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 substitute 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 and fun about rolling up lasagna noodles into perfect little bundles of cheesy, meaty goodness. This Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe combines all the classic flavors you love in a playful, approachable way that's great for family dinners or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish with three visible rolled layers filled with a mixture of meat sauce, rice, and tomato sauce inside a white rectangular dish. Each layer is covered with melted white cheese that looks soft and slightly browned in spots. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the top, adding color contrast to the red tomato sauce and melted cheese. The edges of the dish show some sauce stains, giving a fresh baked look. A gold-colored serving spoon is partially visible on the right side, scooping one portion. The dish sits 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've made this Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe dozens of times, and it reliably wins over everyone at the table. The combination of rich meat sauce with a velvety cheese filling wrapped in tender noodles feels indulgent but manageable—and it’s surprisingly easy to customize!

Easy to Portion: Each roll-up is served individually, making dinner portioning simple and mess-free.
Flavor-Packed Layers: The meat sauce is slow-simmered with fresh herbs, bringing out deep, rich taste that perfectly balances the creamy cheese.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the roll-ups a day or two in advance—great for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Fun Presentation: These roll-ups look gorgeous on the plate and make a perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

This image shows a close-up of a lasagna piece being lifted with a golden fork from a white baking dish. The lasagna has three main layers: a bottom layer of pasta noodles that are light yellow with a slightly wavy texture, a middle layer packed with a rich red tomato sauce mixed with brown cooked meat, and a top layer covered in melted white cheese that stretches as the piece is lifted. Green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the cheese, adding a fresh touch. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the gooey texture and vibrant colors of the lasagna photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a special role in bringing classic Italian flavors to life while keeping this dish balanced and approachable. Since this recipe relies on quality ingredients for maximum flavor, I always recommend using a good marinara and fresh herbs if you can.

Flat lay of mild Italian sausage in raw bulk form, a small peeled yellow onion chopped, whole uncracked brown egg, a small mound of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth whole milk ricotta cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of rich red tomato paste, a few garlic cloves peeled and whole, a few sprigs of fresh basil, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, a small white ceramic bowl with olive oil, a pinch of dried red pepper flakes on white ceramic, a pinch of dried oregano, a pinch of dried thyme, a few classic cooked lasagna noodles laid flat, all ingredients arranged symmetrically 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

Italian sausage: Adds savory depth and a comforting meaty base with just the right seasoning.
Yellow onion: Sautéed until soft, it mellows and adds a subtle sweetness that complements the meat.
Tomato paste: Boosts the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce for a luscious consistency.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is a must here for that warm, aromatic punch.
Marinara sauce: Using a high-quality jarred sauce saves time while anchoring the dish with rich tomato flavor.
Fresh herbs (basil, parsley): They brighten up the sauce and cheese filling with bursts of freshness.
Chicken bouillon: This little umami booster gives the sauce extra body—you can skip it or use broth instead.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it’s key to that luscious, dreamy cheese filling.
Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts beautifully, making every bite gooey and satisfying.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty sharpness to deepen the flavor in the filling.
Sour cream: This might surprise you, but it makes the cheese filling extra silky and tangy, balancing richness.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch—trust me! It enhances the cheese mixture with subtle warmth without being overpowering.
Classic lasagna noodles: Be sure to use the regular kind, boiled just right so they're pliable but firm enough to roll without tearing.

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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 love experimenting with this recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. It’s so easy to swap out herbs or add a little extra heat if you’re feeding a crowd who likes bold flavors. Feel free to get creative—you’ll find this classic roll-up structure is very forgiving!

Variation: I sometimes swap mild Italian sausage for spicy chorizo when I want a smoky kick; it changes the dish in the best way.
Vegetarian twist: Skip the sausage and double up on mushrooms and spinach in the sauce for a hearty meatless version everyone still loves.
Cheese swap: Adding a little fontina or provolone into the filling gives a different melting quality if you want a richer profile.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles carefully boiled or no-boil varieties—just watch your cook times so they don’t fall apart when rolling.

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

Step 1: Prep and Boil Noodles to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF and lining two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats to lay the noodles out after boiling. Cook the noodles in plenty of well-salted boiling water—but here’s a trick I learned after a few failed batches: drain them a minute or two before the package directions say, so they’re soft but still hold shape when rolled. Rinse in cold water fully, then pat dry very well so they don’t stick to each other or get soggy.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Meat Sauce

While your noodles are boiling, heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet. Sauté the chopped onions until translucent and fragrant (about 5 minutes). Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, stir in tomato paste, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes—this takes the sauce from good to restaurant-level. Then add the marinara, water, herbs, chicken bouillon, and seasonings. Let the sauce simmer gently for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop rich flavors.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, whisk one egg and then add the ricotta, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir together until smooth and evenly combined. This mixture is the heart of the roll-ups, so don’t rush—make sure it’s fluffy, well-seasoned, and creamy.

Step 4: Carefully Assemble Each Roll-Up

Set your prepared baking dish with a thin spread of marinara sauce on the bottom (reserved from the jar). Then, grab a single noodle and spread a thin layer of cheese filling right down the center—about a scant ¼ cup. Next, add about the same amount of meat sauce on top of the cheese. Use your fingers or a small spatula to evenly spread it out without breaking the noodle. Then roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to keep the filling contained. Transfer each roll to the baking dish, seam side down, so they don’t unravel.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Once all your roll-ups are neatly arranged, spoon the remaining meat sauce on top, then scatter the final 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella over everything. Cover the dish loosely with tented foil to prevent cheese sticking. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling hot. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like—a little pop of green is always welcome on the table.

Top Tip

Having made this recipe countless times, I’ve learned that the key to success is in the noodle prep and assembly. Here are some tips from personal experience to make your roll-ups picture-perfect and delicious every time.

Don’t Overcook Noodles: Slightly undercooked noodles hold their shape better and won’t tear when rolling.
Pat Noodles Dry: Ensuring noodles are dry helps the filling stick instead of sliding off—plus prevents watery casserole.
Even Filling Layers: Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon for consistent portions of cheese and sauce on each noodle for even cooking.
Tent the Foil: Tent the foil so it doesn’t stick to the cheese topping—it keeps the melted cheese beautiful and stringy!

How to Serve Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

meat lasagna roll-ups - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the roll-ups right before serving. It adds a vibrant color contrast and fresh herbal aroma that lightens up the richness of the dish. A little extra Parmesan grated over the top at the table is always a crowd-pleaser too.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm focaccia make the meal feel complete, and some roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add a fresh, healthy touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive dinners, I like to serve these roll-ups on a large wooden board garnished with herbs and small bowls of extra marinara and grated cheese for guests to customize their plates. They’re also fun tucked into individual casserole dishes for personal servings if you want something a bit more formal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftovers tightly with foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, so it’s great for making ahead and enjoying the next day.

Freezing

I often assemble the roll-ups in a freezer-safe dish and freeze them before baking. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, let sit at room temp for 30 minutes, then bake with an extra 10 minutes added to the usual baking time. This method is a lifesaver on busy nights.

Reheating

Leftover roll-ups heat well in both the microwave and oven. For quick reheats, cover with a paper towel and microwave in 15–20 second bursts until hot. For better texture, reheat in a 325ºF oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes. Either way, they taste almost as good as fresh out of the oven!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian filling. You can also add lentils or cooked lentil-based meat substitutes to keep it meaty without the meat.

Can I use no-boil noodles for this recipe?

Regular lasagna noodles are best here because you need them cooked but firm enough to roll without tearing. If you want to use no-boil noodles, be very gentle when rolling and consider lightly pre-soaking them until pliable. The texture might differ slightly, though.

What’s the best way to prevent soggy roll-ups?

Patting the noodles very dry after boiling and rinsing with cold water is key. Also, spreading the sauce and cheese evenly but not too thickly helps prevent sogginess. Be sure not to overload the noodles with filling, which can cause them to become mushy.

Can I prepare the roll-ups ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish a day or two ahead. Just cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking and add about 10 extra minutes to ensure even heating.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe holds a special place in my cooking rotation because it blends comfort, ease, and elegance in one dish. Whether feeding family or impressing friends, these roll-ups deliver consistently delicious results with room for your personal flair. I encourage you to try it out—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy lasagna that’s fun to make and irresistible to eat!