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Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Homemade Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe photo

There’s something comforting and slightly indulgent about a pan of filled pasta, and these Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe take everything you love about classic lasagna and give it a fun, portable twist. Individual rolls make serving and portion control easy, and the combination of savory beef, bright spinach, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella is pure weeknight magic. Below you’ll find a friendly, tested approach to make these roll ups with straightforward steps, pantry-friendly seasoning, and foolproof assembly.

Why you’ll love this Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

Classic Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe image

  • Easy to portion and serve: everyone gets their own roll up and you don’t have to cut a messy lasagna.
  • Comfort food that feels a little special: the ricotta and egg mixture keeps the filling creamy while the beef and tomato sauce add depth.
  • Simple ingredients: most items are pantry staples, plus fresh spinach for color and brightness.
  • Make-ahead friendly: you can assemble the roll ups ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze, then bake when ready.

Ingredients

Use the list below exactly as written for the best results. Quantities match the steps in the recipe.

  • 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 leaves handfuls fresh spinach, about 2 cups
  • 2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1.25 cups shredded Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spoon and rubber spatula
  • Grater (for the mozzarella if not pre-grated)
  • Knife and cutting board

Prep notes

Easy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe recipe photo

Because this Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe uses oven-ready noodles, there’s no need to boil pasta ahead of time—just handle the noodles gently to avoid tearing. Chop the onion finely so it melds into the sauce, and grate fresh mozzarella for the best melt and texture. The two-leaf handfuls of spinach should be rinsed, drained, and roughly chopped; when cooked briefly they’ll wilt down considerably, so the amount in the ingredients is just right for a creamy, green flecked filling.

Step-by-step Directions

Delicious Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe plate image

Follow these clarified, step-by-step directions to make the dish exactly as intended. The sequence follows the original order but is rewritten for clarity and ease.

  1. Preheat and prepare the baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick spray so the roll ups won’t stick.
  2. Cook the beef and aromatics. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 8 oz ground beef and the 1 medium onion (chopped) to the skillet. Cook, breaking the beef into small pieces with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and seasonings. Stir in the 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 30–60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer. Pour 2.5 cups crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the cooked beef and seasonings. Stir to combine, bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 8–10 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove the sauce from the heat.
  5. Prepare the ricotta filling. In a mixing bowl, combine 15 oz ricotta cheese and 1 large egg. Stir until smooth. Add the chopped fresh spinach (about 2 cups) to the ricotta mixture and fold until the spinach is evenly distributed. If the spinach leaves are large, give them a rough chop before adding so they mix in easily.
  6. Assemble a base layer of sauce. Spoon about 1 cup of the meat and tomato sauce into the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. This prevents the roll ups from sticking and ensures a saucy bottom.
  7. Lay out the lasagna noodles. Lay the 12 oven-ready lasagna noodles on a clean, flat surface. If the noodles are slightly overlapping from the package, separate them carefully. Work with one noodle at a time.
  8. Fill each noodle. Spread a thin, even layer of the ricotta and spinach mixture down the center of each lasagna noodle. Use about 2–3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture per noodle so you end up with creamy filling without overstuffing.
  9. Roll the noodles. Roll each filled noodle tightly from one end to the other so the seam is underneath. Place each roll seam-side down in the baking dish on top of the sauce. Arrange the roll ups snugly in rows so they support each other during baking.
  10. Add more sauce and cheeses. Spoon the remaining meat and tomato sauce over the top of the arranged roll ups, making sure each roll is covered with sauce. Sprinkle 2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced rolls, and then sprinkle 1.25 cups shredded Parmesan cheese on top for a golden crust.
  11. Bake until bubbly and golden. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is bubbly and lightly browned.
  12. Let rest, then serve. Remove the dish from the oven and let the roll ups rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This brief rest lets the filling set slightly so slices hold together when plated.

Serving suggestions

Serve these Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe with a crisp green salad and a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or alongside roasted vegetables for a heartier meal. A warm garlic bread or simple bruschetta is also lovely for soaking up extra sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs—basil or parsley—if you like a pop of color.

Make-ahead and storage

  • To prepare ahead: Assemble the roll ups in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–7 extra minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from cold.
  • To freeze: Assemble the roll ups, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) covered for 30–35 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
  • To store leftovers: Keep cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Troubleshooting tips

  • If the noodles seem dry after baking, spoon a little extra warm sauce over them before serving to restore moisture.
  • If your roll ups fall apart when rolling, they were probably overfilled—use slightly less ricotta per noodle next time and roll more tightly.
  • If the top browns too quickly during baking, cover loosely with foil for the remaining bake time.

Flavor variations

  • Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based ground alternative if you prefer a lighter or meatless version while keeping the same seasoning amounts.
  • Stir a tablespoon of chopped fresh basil or oregano into the ricotta for an herbier filling.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.

Nutrition and portioning

This recipe yields about 12 roll ups, depending on how generously you fill each noodle. Each roll is a satisfying, single-serving portion—perfect for families or for packing leftovers for a next-day lunch. Because the dish balances protein, dairy, and vegetables, it’s a well-rounded comfort meal.

Final notes

This Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is a reliable, approachable dinner that feels homemade without a long list of complicated steps. The clarified directions above guide you through browning the beef, building layered flavor in the tomato sauce, creating a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, and assembling everything into neat, bake-ready rolls. With straightforward prep and comforting results, this recipe is sure to become a rotation favorite.

Happy cooking—and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite of your lasagna roll ups!

Homemade Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe photo

Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe

A comforting baked lasagna made by rolling ricotta-and-spinach–filled noodles with a savory meat sauce and melted cheeses.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • 13 x 9-inch baking dish
  • Large saucepan
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • offset spatula or spoon
  • Foil

Ingredients
  

  • 12 pieces oven-ready lasagna noodles
  • 8 oz ground beef
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2.5 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 leaves/handfuls fresh spinach about 2 cups
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese freshly grated, reserve 1/2 cup for topping
  • 1.25 cups Parmesan cheese shredded, reserve 1/2 cup for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan; cook 2 minutes until fragrant and the onion begins to soften.
  • Stir in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and dried oregano, then add the crushed tomatoes. Simmer the sauce 10–12 minutes until the onions are soft; remove from heat.
  • Spoon 4–5 tablespoons of the meat sauce into the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and spread evenly; set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese and the egg until smooth. Stir in the spinach.
  • Reserve 1/2 cup of the mozzarella and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan for the topping, then add the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan to the ricotta mixture and stir until thick and combined.
  • Cook the oven-ready lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet.
  • Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto each noodle and spread evenly with a spoon or offset spatula, leaving a small border at the edges.
  • Spoon about 1 tablespoon of meat sauce over the cheese on each noodle, keeping the sauce away from the edges, then roll each noodle tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
  • Spoon any remaining cheese mixture and meat sauce over the assembled roll-ups, then sprinkle the reserved mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
  • Cover loosely with foil (not touching the cheese) and bake 30 minutes. Remove the foil and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use oven-ready noodles for convenience.
  • Reserve some cheese for a golden topping.
  • Do not let the foil touch the cheese while baking.
  • Let the dish rest 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

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