There’s something about a hearty, cheesy lasagna that’s just so comforting, right? But let’s be honest, sometimes making a big ol’ lasagna can be a bit of a hassle. The layering, the baking, the mess—it can all take up a lot of time. That’s why I’ve found a new favorite: Mini Lasagna Rolls. They’re a total game-changer and super easy to make, even on those busy weeknights when you want something comforting without all the fuss.
These mini lasagna rolls are like the perfect little bite-sized portions of lasagna. You get all the classic flavors—creamy ricotta, savory beef, melted mozzarella—without having to deal with all the layers. Plus, they cook up a lot faster, so you’ll have dinner ready in no time!
So, if you’re looking for an easy dinner idea that’s also fun to make, I think you’re going to love this one. Let me share how I put these together!
What You’ll Need for Mini Lasagna Rolls
The best part about this recipe is how simple it is. You probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already, so there’s no need for a special trip to the store!
Here’s your shopping list:
- Lasagna noodles (about 8-10 noodles)
- Ground beef (you could use turkey or chicken if you prefer)
- Ricotta cheese (the creamy stuff that makes lasagna so irresistible)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (for that melty, cheesy goodness)
- Parmesan cheese (for an extra layer of flavor)
- Tomato sauce (I like to use a good marinara, but any tomato-based sauce will work)
- Garlic (because, well, it’s garlic, and garlic makes everything better)
- Italian seasoning (to give it that herby, savory flavor)
- Olive oil (just a little to cook the beef and garlic)
How to Make These Mini Lasagna Rolls
Let’s get to the good part—putting this all together! Don’t worry, this isn’t a complicated recipe. It’s all about layering, rolling, and baking. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
First things first, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure they’re al dente—this is key because they’ll cook a little more once they’re in the oven.
Once they’re done, drain them and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to keep them from sticking together. Set them aside and get ready for the next steps.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the noodles are cooking, heat up a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through. You’ll want to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Add the garlic and cook for another minute or so, until it becomes fragrant. Then, stir in your tomato sauce and Italian seasoning, and let it all simmer for about 5 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together, and trust me, your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Rolls
Now comes the fun part—assembling the rolls! Start by spreading a spoonful of the ricotta cheese over each cooked lasagna noodle. Be generous with the ricotta; it’s the creamy base that makes these rolls so delicious. Then, spoon a little bit of the beef mixture onto the center of each noodle.
Sprinkle a little bit of mozzarella cheese on top of the beef, and then carefully roll up the noodle, tucking in the edges as you go. Repeat with the remaining noodles until you’ve got a tray full of mini lasagna rolls.
If you want to make the rolls extra cheesy, go ahead and add some more mozzarella right inside the rolls as you assemble them. I’m all about making things cheesy!
Step 4: Bake the Mini Lasagna Rolls
Place each rolled lasagna noodle in a greased baking dish, seam side down. Once all the rolls are in the dish, pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top. Don’t be shy with the sauce—this helps keep the rolls nice and moist while they bake.
Sprinkle a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for that golden, bubbly finish. Then, cover the dish with foil and bake it at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls are heated through.
For a crispy, cheesy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. It’ll get that nice, bubbly golden crust that makes it extra tempting!
Tips for Making Mini Lasagna Rolls Even Better
While this recipe is pretty foolproof, there are a few tricks I’ve picked up over the years that make these mini lasagna rolls even better.
- Use no-boil noodles: If you want to save even more time, try using no-boil lasagna noodles. They cook right in the sauce, and it’ll save you from having to boil the noodles separately. Just make sure to add a bit of extra sauce to the pan to ensure they cook properly.
- Mix up the filling: You don’t have to stick to the classic ricotta and beef filling. I’ve swapped out the ricotta for cottage cheese before, and it was just as creamy and delicious. You could also add spinach, mushrooms, or even sausage if you’re feeling adventurous. Some people even mix in some sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Double the recipe: If you’ve got a big family or you want leftovers (who doesn’t?), I definitely recommend doubling the recipe. These mini lasagna rolls are just as good the next day, so you can enjoy them for lunch or dinner the following day without any extra work. Plus, they freeze well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later.
- Freeze for later: This is one of those meals that freezes beautifully. If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, just assemble the rolls, cover them tightly with foil, and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer (you may need to add a little extra baking time). It’s like having a homemade frozen dinner that’s way better than anything you’d buy in the store!
Why You’ll Love Mini Lasagna Rolls
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, comforting, and customizable, this is it. I love how these mini lasagna rolls are perfect for portion control—no more over-serving yourself! Plus, they’re great for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
The best part? You get all the flavors of lasagna but without all the effort. Plus, they’re totally kid-friendly. My little ones love them, and I love how easy it is to make everyone happy with a single dish. It’s one of those recipes where everyone can dig in and enjoy.
If you’ve got picky eaters at home, these are a great option. You can even let everyone top their own rolls with extra cheese or sauce to make it even more fun! Everyone gets to customize their little roll to their liking, and it’s a great way to keep everyone happy at the dinner table.
Wrapping Up Your Mini Lasagna Roll Adventure
I’ve got to say, these mini lasagna rolls have quickly become a go-to recipe in my kitchen. They’re simple, they’re cheesy, and they’re a total crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m feeding the family on a busy night or making something to bring to a potluck, these rolls never disappoint.
Plus, they’re a great way to get creative in the kitchen. You can add or take away whatever you like, and it’ll still taste amazing. Whether it’s swapping in veggies, using different cheeses, or adding some extra herbs, these rolls are a blank canvas waiting for you to make them your own.
I hope you give them a try and enjoy them as much as my family does. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for those nights when you need something tasty and comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Let me know how it goes, and feel free to share any fun twists you put on the recipe. Happy cooking!
Mini Lasagna Rolls Recipe: Easy, Cozy, and So Delicious!
Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles about 8-10 noodles
- Ground beef you could use turkey or chicken if you prefer
- Ricotta cheese the creamy stuff that makes lasagna so irresistible
- Shredded mozzarella cheese for that melty, cheesy goodness
- Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor
- Tomato sauce I like to use a good marinara, but any tomato-based sauce will work
- Garlic because, well, it’s garlic, and garlic makes everything better
- Italian seasoning to give it that herby, savory flavor
- Olive oil just a little to cook the beef and garlic
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- First things first, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure they’re al dente—this is key because they’ll cook a little more once they’re in the oven.
- Once they’re done, drain them and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to keep them from sticking together. Set them aside and get ready for the next steps.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- While the noodles are cooking, heat up a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through. You’ll want to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute or so, until it becomes fragrant. Then, stir in your tomato sauce and Italian seasoning, and let it all simmer for about 5 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together, and trust me, your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Rolls
- Now comes the fun part—assembling the rolls! Start by spreading a spoonful of the ricotta cheese over each cooked lasagna noodle. Be generous with the ricotta; it’s the creamy base that makes these rolls so delicious. Then, spoon a little bit of the beef mixture onto the center of each noodle.
- Sprinkle a little bit of mozzarella cheese on top of the beef, and then carefully roll up the noodle, tucking in the edges as you go. Repeat with the remaining noodles until you’ve got a tray full of mini lasagna rolls.
- If you want to make the rolls extra cheesy, go ahead and add some more mozzarella right inside the rolls as you assemble them. I’m all about making things cheesy!
Step 4: Bake the Mini Lasagna Rolls
- Place each rolled lasagna noodle in a greased baking dish, seam side down. Once all the rolls are in the dish, pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top. Don’t be shy with the sauce—this helps keep the rolls nice and moist while they bake.
- Sprinkle a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for that golden, bubbly finish. Then, cover the dish with foil and bake it at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls are heated through.
- For a crispy, cheesy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. It’ll get that nice, bubbly golden crust that makes it extra tempting!