Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Introduction

Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups are a fun and delicious twist on the classic lasagna, offering the same rich flavors in a more individual, easy-to-serve format. With perfectly cooked lasagna noodles rolled up with a savory filling of Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella, these roll-ups are smothered in marinara sauce and baked to golden perfection. Each bite is a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and savory, spiced sausage, making this dish a winner at family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where comfort food is needed.

These Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups are not only visually impressive but are also easy to prepare and serve. They can be customized with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, or even a spicy kick from red pepper flakes. This guide will walk you through each step of making these delicious roll-ups, provide tips for success, and suggest fun variations to personalize the recipe.

Why You’ll Love Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups

• Individual Servings: Unlike traditional lasagna, these roll-ups offer single portions, making them ideal for meal prep, individual servings, and easier cleanup.
• Rich, Savory Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella creates a rich, hearty filling that is perfectly complemented by marinara sauce.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These roll-ups can be assembled in advance, frozen, and baked later. They’re a great choice for busy families or anyone looking for make-ahead meals.
• Great for Entertaining: Their individual servings make them easy to serve at gatherings, parties, and family dinners. Each roll-up is a perfectly portioned dish that is both filling and impressive.
• Customizable: From different types of cheeses to adding vegetables or spices, this recipe is easy to adapt to your preferences, ensuring that you can make it your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 8 roll-ups
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-450 calories per roll-up, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8-10g

Ingredients

For the Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups:

• 8 lasagna noodles
• 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk sausage, not in links)
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Special Equipment

Although making Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups doesn’t require any specialized tools, having the right equipment will ensure a smooth process and better results:

1. Large Pot for Boiling Noodles: A large pot is necessary to boil the lasagna noodles. Ensure there’s enough space for them to cook evenly without sticking together.
2. Large Skillet: A large skillet is needed to cook the sausage and brown it for the filling. You’ll also use this to mix in the other ingredients for the filling.
3. Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works best for baking these roll-ups. The roll-ups will be layered with marinara sauce and cheese in this dish before baking.
4. Mixing Bowls: A few mixing bowls are required to prepare the cheese filling and mix the ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasoning.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements of ingredients will help ensure that your filling has the right consistency and flavor balance.
6. Aluminum Foil: This is useful for covering the baking dish while the lasagna roll-ups are baking to prevent them from drying out before the cheese melts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Lasagna Noodles

Start by boiling the lasagna noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and rinse them with cold water to prevent them from sticking together. Lay the noodles flat on a sheet of parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to cool while you prepare the filling.

2. Cook the Sausage

While the noodles are cooling, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, until the sausage is fully cooked through and browned. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.

3. Make the Cheese Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined. This will form the creamy cheese filling for the lasagna roll-ups.

Once the sausage has cooled slightly, add it to the cheese mixture and stir until fully incorporated.

4. Assemble the Lasagna Roll-Ups

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour a small amount of marinara sauce (about ½ cup) into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the roll-ups from sticking during baking.

Take one lasagna noodle at a time and lay it flat on a clean surface. Spread about 3-4 tablespoons of the cheese and sausage filling evenly over the noodle. Roll up the noodle carefully, keeping the filling inside, and place it seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining noodles.

Once all the roll-ups are assembled and in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the roll-ups. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.

5. Bake the Roll-Ups

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the lasagna roll-ups for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the roll-ups are heated through.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the roll-ups are done baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top of the roll-ups for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve the roll-ups hot, and enjoy the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors of this easy-to-make twist on classic lasagna!

Tips for Perfect Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Make sure you cook the noodles al dente since they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked noodles may become too soft and tear during rolling.
• Use a Good Quality Sausage: The sausage is the key to flavor in these roll-ups. Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best results. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can use hot sausage or add red pepper flakes to the filling.
• Make Ahead: These roll-ups can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep. Just cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as instructed.
• Don’t Skip the Sauce: Ensure the roll-ups are covered with enough marinara sauce to prevent them from drying out in the oven. The sauce helps to keep the roll-ups moist and flavorful.
• Add Extra Veggies: For a healthier version or added flavor, you can incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the filling, or layer them in the baking dish with the roll-ups.

Variations of Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups

• Vegetarian Lasagna Roll-Ups: Replace the sausage with sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or a blend of your favorite vegetables. Add some extra cheese or tofu for added richness.
• Spicy Lasagna Roll-Ups: For a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sausage and cheese filling. You can also top the roll-ups with a spicy marinara sauce.
• Chicken Sausage Roll-Ups: Swap the pork sausage for chicken sausage to make a lighter version of these roll-ups. Chicken sausage still delivers great flavor without the extra fat.
• Four-Cheese Lasagna Roll-Ups: Add a mix of cheeses like provolone, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a cheesy variation. This will make the filling extra creamy and rich.

Storage and Shelf Life

These Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups are perfect for leftovers and can be stored for future meals. To store, allow the roll-ups to cool completely, then cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To freeze the roll-ups, follow the same steps for cooling and then wrap individual roll-ups in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, but increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups

Pair these cheesy, savory roll-ups with complementary sides to complete the meal:

• Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up any extra marinara sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a tangy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich lasagna roll-ups.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots provide a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Red Wine: A glass of bold red wine, like a Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs wonderfully with the savory sausage and cheese in these roll-ups.

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Conclusion

Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delicious, fun twist on classic lasagna that’s perfect for serving individual portions at family dinners, parties, or for meal prepping. With a savory filling of Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, all smothered in marinara sauce, these roll-ups are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines comfort with convenience. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, these roll-ups are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness with your loved ones!