I still remember the first time I had lasagna in New York City. It was a chilly winter evening, and I ducked into a cozy Italian restaurant tucked between Broadway and 9th Avenue. The scent of garlic, tomatoes, and bubbling cheese filled the air. The waiter set down a plate not of the traditional layered lasagna I grew up with, but of delicate, perfectly rolled pasta sheets stuffed with seasoned beef and ricotta, smothered in marinara, and topped with golden mozzarella.
That bite was pure comfort—hearty, cheesy, and warming in a way only lasagna can be. Ever since, Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rolls have been a family favorite in my own kitchen. They’re easier to portion than a full lasagna, bake beautifully, and are perfect for both weeknights and special gatherings.
Thanks for being here. I hope these recipes bring warmth to your kitchen and a little joy to your day.
Table of Contents
What Makes Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rolls So Special?
Flavor Profile – Cheesy, Beefy, and Irresistible
Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rolls balance savory ground beef with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and tangy marinara. Each bite combines layers of richness with the fresh lift of herbs like basil and parsley.
Why Lasagna Rolls Beat Traditional Lasagna for Weeknights
While traditional lasagna is delicious, it can be a bit messy to cut and serve. Lasagna rolls, on the other hand, are neat, pre-portioned, and bake faster. They’re also freezer-friendly, making meal prep a breeze.
The Perfect Family-Friendly Meal
These rolls are customizable—kids love them plain with cheese, while adults can add spinach, mushrooms, or extra spices. It’s the type of dish that makes everyone happy around the dinner table.
Ingredients for Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rolls
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient | Measurement | Notes |
---|---|---|
Lasagna noodles | 12 sheets | Cooked al dente |
Ground beef | 1 lb (450 g) | Lean preferred |
Ricotta cheese | 1 cup | Whole milk for creaminess |
Mozzarella cheese | 2 cups | Shredded |
Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Freshly grated |
Egg | 1 large | For binding |
Marinara sauce | 3 cups | Homemade or store-bought |
Onion | 1 small | Finely diced |
Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing |
Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp | Chopped |
Fresh basil | 1 tbsp | Optional garnish |
Salt & black pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rolls
Preparing the Pasta Sheets
- Cook lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente.
- Drain and lay flat on parchment to prevent sticking.
Making the Beef Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, add onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Mix in ricotta, half of the mozzarella, parmesan, egg, and parsley.
Rolling & Baking Like a Pro
- Spread beef-cheese mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle.
- Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over rolls, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 10 minutes more until cheese is golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Cooking Tips & Variations for Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rolls
Vegetarian Substitutes & Lighter Versions
Swap beef with spinach and ricotta for a lighter vegetarian version. Ground turkey or chicken works great for leaner protein.
Extra-Cheesy Options for Cheese Lovers
Add a layer of provolone or fontina for a cheesier pull. For a bold twist, mix in a bit of blue cheese or gouda.
How to Freeze & Reheat Perfectly
- Freeze before baking: Assemble rolls, cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.
Nutrition Facts – Are Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rolls Healthy?
While indulgent, lasagna rolls can be part of a balanced diet. Here’s a breakdown per serving (1 roll, assuming 6 servings):
Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Calories | 380 | 19% |
Protein | 23g | 46% |
Carbs | 28g | 9% |
Fat | 18g | 27% |
Fiber | 3g | 12% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. |
For more details on beef nutrition, see Healthline’s Guide to Ground Beef.
Pairings & Serving Ideas for Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rolls
Side Dishes That Work Best
- Garlic breadsticks
- Caesar or arugula salad
- Roasted broccoli or zucchini
Drinks & Wines to Pair With Lasagna Rolls
- Red wines like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sparkling water with lemon for a lighter option
- For kids: apple juice or iced tea
FAQs About Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rolls
Is beef lasagna good?
Yes! Beef adds richness and flavor that pairs beautifully with cheese and pasta.
What are lasagna rolls?
They’re individual portions of lasagna where each noodle is filled, rolled up, and baked with sauce and cheese.
What’s the difference between lasagna and lasagne?
Lasagna (singular) refers to the noodle itself in Italian, while lasagne (plural) refers to the dish. In the U.S., “lasagna” is most common.
How tasty is lasagna?
It’s a universal comfort food—savory, cheesy, filling, and endlessly adaptable.
Conclusion – Why Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rolls Deserve a Spot in Your Weekly Menu
Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rolls are more than just a fun twist on lasagna—they’re practical, delicious, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Whether you stick to the classic beef-and-cheese combo or experiment with variations, these rolls will quickly become a staple at your table.
For more comforting ideas, check out our Dinner Recipes section.
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Cheesy Beef Lasagna Rolls – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Make cheesy beef lasagna rolls with gooey cheese, savory beef, and marinara. Perfect family comfort food, ready in under 1 hour!
Ingredients
12 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente)
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 large egg
3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, season, and cook until browned. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine beef, ricotta, half the mozzarella, parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Spread filling evenly over noodles, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over rolls, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with basil, serve hot.
Notes
Swap beef with turkey, chicken, or sautéed spinach for variety.
Can be assembled and frozen before baking for up to 2 months.
Great served with garlic bread and salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23g