There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, hearty dish that brings the family together around the dinner table, especially on those chilly Midwestern evenings. 3-Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups are just the ticket. They take all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna—savory sausage, creamy cheese, and tangy marinara—and wrap them up in neat, individual rolls that make serving (and eating) a breeze. Plus, if you’ve got little ones at home, this is a perfect dish to let them help with; rolling up the noodles is almost as fun as eating them!
Not only is this dish comforting, but it’s also versatile. Pair it with a crisp side salad dressed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness, and maybe add some garlic bread or a warm, crusty ciabatta for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce. If you’re feeling extra fancy, some steamed green beans or roasted broccoli would make this meal feel complete and balanced.
Let’s dive into the recipe and bring some cozy, cheesy goodness to your table.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
For a dish that serves 6, you’ll need the following:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained: These will be the foundation of your roll-ups.
- 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled: Adds a savory, spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheeses.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it forms the base of your cheese filling.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that gooey, stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Helps bind the cheese mixture together.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: The tangy, tomatoey base that ties the dish together.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: For that classic Italian flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall savory flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Brings all the flavors together.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Rolling Up Some Comfort
Follow these steps to create a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready to go when you are.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
Combine the filling ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This mixture will be the creamy, cheesy heart of your roll-ups.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Prepare the baking dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will keep the noodles from sticking and add an extra layer of flavor.
Lay out the noodles: On a clean surface, lay out the cooked lasagna noodles.
Spread the cheese mixture: Take about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture and spread it evenly over each noodle. You want a nice, even layer so every bite is deliciously cheesy.
Add the sausage: Top the cheese mixture with about 2 tablespoons of the cooked sausage. The sausage adds a savory, meaty element that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese.
Step 4: Roll and Bake
Roll up the noodles: Carefully roll up each noodle from one end to the other. Place each roll seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. This keeps them from unrolling while they bake.
Top with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the roll-ups. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce. This will create a delicious, bubbly cheese topping.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let it cool slightly: Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Serve: Plate up the roll-ups and enjoy them with your favorite sides.
Variations & Tips: Customize Your Roll-Ups
This dish is delicious as is, but here are some ways to make it your own:
Vegetarian Twist
Swap the sausage: For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, a spinach and bell pepper mix, or your favorite veggie combination. The earthy flavors of the vegetables pair beautifully with the creamy cheeses.
Kid-Friendly Options
Mild sausage or ground chicken: If you have picky eaters, consider using a milder sausage or even ground chicken. It still provides that meaty texture without overwhelming flavors.
Spice It Up
Add a kick: If your family enjoys a bit of spice, mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture or use a spicier Italian sausage.
Dietary Adjustments
Use alternative noodles: For those with dietary preferences, you can easily swap in whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings
To complement these cheesy, savory roll-ups, consider the following sides:
Fresh Side Salad
Balance the richness: A crisp, fresh salad with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the lasagna. The acidity of the vinaigrette cuts through the cheese, making each bite feel lighter.
Garlic Bread or Ciabatta
Sop up the sauce: Serve with garlic bread or a warm, crusty ciabatta. These are perfect for soaking up any leftover marinara sauce on your plate.
Steamed Vegetables
Add some greens: For a healthier touch, pair the roll-ups with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or your favorite seasonal vegetables. The freshness of the veggies complements the heartiness of the lasagna.
Final Thoughts
3-Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups are the ultimate comfort food with a fun, family-friendly twist. They’re rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, yet the roll-up format makes them easy to serve and enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. Plus, with endless variations and pairing possibilities, it’s a recipe you can return to again and again, tweaking it to suit whatever ingredients you have on hand or the mood you’re in.
So, roll up your sleeves (and those noodles), gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Happy cooking!
3-Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles cooked and drained
- 1 pound Italian sausage cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix the ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, beaten egg, parsley, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Lay out the lasagna noodles on a clean surface. Spread 2 tbsp of cheese mixture over each noodle, followed by 2 tbsp of sausage.
- Roll and Bake: Roll each noodle from one end to the other and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides.