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Introduction
Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delightful twist on the traditional lasagna, offering individual servings packed with flavor. These roll-ups are filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, smothered in savory marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, making them a perfect family-friendly meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
250 g lasagna noodles
500 g ricotta cheese
150 g fresh spinach, chopped
100 g grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
5 g garlic powder
5 g dried Italian herbs
500 ml marinara sauce
200 g shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat on a clean surface to cool slightly.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4. Spread a thin layer of the ricotta and spinach mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle.
5. Carefully roll up each noodle and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
6. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the rolled lasagna, ensuring each roll-up is well-covered.
7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Allow the roll-ups to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and lay them flat on a clean surface to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Fill the Noodles
Spread a thin layer of the ricotta and spinach mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle.
Step 5: Roll the Noodles
Carefully roll up each noodle and place the rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Add the Marinara Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the rolled lasagna, ensuring each roll-up is well-covered.
Step 7: Top with Mozzarella Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the marinara-covered roll-ups.
Step 8: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Step 9: Bake Uncovered
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Allow the roll-ups to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
These roll-ups can be served with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Vegetarian Option
This dish is vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for those who do not eat meat.
Cheese Variations
Feel free to experiment with different cheese types, such as adding ricotta or using a blend of cheeses for varied flavors.
Make-Ahead Option
You can prepare the roll-ups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Allow any leftover Lasagna Roll-Ups to cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
If you wish to freeze the roll-ups, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the roll-ups with aluminum foil to retain moisture and place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lasagna Roll-Ups with a fresh side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a crunch. Garlic bread or a warm baguette pairs wonderfully to soak up the marinara sauce. Complete the meal with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top for added freshness and color.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximately 2 roll-ups):
– Calories: 480
– Total Fat: 22g
– Saturated Fat: 12g
– Cholesterol: 110mg
– Sodium: 780mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 40g
– Dietary Fiber: 3g
– Sugars: 6g
– Protein: 24g
These values may vary based on specific brands of products used and portion sizes.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Lasagna noodles: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version. Alternatively, zucchini or eggplant slices can serve as lower-carb options.
– Ricotta cheese: Cottage cheese can be substituted for a lighter option. You can also use a vegan ricotta made from blended nuts and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
– Fresh spinach: Kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach for a different flavor and texture.
– Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free alternative, or you can substitute it with any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano.
– Egg: Flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit until thickened) can act as an egg substitute for a vegan option.
– Marinara sauce: Substitute with homemade tomato sauce, pesto, or a white sauce for a unique twist.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
Cook lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Stir gently to prevent sticking, then drain and lay flat to cool.
Mixing Filling
Combine ricotta, spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
Rolling the Noodles
Spread the filling evenly over each noodle, then carefully roll them up. Ensure the filling is secure and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
Baking
Cover the prepared baking dish with aluminum foil before baking to retain moisture. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubble.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara sauce is a convenient option if you prefer not to make your own.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese or a blended tofu mixture for a dairy-free option.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is vegetarian as it uses spinach and ricotta, but ensure the marinara sauce is also meat-free.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the roll-ups a day ahead and store them in the fridge before baking.
What should I serve with lasagna roll-ups?
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Lasagna Roll-Ups with Spinach and Ricotta provide a wonderful alternative to traditional lasagna, making it an ideal dish for any family dinner. With their creamy filling, savory sauce, and melted cheese, these individual servings are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. They are sure to satisfy everyone at the table and can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Lasagna Roll-Ups with Meat Sauce
Substitute the spinach and ricotta filling with a rich ground beef or turkey mixture, adding your choice of vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
Vegetable Lasagna Roll-Ups
Fill the lasagna noodles with a variety of seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms along with ricotta for a hearty vegetarian option.
Spicy Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups
Incorporate shredded spicy chicken into the ricotta mixture and top with a smoky chipotle marinara sauce for an extra kick.
Pesto Lasagna Roll-Ups
Mix basil pesto into the ricotta and spinach combination for added flavor. Top with a light cream sauce and mozzarella to elevate the dish.
Cheese and Herb Lasagna Roll-Ups
For cheese lovers, create a blend of different cheeses such as feta, mozzarella, and cheddar, mixed with fresh herbs for a delightful flavor profile.
Seafood Lasagna Roll-Ups
Combine ricotta with cooked shrimp and crab meat, seasoned with lemon zest and dill, topped with a creamy alfredo sauce for a luxurious variation.
