Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups – a beloved classic dish reimagined with a delightful twist! These individual spinach lasagna roll-ups are incredibly easy to prepare, bursting with delicious flavor, elegantly presented, and truly fun to eat. Perfect for any occasion, they offer all the comforting goodness of traditional lasagna in a convenient, portion-controlled format.

While we cherish the hearty satisfaction of classic lasagna, sometimes time is of the essence. For those busy moments, you might enjoy our Easy Lasagna Soup, or transform this beloved dish into a quick skillet pasta with my One-Pan Lasagna. But if you’re looking for an impressive yet simple meal that stands out, these roll-ups are your answer.

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Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups: The Ultimate Comfort Food with an Elegant Twist

As the colder months settle in and special occasions like Valentine’s Day and anniversaries approach, our thoughts often turn to comforting and celebratory meals. For many, Italian food holds a special place, and lasagna is often at the top of the list. Today, we’re elevating this household favorite to an entirely new level with our exquisite Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups. This simple yet ingenious twist transforms the traditional layered casserole into individual, elegant portions that are perfect for a romantic dinner, a festive family gathering, or even a sophisticated weeknight treat. Best of all, they’re surprisingly simple to make, fitting seamlessly into a relaxed weekend cooking session or a busy evening schedule.

This recipe offers all the rich, savory flavors you love about classic lasagna – tender pasta, robust meat sauce, and creamy cheese filling – but with the added freshness of spinach and the convenience of individual servings. No more messy slices; each roll-up is a perfectly portioned parcel of cheesy, saucy goodness, making serving a breeze and impressing every guest at your table. Get ready to add this versatile and utterly delicious dish to your culinary repertoire!

Essential Ingredients for Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups

Crafting these delectable roll-ups requires a careful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed dish:

Oven-ready lasagna noodles (save time and effort!)
Lean ground beef (or your preferred ground meat)
Fresh onion, finely chopped
Fragrant garlic, minced
Classic Italian seasoning blend
Dried oregano for an authentic touch
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Rich crushed tomatoes for the savory sauce
Creamy ricotta cheese
One large egg, to bind the cheese mixture
Fresh spinach, for vibrant color and nutrients
Plenty of freshly grated mozzarella cheese
A generous amount of shredded Parmesan cheese

Using oven-ready noodles significantly cuts down on prep time, eliminating the need for pre-boiling. Fresh spinach not only adds a beautiful green hue but also a nutritional boost and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the rich cheeses and robust meat sauce perfectly. Don’t skimp on the fresh mozzarella and Parmesan; their quality makes a world of difference in the final taste and texture.

Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups are an elegant, fun-to-eat twist on a classic Italian dish. Easy to prepare and incredibly delicious, they’re perfect for any meal!

Author: Anna

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Calories: 842 kcal per serving

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Ingredients

12 oven-ready lasagna noodles
8 oz ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2.5 cups crushed tomatoes
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 handfuls fresh spinach (about 2 cups)
2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
1.25 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large saucepan or skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and dried oregano to the cooked beef. Stir well to combine.
Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Continue to cook for about 2 minutes, until the onion begins to soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stir thoroughly, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the onions to become completely soft. Remove the meat sauce from the heat and set aside.
Spread about 4 to 5 tablespoons of the prepared meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a 13″ x 9″ casserole dish. This will prevent the roll-ups from sticking and add moisture during baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and the egg. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Gently fold in the fresh spinach. This is also the time to add most of your mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Reserve ½ cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top of the roll-ups before baking. Add the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan to the ricotta mixture and stir until combined. The cheese mixture should be thick and creamy.
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Even if using “oven-ready” noodles, a quick boil helps them become pliable for rolling. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, then lay them flat on a large baking sheet or clean surface.
Working with one noodle at a time, spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach cheese mixture evenly over the surface of each cooked noodle, leaving a small border around the edges. An offset spatula or the back of a spoon works best for this.
Top the cheese mixture with about 1 tablespoon of the meat sauce. Be careful not to overfill, and keep the sauce slightly away from the edges to ensure neat roll-ups.
Carefully roll each noodle from one end to the other. Place the rolled noodles seam-side down in the prepared casserole dish, arranging them snugly side-by-side.
Once all roll-ups are in the dish, spoon any remaining meat sauce evenly over the top of each roll-up. If you have any leftover cheese mixture, you can dollop small amounts on top as well.
Finally, sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese generously over the entire dish.
Cover the casserole dish loosely with aluminum foil, making sure the foil doesn’t touch the cheesy topping. This prevents the cheese from sticking to the foil.
Bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the roll-ups to set, making them easier to serve and preventing them from falling apart.

Make-Ahead Magic: Tips for Preparing Lasagna Roll-Ups in Advance

One of the many benefits of Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups is their make-ahead potential, making them an ideal choice for meal prepping or entertaining. Planning ahead can significantly reduce stress on the day of your event or during a busy week.

Refrigerate: You can assemble the entire dish, up to the point of baking, and store it covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure it heats through evenly.
Freeze (Unbaked): To freeze unbaked roll-ups, assemble them in a freezer-safe baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, remove the plastic wrap, replace with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60-75 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
Freeze (Baked): If you have leftovers or want to prep individual portions, bake the roll-ups completely. Let them cool, then either wrap individual roll-ups in plastic wrap and foil or portion them into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Leftovers: Store any leftover baked roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. They reheat wonderfully in the microwave or oven.

These strategies ensure you can enjoy this delightful dish with minimal fuss, whether it’s for a spontaneous weeknight dinner or a meticulously planned celebration.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Lasagna Roll-Ups

Despite their elegant appearance, these lasagna roll-ups are incredibly straightforward to prepare, making them a fantastic centerpiece for any meal. Whether you’re aiming to impress a loved one with a romantic dinner or elevate a family meal to celebrate a special occasion, pairing them with the right sides can truly complete the experience.

Crisp Salad: A fresh, crisp salad is an absolute must to balance the richness of the lasagna. Our Perfect Caesar Salad, with its tangy dressing and crunchy croutons, offers a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. Alternatively, a simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette would be equally refreshing.
Artisan Bread: No Italian meal is complete without a delicious bread for dipping into leftover sauce. Our One-Hour Skillet Focaccia is a fantastic choice, offering a soft interior and crispy crust. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also work beautifully.
Steamed Vegetables: For an extra boost of nutrients and a pop of color, consider serving a side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus. A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan can elevate these simple vegetables.
Wine Pairing: Complement the flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti, Merlot, or a Sangiovese. For white wine lovers, a dry Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would also pair well.

Together, these elements create a satisfying and memorable meal that everyone will undoubtedly adore, turning any dinner into a special occasion.

Creative Variations for Your Lasagna Roll-Ups

The beauty of lasagna roll-ups lies not only in their presentation but also in their adaptability. You can easily customize this recipe to suit different dietary preferences or simply to try new flavor profiles. Here are some fantastic variations to inspire your culinary creativity:

Meatless Delight: For a vegetarian option, simply omit the ground beef. Instead, create a rich umami flavor in your sauce by sautéing finely chopped mushrooms (cremini or portobello work well) until golden brown and tender. You can also incorporate crumbled plant-based meat substitutes or seasoned tofu crumbles for a heartier texture. Add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce for more depth.
Low-Carb Twist: If you’re looking to reduce carbohydrate intake, substitute traditional lasagna noodles with thinly sliced vegetables. Zucchini or eggplant slices, cut lengthwise, make excellent low-carb “noodles.” Simply blanch or grill them lightly until pliable before filling and rolling. Adjust baking times as vegetable noodles may cook faster and release more moisture. Pat them dry before use to prevent a watery dish.
Quick and Easy Casserole Style: When time is truly scarce, you can transform this recipe into a speedy casserole. Instead of making a homemade sauce, use your favorite store-bought spaghetti sauce. Combine the meat sauce, cheese mixture, and your choice of bite-sized pasta (like penne, bow tie, or rotini) in a large bowl, then transfer to a casserole dish. Top with extra cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. This method sacrifices the roll-up presentation but delivers all the comforting flavors in less time.
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheese blends! Add a touch of provolone, fontina, or even smoked mozzarella to the ricotta mixture or as a topping for a unique flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while it simmers.
Herb Garden Freshness: Incorporate fresh basil, parsley, or thyme into your ricotta mixture or sprinkle over the top before baking for an extra burst of fresh flavor.

These variations ensure that your Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary needs, and can be adapted to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Video Tutorial

Watch this helpful video to see just how easy it is to prepare these delightful Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups:

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutritional values per serving:

More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed these Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups, you’ll love exploring other pasta dishes that bring comfort and flavor to your table. Here are some more of our favorites:

Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Garlic Butter Mushroom Shrimp Pasta

We hope you love making and sharing these wonderful Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups as much as we do! If you try this recipe, we’d love to see your creations. Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can admire your culinary masterpiece! Your feedback and photos truly make our day.

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