Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups

These Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are a fun and flavorful twist on classic lasagna. Instead of layering everything in a big dish, I roll tender lasagna noodles around savory meatballs, creamy ricotta, and rich marinara sauce, then bake them until hot and bubbly. It’s all the comfort of traditional lasagna—just with a little more personality and a lot more fun to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy to portion, perfect for meal prep, and totally customizable. The meatballs add hearty texture and rich Italian flavor, while the ricotta and cheese make everything creamy and satisfying. Plus, rolling the noodles instead of layering them makes the whole process feel quicker and less fussy. Whether I’m making it for a family dinner or freezing extras for later, this dish always hits the spot.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Lasagna noodles

• Meatballs (homemade or store-bought, fully cooked)

• Ricotta cheese

• Egg

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Shredded mozzarella cheese

• Marinara sauce

• Italian seasoning

• Garlic powder

• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. I boil the lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain and lay them flat on a parchment-lined surface to cool slightly.

3. In a bowl, I mix the ricotta with the egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until creamy.

4. I spread a spoonful of the ricotta mixture over each noodle, then place a meatball (or cut meatballs in half if they’re large) at one end.

5. I gently roll each noodle around the filling and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.

6. I pour marinara sauce over the top, making sure each roll-up is well covered.

7. I sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.

8. I cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

9. I let it rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8–10 roll-ups, enough to serve 4 to 6 people. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 30–35 minutes to bake, and a few extra minutes to rest before serving—ready in just under an hour.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the meatballs for cooked Italian sausage or ground beef. I’ve also added sautéed spinach or chopped roasted vegetables into the ricotta mixture for a boost of flavor and nutrition. For a spicier version, I use spicy meatballs and a pinch of crushed red pepper. If I’m cooking for a crowd, I double the recipe and bake it in two pans.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I cover them and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave them for 1–2 minutes until hot. They also freeze really well—I freeze the roll-ups before baking, then thaw overnight and bake as directed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, I use frozen meatballs often. I just make sure they’re fully cooked and thawed before assembling the roll-ups so they heat evenly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often assemble the roll-ups a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. I bake them just before serving.

What kind of lasagna noodles work best?

I prefer traditional lasagna noodles for rolling. I’ve tried oven-ready noodles, but they tend to crack when rolled.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, I skip the meatballs and add a layer of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. It’s still hearty and delicious.

How do I keep the roll-ups from falling apart?

I make sure not to overfill them and roll them gently but tightly. Laying them seam-side down and covering them in sauce also helps keep everything in place.

Conclusion

Italian Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are one of my favorite ways to enjoy classic lasagna flavors with a fun twist. They’re cheesy, saucy, satisfying, and easy to make ahead or freeze. Whether I’m serving them for dinner or meal prepping for the week, these roll-ups are always a delicious and comforting hit.