If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing comfort dish that brings all the flavors of traditional Italian comfort food to your table, Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups are about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender lasagna noodles cuddling a creamy, herby ricotta filling, all wrapped around a rich, beefy Bolognese, then blanketed in marinara and gooey cheese before baking to perfection. It’s a meal that’s as easy to serve as it is to make, and every bite is pure happiness for both weeknight dinners and cozy gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, familiar ingredients join forces to deliver the taste and comfort you crave. Each one shines in its own way, adding flavor, texture, or a little visual flair to your Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups.
- Lasagna noodles (12, cooked): The perfect pasta sheets for rolling—make sure they’re still slightly firm so they don’t tear.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the onions and garlic bloom in flavor.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Brings sweet, savory depth to the Bolognese sauce.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): A non-negotiable in Italian-inspired dishes for that irresistible aroma and bite.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Heartiness and bold flavor as the foundation of the meat sauce.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Lends classic Italian herbal notes.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential in sharpening and balancing all the other ingredients.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that rounds out the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who appreciate a subtle kick.
- Marinara sauce (24-ounce jar): The saucy backbone of this dish—choose your favorite store-bought or homemade.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Gives a salty, nutty finish that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Delivers those iconic melty, cheesy pulls in every forkful.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Adds creamy richness to the filling, making every bite luscious.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, plus more for garnish): Brings freshness and a pop of color.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking to the baking dish and keeps clean-up fuss-free.
How to Make Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups
Step 1: Set Up for Success
Preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s ready when you are. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray—this is an essential move to keep your Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups golden and perfectly served, not stuck to the pan.
Step 2: Build a Flavorful Bolognese
Heat olive oil in a skillet set over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it sizzle for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it softens and turns translucent. Add the garlic and cook for one more fragrant minute. Now, crumble in the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns—this is where the aroma really starts to fill your kitchen! Once the meat loses its pink color, drain off any extra fat, then season with oregano, salt, pepper, and that little bit of red pepper flakes if you love a touch of heat. Stir in all of the marinara sauce and let the flavors mingle and develop as it simmers for 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan, half of the shredded mozzarella, and the chopped parsley. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and flecked with green—it’s going to be the backbone of that irresistible cheesy layer in each roll-up.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Lay out your cooked lasagna noodles on a clean work surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of your cheese mixture evenly onto each noodle. Top that with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beefy Bolognese sauce, spreading it out so every bite will have the perfect balance of creamy and savory. Roll up each noodle carefully, tucking in the filling, and place them seam-side down in your prepared baking dish, snuggled close.
Step 5: Sauce, Cheese, and Bake
Spoon any remaining Bolognese sauce over your lasagna roll-ups. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top, making sure every roll-up will be covered in bubbling, golden cheese. Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10 more until everything is piping hot and the cheese is beautifully melted and golden. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for that vibrant, inviting look.
How to Serve Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a shower of chopped parsley right before serving makes Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups look restaurant-worthy. If you want even more flavor, consider a touch of cracked black pepper or a grating of lemon zest for extra brightness.
Side Dishes
Pair these roll-ups with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or some garlicky roasted broccoli for color and balance. Warm, crusty Italian bread is practically mandatory for mopping up all that extra sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange individual Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups in shallow bowls with extra sauce underneath for a cozy, bistro feel. You can also nestle them family-style in a big platter so everyone can serve themselves—perfect for passing at the table and making any dinner feel festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups keep beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover your baking dish or transfer the roll-ups to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so the next-day leftovers might be even more delicious!
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked or baked roll-ups for a future meal. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, let them thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating so everything cooks evenly.
Reheating
To reheat, place Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F until heated through—about 20 minutes. For individual portions, the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps the cheese gooey and the edges just a bit crispy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic, lighter alternative, and it soaks up all the flavors from the sauce and spices beautifully. Just be sure to season generously—lean meats like turkey really benefit from flavorful add-ins like herbs and garlic.
Can I prepare Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can fully assemble the roll-ups, cover, and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the covered baking time since they’re starting out cold.
Do I need to cook the noodles ahead of time?
Cooking the lasagna noodles beforehand is crucial. Cook them until just al dente, then lay them flat on parchment or a clean towel so they don’t stick. This ensures they roll up easily and bake perfectly without getting mushy.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Spinach, finely chopped zucchini, or roasted red peppers can be stirred into the ricotta mixture for extra color, nutrition, and flavor. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess liquid to keep the filling thick and creamy.
What’s the best way to keep the roll-ups from falling apart?
Don’t overfill each noodle, and place each roll seam-side down in the dish. Tucking them closely together helps them hold their shape as they bake. And always use enough sauce—the moisture binds everything together while baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a pan of bubbly, golden Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups fresh from the oven—every roll-up is a mini bundle of comfort and flavor. This is the kind of dish that draws everyone back for seconds, and the leftovers are just as good (if they last that long!). Give these a try next time you want to combine classic Italian flavors with an easy, show-stopping twist—you’ll be so glad you did.
Print
Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups are a delicious twist on classic lasagna, with tender noodles rolled around a flavorful beef and cheese filling, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 cooked lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cheese Filling
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook onion until soft, then add garlic and cook.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef, cook until browned, season with oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add Sauce: Pour in marinara sauce, simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: Mix ricotta, half of Parmesan, half of mozzarella, and parsley.
- Assemble Roll-Ups: Spread cheese mixture on noodles, top with meat sauce, roll up, place in baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish ahead and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours.
- Substitute ground turkey for beef if desired.
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 roll-ups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
