Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups
Highlighted under: Light Meal Inspirations
I absolutely love making Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups because they’re a delightful fusion of flavor and nutrition. When I crave comfort food, these fresh and cheesy roll ups always hit the spot. Each roll is packed with colorful vegetables, creamy ricotta, and aromatic herbs that leave my taste buds dancing. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and perfect for family dinner nights or meal prep. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can come together to create such a satisfying and versatile dish.
When I first tried making Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups, I was amazed at how effortlessly they came together. The trick is to cook the lasagna noodles just enough so they are pliable without breaking. This way, when I fill them with a rich mixture of spinach, ricotta, and herbs, they roll perfectly without any mess. It's such a joy to see them come out of the oven, golden and bubbling with cheese.
One tip I can share is to let the roll ups rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps them hold their shape when serving and enhances the flavors. Every time I make these, I know my friends and family are in for a treat that they won’t forget!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal
- Packed with vibrant vegetables and fresh flavors
- A fun, hands-on cooking experience for everyone
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
The main star of the Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups is the ricotta cheese, which contributes creaminess and a rich flavor that balances well with the fresh vegetables. Using high-quality ricotta can make a significant difference—opt for whole-milk ricotta for the best texture. The combination of spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and carrot offers a rainbow of nutrients, making each bite not just delicious but also healthful.
Don't overlook the importance of the marinara sauce; it serves as the flavorful base that holds the dish together. For an extra layer of taste, choose a sauce with herbs or spices, or even try a homemade version if you have the time. The cheese blend, including mozzarella and Parmesan, provides a beautiful melting quality, creating that gooey, cheesy finish we all love in lasagna.
Perfecting Your Technique
When rolling the noodles, ensure you spread the filling evenly, leaving about an inch at the edge to prevent spillage during baking. Rolling tightly is key; a loose roll can lead to a messy outcome. If you're worried about sticking, a light drizzle of olive oil on the noodles before filling can help manage this issue. Keep an eye on the baking times; ovens vary, so check for bubbly, golden edges, which indicate that the cheese is perfectly melted.
If you're new to lasagna roll-ups, consider pre-cooking the spinach briefly to reduce its moisture. This step prevents excess water from making the filling runny, which can compromise the texture of your final dish. I recommend using a large mixing bowl to thoroughly combine the filling ingredients, which helps ensure every roll is just as flavorful as the last.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to prepare your Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups:
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 zucchini, grated
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready to go for smooth preparation.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create the perfect Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups:
Cook Lasagna Noodles
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel.
Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, carrot, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Roll Ups
Spread 1/4 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take one lasagna noodle, place a generous spoonful of the filling on one end, and roll it up tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish and repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.
Bake
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the roll ups and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Serve
Let the roll ups sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups!
Pro Tips
- Experiment with different vegetables depending on the season for a variety of flavors!
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
These Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups are ideal for meal prep! You can assemble them a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Just be mindful of the moisture from the vegetables; pat them dry before mixing into the filling. If you're planning to freeze, prepare the roll-ups and allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat, you can bake them straight from frozen—just add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time, ensuring the center is hot and the cheese has melted. If reheating from the refrigerator, about 20–25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) should do the trick, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
For a refreshing finish, serve these roll-ups with a side salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette; the acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and sauce beautifully. If you're hosting a dinner, try pairing the roll-ups with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
You can also customize these roll-ups based on seasonal vegetables. Consider adding roasted bell peppers or swapping the carrot for sweet potato if you prefer. This recipe is flexible, allowing you to experiment with different combinations and flavors, while still keeping the essence of the comforting dish intact.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the roll ups, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
→ Can I freeze Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups?
Yes, these roll ups freeze well. Just bake them once thawed and enjoy.
→ What vegetables work best for this recipe?
Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, asparagus, or kale.
→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free lasagna noodles and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups
I absolutely love making Vegetable Lasagna Roll Ups because they’re a delightful fusion of flavor and nutrition. When I crave comfort food, these fresh and cheesy roll ups always hit the spot. Each roll is packed with colorful vegetables, creamy ricotta, and aromatic herbs that leave my taste buds dancing. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and perfect for family dinner nights or meal prep. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can come together to create such a satisfying and versatile dish.
Created by: Noemi Turner
Recipe Type: Light Meal Inspirations
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 zucchini, grated
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel.
In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, carrot, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Spread 1/4 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take one lasagna noodle, place a generous spoonful of the filling on one end, and roll it up tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish and repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the roll ups and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Let the roll ups sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan if desired.
Extra Tips
- Experiment with different vegetables depending on the season for a variety of flavors!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 18g