrients without sacrificing taste.

Variation: Once, I added sautéed mushrooms and spinach to the cheese filling—totally delicious and a sneaky way to get greens into picky eaters.
Dietary tweaks: For gluten-free, try using gluten-free lasagna noodles and double-check your marinara for no added sugars or gluten.
Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes in the cheese filling along with the sauce gives a subtle warmth that I actually prefer now!

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

Step 1: Prep Your Noodles Wisely

Start by boiling your lasagna noodles in well-salted water, but don’t overcook—they should be tender but still firm enough to roll without tearing. I usually check a couple minutes before the package suggests, then rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking and lay them out individually on parchment to prevent sticking. This little step makes rolling so much easier later.

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a big pan, sauté your chopped onion until soft and fragrant, then add the sausage, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks through. This seasoning step builds the backbone of your meat sauce. Stir in tomato paste and garlic last to cook for just a minute, raising those flavors up a notch without bitterness.

Step 3: Simmer the Meat Sauce

Add your marinara, water, herbs, and bouillon to the meat, and let it simmer gently for about 8 minutes. I keep the heat low so it thickens slightly and the flavors meld. Give it an occasional stir to keep from sticking and taste for seasoning—salt and pepper are your friends here.

Step 4: Mix the Cheese Filling

While the sauce simmers, whisk an egg in a large bowl and add the ricotta, sour cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, herbs, and a smidge of nutmeg for warmth. Stir until everything is well combined. This filling is luscious and just what you want balanced against the tomatoey sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Roll Ups

Lay a noodle flat, then spread roughly ¼ cup of the cheese filling down the center. Spoon ¼ cup of the meat sauce on top of the cheese evenly. Now, roll it up tightly from one end to the other, using your fingers to keep the filling inside. Place each roll seam-side down in your baking dish that’s been spread with a little marinara.

Step 6: Bake to Melty Perfection

Once all rolls are nestled in the dish, pour the remaining meat sauce over the top and cover with shredded mozzarella. Tent with foil so it doesn’t stick to the cheese, then bake at 375°F for about 35-40 minutes. The cheese should be beautifully melted and bubbly—like a warm, cheesy hug on a plate.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few handy tricks that help make this Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe foolproof and extra tasty.

Don’t Skip Rinsing Noodles: It keeps the noodles from sticking and makes handling much easier when filling and rolling.
Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: They brighten the whole dish and give that just-picked garden freshness.
Tent Your Foil: Prevents the foil from sticking to the melted cheese by creating a little air pocket—something I always remind myself not to forget!
Let it Rest After Baking: Allow the dish to sit 5-10 minutes before serving so the filling sets a little and it slices beautifully without oozing everywhere.

How to Serve Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley on top—it adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that contrasts nicely with the rich cheese. Sometimes I add a little extra grated Parmesan right before serving—because, why not?

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is my go-to side, cutting through the richness with some crispness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette rounds out the meal beautifully, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, arranging the roll ups standing upright in a circular pattern in a round casserole dish makes a stunning presentation. You can garnish with edible flowers or a drizzle of basil oil to elevate the look even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered tightly with aluminum foil in the fridge. They keep really well for up to 5 days and reheating portions is simple, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

Freezing the assembled but unbaked roll ups in a freezer-safe dish wrapped in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil has saved me on busy weeks. Just thaw fully before baking and add about 10 extra minutes to ensure it heats evenly.

Reheating

For best results, I reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 325°F until warmed through—usually about 20-25 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch; just cover with a paper towel and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?

I don’t recommend no-boil noodles for this recipe as they can break when rolling and often result in a soggier texture. Boiling the noodles first gives you that perfect pliability to roll without tearing.

How far in advance can I assemble the roll ups?

You can assemble the roll ups a day in advance and keep them refrigerated, tightly covered. Just bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and add around 10 extra minutes to the baking time for thorough heating.

What’s the best way to prevent the cheese filling from leaking out?

When rolling, make sure to spread the filling and sauce evenly and avoid overfilling. Use your fingers to gently tuck in the edges of the noodle as you roll tightly; this keeps the filling secure inside the roll ups during baking.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the sausage and load up on veggies like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or eggplant. You can sauté them and mix them into the marinara sauce or cheese filling for a hearty vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to make when I want comfort food with a bit of flair. Its approachable steps and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a recipe I’m always excited to share with friends and family. I promise, once you try these, you’ll be making them over and over—you won’t even miss traditional layered lasagna. Give it a go, and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!