Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups: A Fun Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups take everything you love about traditional lasagna and present it in a more approachable, perfectly portioned format. Instead of layering, each lasagna noodle is rolled with creamy cheese and hearty meatballs, then baked in rich marinara sauce. I love this recipe because it feels special without being complicated, and it is much easier to serve than a classic lasagna. Each roll-up holds together beautifully, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests. When I first made these, I appreciated how customizable they were, and how evenly everything cooked. The combination of tender pasta, savory meatballs, and melted cheese delivers familiar comfort with a fresh presentation that feels both practical and impressive.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lasagna noodles provide the structure for the roll-ups and hold the filling securely.

Meatballs add hearty, savory flavor and make the dish especially filling.

Ricotta cheese creates a creamy base that keeps the roll-ups moist and rich.

Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and adds that classic stretchy texture.

Parmesan cheese contributes salty depth and enhances the overall flavor.

Egg helps bind the ricotta filling so it stays in place during baking.

Marinara sauce ties everything together with bright acidity and classic Italian flavor.

Olive oil prevents sticking and adds subtle richness.

Garlic powder enhances savory notes without overpowering the dish.

Italian seasoning adds balanced herbal flavor.

Salt sharpens and balances all the ingredients.

Black pepper provides gentle warmth and seasoning depth.

Fresh basil adds freshness and aroma just before serving.

Directions

Begin by cooking the lasagna noodles in well-salted water until just al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking. While the noodles cool slightly, prepare the cheese filling by mixing ricotta, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. On each lasagna noodle, spread an even layer of the ricotta mixture. Place sliced or halved meatballs evenly along the length of the noodle, then sprinkle lightly with mozzarella cheese. Carefully roll each noodle up from one end to the other and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Once all roll-ups are assembled, spoon remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese. Cover loosely with foil and bake until heated through and bubbly. Remove the foil near the end to allow the cheese to melt and lightly brown. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves six people. Preparation takes about thirty minutes, and baking time is approximately thirty-five minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Add a spoonful of sauce if needed to keep them moist.

Variations and Customizations

Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are easy to adapt to different tastes. For extra richness, you can mix a small amount of cream cheese into the ricotta filling, which makes it even smoother. I tested this variation once, and it added a subtle creaminess that worked beautifully.

You can substitute meatballs with Italian sausage slices or use turkey meatballs for a lighter option. For added vegetables, finely chopped spinach or zucchini can be mixed into the ricotta without affecting texture.

If you enjoy bold flavors, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or filling. You can also prepare the roll-ups ahead of time, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake, making this a convenient option for busy days.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish provides protein from the meatballs and cheese, along with calcium from the dairy components. Portion control and pairing with vegetables or salad can help balance the richness of the meal.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Cook noodles just until al dente
Overcooked noodles are harder to roll.

Use evenly sized meatballs
This ensures consistent rolls and even baking.

Do not overfill
Balanced filling helps the roll-ups hold their shape.

Rest briefly before serving
Resting helps the roll-ups set and serve neatly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, thaw and heat them slightly before assembling.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, assemble up to a day in advance and bake later.

What sauce works best?

Classic marinara or meat sauce both work well.

Can I freeze lasagna roll-ups?

Yes, freeze before or after baking for convenience.

How do I prevent noodles from sticking?

Lay them flat and lightly oil after draining.

Can I add vegetables?

Spinach or finely chopped mushrooms work well.

What cheese melts best?

Mozzarella provides the best melt and stretch.

Are these kid-friendly?

Yes, they are mild and easy to eat.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.

What should I serve with this?

A green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly.

Conclusion

Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are a comforting, crowd-pleasing twist on traditional lasagna that delivers rich flavor in a neat, individual format. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or make-ahead meals that feel both familiar and special.

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