Weeknight Lasagna Rolls {recipe}

I call these weeknight lasagna rolls because they are quick and much easier than a regular lasagna. They are a regular in our menu rotation because they are a nice change from boring spaghetti. I have seen a lot of variations of lasagna rolls and they all look delicious. So I took a few recipes and combined them to make this simple one. They don’t exactly photograph well, but you will get the idea!

Weeknight Lasagna Rolls

Prep: 20 minutes
Bake: 350 degrees
Makes: 8 rolls
8 lasagna noodles
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 pound ground beef, turkey, or chicken
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
14 teaspoon black pepper
7 oz ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon fresh basil
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

In a large pot of salted water, boil noodles according to directions. Take about a minute off the recommended cooking time. This will leave just a slight bite to the noodles and allow them to be pliable but not fall apart when assembling.  Once they are cooked, drain and rinse with cold water. Cool them completely, as you will be handling them soon!

Meanwhile, in a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef/turkey/chicken, garlic salt, and garlic. Brown meat and drain excess fat before returning to pan. Add desired amount of sauce and reduce heat to low. We like a lot of sauce, so I usually add 3/4 of a jar, but use the amount that is right for your family’s preference. 


Spray a 9x9 inch glass pan with non-stick cooking spray. Add a generous amount of spaghetti sauce to the bottom of the pan. Enough to cover the bottom completely as this will prevent the rolls from sticking.

In a medium bowl, combine garlic powder, black pepper, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and basil. Using a flat surface such as a cutting board or counter top, lay a lasagna noodle flat. Spread 2 tablespoons of cheese filling evenly over the noodle and starting at the end closest to you, slowly roll the noodle up. Place seam side down in the pan and continue with the remaining noodles and filling.


Once finished, spoon desired amount of meat sauce over rolls and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake in a pre-heated oven for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted.


If desired, serve rolls topped with additional parmesan cheese, garlic bread, or salad. Enjoy!

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