This recipe is absolutely fantastic! It tastes even better the next day… if you have the patience to wait!

 

Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

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

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Noodles:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and lay flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Sausage:

   • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and no longer pink (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess grease and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Filling:

   • In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Fold in the cooked sausage.

4. Assemble the Roll-Ups:

   • Spread ½ cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

   • Lay out a lasagna noodle and spread 3–4 tbsp of the cheese-sausage mixture evenly over it. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with remaining noodles.

5. Top & Bake:

   • Pour the remaining 1 ½ cups marinara sauce over the roll-ups. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella.

   • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5–10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve:

   • Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted veggies.

Tips:

• Kid-Friendly: Let little helpers spread the filling or roll the noodles.

• Make Ahead: Assemble roll-ups 1 day ahead; refrigerate and bake before serving.

• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked roll-ups (without sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw, add sauce, and bake as directed.

Enjoy this cozy, cheesy twist on classic lasagna!