Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups
These Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups feature tender lasagna noodles rolled with rich beef Bolognese sauce and creamy ricotta, topped with melty mozzarella and baked in marinara. They’re portion-perfect, freezer-friendly, and packed with flavor — everything you love about lasagna in a fun, rolled-up form!
Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lb (225g) ground beef or turkey
1 cup crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt, more to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper
3/4 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 egg (optional, for binding)
1 tbsp chopped parsley
For Assembly:
8 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
1/2 cup marinara sauce (for baking dish)
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Bolognese Sauce
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Saute onion for 3–4 minutes, then add garlic.
Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg (if using), and parsley until combined.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Boil noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment or a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spread a thin layer of cheese filling on each lasagna noodle.
Top with a spoonful of Bolognese sauce.
Roll up each noodle tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish coated with marinara sauce.
5. Bake
Top roll-ups with remaining Bolognese or marinara and sprinkle with mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 8–10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve
Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy!
Notes & Tips
Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze after assembling (before baking) for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen with an extra 15 minutes.
Use no-boil noodles: Just soften slightly in hot water before rolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought Bolognese or marinara?
A: Yes! Store-bought sauce saves time — just choose a good-quality version with minimal sugar.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yes! Use lentils or finely chopped mushrooms instead of ground beef.
Q: What if I don’t have ricotta?
A: Cottage cheese, cream cheese, or a ricotta-spinach blend all work as tasty alternatives.
Nutritional Information
Calories ~420
Protein ~25g
Carbs ~30g
Fat ~22g
Fiber ~3g
Sodium ~620mg
Sugar ~5g