Name: Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 20 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 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon 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 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon 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 incredibly comforting about melting cheese, savory meat, and tender pasta rolled up into one perfect bite. This Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe transforms classic lasagna into a fun, portion-friendly dish that’s just as cozy and delicious–plus, it’s perfect for sharing or saving for later!

The image shows a close-up of a white baking dish filled with several rolled pasta pieces covered in thick red tomato sauce mixed with bits of cooked meat. Each roll is topped with a melted layer of white cheese that looks soft and slightly browned. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled evenly over the cheese, adding color contrast. The sauce is rich and chunky, with visible tomato pieces and bits of meat that make the dish look hearty. The rolled pasta edges are visible under the sauce and cheese layers, adding texture. A golden spoon is lifting one piece from the dish, showing the layers inside with saucy pasta, meat, and cheese. The dish is set 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 countless lasagnas in my life, but rolling up each noodle with that perfectly balanced mix of meat and cheese? Game changer. It’s easier to serve, less messy, and the flavors are every bit as rich and delicious as the layered version.

Portion Control Made Easy: Each roll-up holds just the right amount of filling so you don’t overdo it.
Hands-On Fun: Rolling the noodles turns dinner prep into a playful activity that’s great for kids and adults alike.
Flavor Packed: The meat sauce simmers slowly to develop deep, savory notes that complement creamy cheese filling perfectly.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep everything the day before and bake fresh when you’re ready, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

This image shows a close-up of a white dish filled with rich lasagna made of three visible layers: the bottom layer is wide, wavy pasta noodles with a light yellow color; the middle layer consists of chunky red tomato sauce mixed with brown ground meat; the top layer is thick, melted white cheese sprinkled with bright green chopped herbs. The dish looks hot and gooey, with some cheese stretching as a serving spoon lifts a portion from the dish. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe lies in the harmony of simple, quality ingredients coming together. Each component has its role: a robust meat sauce, fresh herbs, creamy cheeses, and sturdy noodles that hold the whole creation.

Flat lay of a mound of mild Italian sausage in raw ground form, a small chopped yellow onion heap, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of finely minced fresh basil leaves, another small white ceramic bowl of finely chopped fresh parsley, a few dried red pepper flakes scattered on the surface, a small white ceramic bowl holding loose dried oregano, a small white ceramic bowl with dried thyme, a block of whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy whole milk ricotta cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of whole nutmeg nut, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce, a stack of flat cooked classic lasagna noodles, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley for garnish, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic surface, placed 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: I use mild because it lets the herbs shine without overpowering the dish.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness once sautéed, balancing the acidity in the tomatoes.
Tomato paste & marinara sauce: These deepen the flavor and create a luscious, thick sauce for the roll-ups.
Fresh basil & parsley: Fresh herbs brighten up the rich sauce and cheese filling.
Ricotta cheese: The backbone of the cheese filling, its creamy texture keeps everything smooth.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, making every bite gooey and irresistible.
Parmesan cheese: A small touch adds nutty depth and that classic Italian flavor.
Egg: Binds the cheese filling so it stays put inside the noodles during baking.
Lasagna noodles (NOT no-boil): I find boiling the noodles gives much better texture and makes rolling easier.

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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

One of the best parts about the Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is how easily it lends itself to tweaks. I love swapping mild Italian sausage for spicy if I want a bit of a kick or adding more garlic for an extra bold flavor.

Variation: Once, I made a vegetarian version by sautéing mushrooms and zucchini in place of the sausage—still so tasty!
Dairy-Free Option: Try vegan ricotta and mozzarella alternatives, and skip the egg or replace with a flax egg for binding.
Herb Swaps: Adding fresh oregano or thyme alongside basil and parsley can deepen the Italian flavors nicely.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Noodles Perfectly

Start by boiling your lasagna noodles according to package instructions, but keep an eye on the clock—check them 1-2 minutes before they’re supposed to be done so they don’t get mushy. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easy to handle. Lay them in a single layer on baking sheets lined with parchment or nonstick mats—that way, they won’t stick together while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Create the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large pan, sauté chopped onion until translucent, then brown the Italian sausage until cooked through. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Pour in marinara sauce, water, and all the herbs and seasonings, letting it simmer gently for about 8 minutes to develop that rich flavor combo. This sauce is the glue that keeps the roll-ups full of meaty, tomatoey goodness.

Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Filling

Whisk an egg in a large bowl, then add ricotta, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh herbs, and seasonings—including a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Stir until everything’s combined smoothly. This creamy filling is what makes each roll tender and cheesy inside, perfectly offsetting the savory meat sauce.

Step 4: Assemble Your Roll-Ups

Spoon a scant ¼ cup of the cheese filling down the center of each noodle, spreading it evenly. Top with the same amount of meat sauce, then tightly roll up starting from one end, using your fingers to keep everything snug inside. Place each roll-up seam side down in a greased baking dish spread with a thin layer of marinara sauce—you’ll add more sauce on top before baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish loosely with foil—tented so it doesn’t touch the cheese—and bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and get ready to impress with each cheesy, hearty bite.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe multiple times, a few simple tricks make all the difference between a good roll-up and a great one.

Don’t overcook your noodles: Boil pasta just until al dente; overcooked noodles will tear when rolled and get mushy in the bake.
Keep it tight: Roll the noodles firmly but gently—too loose and the filling may spill out, too tight and the noodles can break.
Sauce sparingly inside: Using just a thin layer of meat sauce inside prevents sogginess but keeps every bite flavorful.
Tent foil when baking: Prevent foil from sticking to your cheesy top by tenting it with a small mound above the noodles; this keeps the cheese pristine and melty.

How to Serve Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll-Ups - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving—it adds a pop of bright color and a fresh herbal lift that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes, a little extra grated Parmesan melts nicely over the hot roll-ups, too.

Side Dishes

Serve these roll-ups alongside a crisp Caesar salad or roasted seasonal veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread is a classic pairing—who can resist dipping cheesy rolls into warm, buttery toast?

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve arranged the roll-ups vertically in a large round platter so everyone can grab one easily—and the spiral of cheese and sauce inside makes for a stunning presentation. You could also add little basil leaves or edible flowers on top to make them extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container or tightly covered dish in the fridge. They usually last about 4-5 days and reheat beautifully without drying out if covered properly.

Freezing

I love freezing assembled roll-ups before baking. Just wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—adding a little extra time since they’ll be cold going in.

Reheating

To reheat individual servings, I microwave them covered with a paper towel for about a minute, then in 15-second bursts until warm. Oven reheating at 325°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes keeps the texture perfect when reheating larger portions.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use no-boil noodles for this recipe?

While no-boil noodles might seem convenient, I recommend cooking classic noodles for this Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe because they roll more easily and have a better texture after baking. No-boil noodles tend to be too soft and can tear when rolling.

What’s the best way to prevent the roll-ups from falling apart?

Make sure to roll the noodles snugly but gently, using your fingers to keep the cheese filling in place. Also, avoid overfilling them with sauce or cheese. Tightly packed roll-ups hold their shape during baking much better.

Can I make the meat sauce and cheese filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making the meat sauce up to three days ahead and the cheese filling up to two days before assembling actually helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just store them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble.

How do I reheat leftover lasagna roll-ups without drying them out?

Cover leftovers with foil when reheating in the oven at 325ºF to keep moisture in. For microwaving, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying and heat gently in short intervals until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Meat Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods, especially when I want something that feels special but is still easy to share or reheat later. I hope you’ll give it a try—it’s the kind of cozy, cheesy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Roll them up, bake them, and watch your loved ones savor every bite!