Name: Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 lasagna noodles; 8 cooked meatballs (homemade or store-bought); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

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These Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are my fun and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna. Instead of layering everything in a big dish, I roll up tender lasagna noodles around juicy meatballs and creamy cheese, then smother them in marinara and bake until bubbling. It’s comforting, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy it is to portion and serve these roll-ups—no messy slicing like with regular lasagna. The individual rolls look great on a plate and cook evenly every time. Plus, I can make them ahead, freeze them, or bake just what I need. The combination of cheesy filling, rich tomato sauce, and savory meatballs is always a hit in my house.

Ingredients

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

Lasagna noodles
Cooked meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
Ricotta cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Egg
Marinara sauce
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
I boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and lay them flat on a clean surface.
In a bowl, I mix the ricotta, egg, Parmesan, a handful of mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
I spread a layer of the cheese mixture over each noodle.
I place a cooked meatball near one end of the noodle and roll it up carefully.
I pour a little marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish and place the roll-ups seam-side down.
I spoon more sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
I cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
I let it rest a few minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 roll-ups, serving 4 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I use mini meatballs so I can roll more than one into each noodle. I also switch up the cheese—adding provolone or using a herbed ricotta for more flavor. If I want a spicy version, I add crushed red pepper to the sauce or use spicy Italian meatballs. For a veggie-packed option, I mix sautéed spinach into the ricotta.

Storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I store them in an airtight container or cover the baking dish. To reheat, I bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes or microwave individual roll-ups for 1–2 minutes until hot. They also freeze well—I freeze them before or after baking and reheat straight from frozen, covered, with a little extra sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, I often use frozen meatballs. I just thaw and warm them slightly before assembling so everything bakes evenly.

Do I have to cook the noodles first?

Yes, unless I use no-boil lasagna noodles that are made for rolling. I make sure they’re soft enough to roll without breaking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble everything, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. I just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold.

What’s the best sauce to use?

I usually go with a classic marinara, but I’ve also used tomato basil or even a mix of marinara and Alfredo for a creamy twist.

Can I make it without meat?

Yes, I sometimes swap the meatballs for roasted veggies like mushrooms or zucchini, or use plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Meatball Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delicious, family-friendly dinner that brings all the comfort of traditional lasagna in a fun, modern format. They’re cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor—and best of all, they’re easy to make and serve. Whether I’m prepping for a dinner party or just a cozy night in, this recipe never disappoints.