Lasagna rolls. You’ll need 10 lasagna noodles, 1 lb ground beef, 1 roll sausage, 1 diced medium onion, 3/4 container of ricotta, a big bag of shredded mozzarella, and 2 cans of sauce. Cook down the onions, then brown the sausage and beef together and drain. Boil and lay out the noodles, spread a ricotta and meat blend with some mozzarella on top, and roll them (not too tight!). Coat the bottom of the pan with sauce so the noodles don’t stick, then place the rolls in the pan. Cover with sauce and cheese, and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. Add seasoning to the ricotta and meat mixture. Serve with garlic bread!
Lasagna Rolls: Variations and Tips
Variations:
- Cheese Variations:
- Ricotta and Spinach: Mix ricotta cheese with sautéed spinach for a classic vegetarian filling.
- Three Cheese: Use a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan for a richer, more decadent roll.
- Goat Cheese: Substitute ricotta with goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Protein Options:
- Ground Beef: Classic and hearty, use a seasoned ground beef filling for a traditional meat lasagna roll.
- Sausage: Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, adds extra flavor and spice.
- Chicken or Turkey: For a lighter option, use shredded or ground chicken or turkey.
- Seafood: Try a mix of shrimp, crab, or lobster for a seafood lasagna roll.
- Vegetarian Fillings:
- Mushroom: Sautéed mushrooms mixed with ricotta for an earthy flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Use a medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
- Pesto: Spread a layer of basil pesto in the roll for a burst of fresh herb flavor.
- Sauce Variations:
- Classic Marinara: Stick with traditional tomato sauce for a tried-and-true flavor.
- Alfredo: Use a creamy Alfredo sauce for a richer, creamier roll.
- Pesto Cream: Combine pesto with a light cream sauce for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Bolognese: Add a meaty Bolognese sauce for a heartier, more robust dish.
- Pasta Variations:
- Gluten-Free Noodles: Substitute traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free options.
- Vegetable Noodles: Use thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant in place of pasta for a low-carb version.
- Toppings:
- Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs on top before baking for extra crunch.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or oregano after baking for a burst of color and flavor.
- Extra Cheese: Add a layer of mozzarella or parmesan on top for a cheesy, golden crust.
Tips:
- Cook Noodles Properly:
- Boil the lasagna noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft and tearing during rolling.
- Prevent Stickiness:
- After boiling, lay the noodles out on a flat surface, lightly drizzled with olive oil to prevent them from sticking together.
- Roll Evenly:
- Spread the filling evenly across each noodle and roll them tightly to ensure they hold together during baking.
- Layer the Sauce:
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of your baking dish before placing the lasagna rolls. This prevents sticking and adds extra flavor.
- Cover While Baking:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil during the first part of baking to prevent the rolls from drying out. Remove the foil towards the end to let the cheese on top brown.
- Make Ahead:
- Prepare the lasagna rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. This makes it a great option for entertaining.
- Freezing:
- Lasagna rolls freeze well. Assemble them fully, freeze in an airtight container, and bake from frozen, adding additional time as needed.
- Portion Control:
- Lasagna rolls are easy to portion, making them great for meal prep or serving a crowd with different dietary preferences.
- Use Fresh Ingredients:
- Fresh herbs, high-quality cheese, and homemade sauce can elevate the flavor of your lasagna rolls significantly.
- Serve with a Side:
- Complement your lasagna rolls with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
These variations and tips will help you create delicious and customizable lasagna rolls that can be tailored to any taste or occasion!