Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

🍝 Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 (2 roll-ups per person)

🧾 Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg, beaten

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Filling & Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente

• 1½ cups ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 egg yolk (optional, for extra creamy ricotta)

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Make the Meatballs:

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.

2. Roll into 24 small meatballs (about 1-inch each).

3. Brown in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 mins per side (they’ll finish baking in the oven).

2️⃣ Prep the Filling:

1. In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, egg yolk (if using), and a pinch of salt.

3️⃣ Assemble the Roll-Ups:

1. Lay out cooked lasagna noodles on a clean surface.

2. Spread 2 tbsp ricotta mixture on each noodle, then place 2 meatballs in a line near one end.

3. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

4️⃣ Bake:

1. Pour marinara sauce over the roll-ups. Sprinkle with Parmesan.

2. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 mins.

3. Uncover, bake 5-10 more mins until bubbly and golden.

5️⃣ Serve:

• Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve with garlic bread!

💡 Pro Tips:

• Make ahead: Assemble unbaked roll-ups and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

• Freezer-friendly: Freeze before baking, then thaw and bake as directed (+10 mins).

• Vegetarian option: Swap meatballs for sautéed mushrooms or spinach-ricotta filling.

These roll-ups are fun, flavorful, and perfect for dinner parties—everyone gets their own little lasagna bundle! 😍 Let me know how yours turn out!