There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bubbling tray of Italian meatball lasagna rollups. This easy twist on the classic lasagna combines all the hearty flavors of traditional Italian cuisine with a fun, family-friendly presentation. Instead of layering noodles, you roll them around a savory filling, making individual portions that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Unlike the traditional lasagna, which can be time-consuming and hard to portion, these rollups are ideal for quick dinners or gatherings. Each roll captures the perfect ratio of meat, cheese, and sauce, delivering flavor in every bite. They’re also a great way to use up leftover meatballs or to meal-prep for the week.

These rollups use homemade Italian meatballs, rich ricotta cheese, melty mozzarella, and a hearty marinara sauce, rolled in perfectly cooked lasagna noodles and baked until bubbly and golden. The result? A dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. For more visual inspiration, explore this Pinterest board on lasagna rollup ideas, which shows how creative and customizable this dish can be.

This recipe makes an ideal main course for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Whether you’re serving it with a simple Caesar salad or pairing it with garlic bread and wine, it’s a guaranteed hit. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it one of the best make-ahead meals—check out this Pinterest board for freezer lasagna meals if you’re into batch cooking. If you’re new to lasagna rollups, this guide will show you exactly how to make them step-by-step, using wholesome ingredients and foolproof techniques.

Let’s dive into what makes these meatball lasagna rollups so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These meatball lasagna rollups are more than just a twist on the classic dish—they’re a practical and delicious way to bring comfort food to the table with ease. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for a quiet weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers every time.

Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, saucy goodness of each roll. The individual portions also make serving easier and less messy than traditional lasagna.
Freezer-friendly: Prepare a double batch and freeze one for later. When you’re ready, simply thaw and bake. For ideas on storing and freezing similar dishes, take a look at Pinterest’s freezer lasagna collection.
Great for leftovers: These rollups taste just as good (if not better) the next day. Just reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.

Customizable fillings: You can easily switch out the meatballs for a vegetarian option, like spinach and mushroom, or use ground turkey instead of beef. The cheese blend is also flexible—try adding provolone or even a bit of ricotta salata for a different texture.

If you’re a fan of cheesy casserole-style dishes, this is a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. Browse cheesy casserole ideas on Pinterest* for even more dinner inspiration.

Ingredients Breakdown

Creating meatball lasagna rollups at home is easy when you start with the right ingredients. Each element brings depth and flavor, turning a simple meal into a rich, satisfying Italian-inspired dish. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need.

For the Homemade Meatballs

The meatballs are the heart of this dish. Made from scratch, they provide authentic Italian flavor that takes your rollups to the next level.

1 lb ground beef – For juicy, flavorful meatballs

½ cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meat and keep the texture tender
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor
1 egg – Acts as a binder
2 cloves garlic, minced – For bold, aromatic flavor
1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme
Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning and balance

For more on the traditional preparation of Italian meatballs, see the Wikipedia article on meatballs, which covers regional variations and cultural significance.

For the Ricotta Filling

This creamy cheese mixture offers a smooth contrast to the robust meatballs, creating the ultimate balance in each bite.

1½ cups ricotta cheese – Smooth and mild, it forms the base of the filling. Learn more about its origins in this Wikipedia article on ricotta.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For stretch and melt

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For a salty kick
1 egg – Helps firm up the filling when baked
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential to balance the richness

1 cup chopped chicken ham – A lighter alternative to pork, adding smoky flavor

Adding chopped chicken ham is a great twist if you’re reducing pork intake. It blends beautifully with the ricotta, providing texture and taste in every forkful.

Other Components

These ingredients bring everything together in the oven and provide that classic Italian-American comfort food finish.

8–10 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained – Use regular or no-boil noodles. Be sure to cook them just until al dente so they don’t tear during rolling.

2 cups marinara sauce – Rich tomato flavor ties the dish together. For a deep dive into its culinary roots, visit the Wikipedia page on marinara sauce.
1½ cups shredded mozzarella (for topping) – Creates a golden, bubbling top layer
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish) – Adds freshness and color. See basil’s culinary uses for ideas on how to enhance the flavor profile.

Every ingredient serves a purpose in making these Italian meatball lasagna rollups rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. If you’re looking for more dinner ideas to complement this meal, explore Italian dinner party themes on Pinterest, where you’ll find inspiration for sides, desserts, and more.

Tools & Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need

To make Italian meatball lasagna rollups with ease and efficiency, having the right kitchen tools on hand is essential. These basic items help ensure a smooth cooking and baking process from start to finish.

Large mixing bowls – For combining the meatball mixture and ricotta filling
Baking sheet – To bake the meatballs evenly before assembling the rollups

Medium saucepan or pot – For boiling the lasagna noodles
Colander – To drain noodles without breaking them

Baking dish (9×13 recommended) – Perfect size for fitting 8–10 rollups comfortably
Aluminum foil – To cover the dish during baking and prevent the cheese from burning
Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the filling and spreading sauce

Cutting board and knife – For chopping fresh parsley or basil and slicing any additions
Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient ratios

Keeping these tools ready before you start cooking makes the whole process more efficient. If you’re new to creative pasta dishes, check out this helpful Pinterest board on pasta recipes for visual examples and tips.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, ½ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.

Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Do not overmix to avoid tough meatballs.
Roll into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through and browned. Set aside.

Preparing the Ricotta Filling

In a separate bowl, mix 1½ cups ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 egg, salt, pepper, and 1 cup chopped chicken ham.
Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Boiling and Laying Out the Noodles

Cook 8–10 lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and lay flat on a clean surface (parchment paper works well) to prevent sticking.

Assembling the Rollups

Spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta filling over each noodle, covering evenly.
Place 2–3 cooked meatballs at one end of each noodle.
Carefully roll up each noodle, starting from the meatball end.

Place the rollups seam-side down into a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Baking the Dish

Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish before adding rollups.
Once the rollups are arranged, pour the remaining sauce evenly over them.

Top with 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Tips for Perfect Lasagna Rollups Every Time

Cook noodles until just al dente to prevent tearing

Avoid overfilling the noodles to keep them from unrolling
Place rollups seam-side down to secure them during baking
Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices
Use quality marinara sauce—homemade or your favorite jarred brand

Easy Variations and Substitutions

These rollups are easy to adapt to your tastes or dietary needs.

Vegetarian option: Replace the meatballs with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or grilled zucchini
Use store-bought meatballs: A great shortcut for busy nights

Different sauces: Swap marinara for Alfredo, pink sauce, or pesto
Alternative meats: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground
Add-ins: Try roasted red peppers, olives, or artichokes in the ricotta filling

If you enjoy reimagining classics, explore more creative pasta recipes on Pinterest* to inspire new variations.

Serving Suggestions

Turn this dish into a full meal with these serving ideas:

Garlic bread or focaccia on the side for dipping into the sauce
Caesar salad or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness

Roasted vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or eggplant
Red wine pairing: Try Chianti or Merlot for a classic Italian pairing

For more Italian-themed meal inspiration, visit Pinterest’s Italian dinner party ideas.

How to Make It Ahead of Time

Lasagna rollups are ideal for meal prep and planning ahead.

Assemble in advance: You can prepare the full dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking

Freeze before baking: Wrap the tray tightly in foil and freeze. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed
Bake and reheat: You can also bake ahead, cool completely, then refrigerate or freeze individual portions

Refer to this Pinterest board on freezer meals for more long-term storage ideas.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftover meatball lasagna rollups are just as tasty the next day—and they reheat beautifully.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Wrap individual rollups in foil or store in a sealed container for up to 3 months
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil
- Microwave: Heat for 2–3 minutes per rollup, covered with a damp paper towel

Always let frozen rollups thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are lasagna rollups made of?
Lasagna rollups consist of boiled lasagna noodles filled with a cheesy mixture—usually ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—and often include a protein like meatballs, chicken, or vegetables. They’re rolled up, topped with sauce and cheese, then baked until bubbly.

Can I use store-bought meatballs instead?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked frozen or refrigerated meatballs to save time. Just thaw and warm them before adding to your rollups. While homemade adds more flavor, store-bought works well in a pinch.

What’s the difference between regular lasagna and lasagna rollups?
Traditional lasagna is layered in a baking dish, while rollups involve rolling each noodle around the filling. Rollups are easier to portion, faster to assemble, and often less messy to serve.

Can you freeze lasagna rollups before baking?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, wrap tightly with foil, and freeze. Thaw overnight before baking, or bake directly from frozen with additional time and foil covering.

What type of sauce works best for lasagna rollups?
Classic marinara sauce is the most common, but Alfredo, pink sauce, or a blend of tomato and cream sauces also work beautifully. For ideas, see the Wikipedia article on marinara sauce.

Can I make lasagna rollups gluten-free?
Yes. Use certified gluten-free lasagna noodles and breadcrumbs. Many stores now carry gluten-free pasta options that hold up well in baked dishes.

How do you keep lasagna rollups from falling apart?
Use al dente noodles, don’t overfill them, and place each roll seam-side down in the baking dish. Adding a bit of sauce underneath also helps them stay moist and secure.

How to Make Italian Meatball Lasagna Rollups at Home