Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian-American

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean)

• ½ lb (225g) ground pork

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Lasagna Roll-Ups:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente

• 2 cups ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well but do not overwork.

3. Roll into 1-inch meatballs (about 24 total).

4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brown the meatballs (about 2-3 minutes per side). They don’t need to be fully cooked yet—just seared for flavor.

5. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. In a bowl, mix ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Roll-Ups

1. Lay out cooked lasagna noodles on a clean surface.

2. Spread 2-3 tbsp of ricotta mixture evenly over each noodle.

3. Place 2-3 meatballs along the length of each noodle.

4. Carefully roll each noodle into a tight cylinder, enclosing the meatballs inside.

Step 4: Bake

1. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Place the lasagna roll-ups seam-side down in the dish.

3. Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the top.

4. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese.

5. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

6. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

2. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

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Tips & Variations

✅ Make Ahead: Assemble roll-ups a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
✅ Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked roll-ups (without sauce) for up to 3 months.
✅ Vegetarian Option: Swap meatballs for sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
✅ Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture for heat.

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Final Thoughts

These Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are a fun twist on classic lasagna, combining tender meatballs, creamy ricotta, and rich marinara in every bite. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, this dish is sure to impress!