If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy Italian dish but want a fun twist on traditional lasagna, 3-Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups are your answer. This recipe combines all the best elements of lasagna—rich ricotta, melty mozzarella, savory Parmesan, and spicy Italian sausage—rolled into neat bundles that bake to golden perfection. It’s an impressive yet surprisingly easy meal that feeds a crowd and works wonderfully for meal prep.
In this article, we’ll walk through every detail: ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect noodles, how to avoid soggy lasagna, calorie breakdowns, and ways to customize your roll-ups to suit your tastes. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a casual dinner party, these roll-ups deliver big on flavor and presentation.
Why You’ll Love These Lasagna Roll-Ups
Traditional lasagna is delicious but can be a little labor-intensive and tricky to cut neatly into squares. The roll-ups streamline the process and let you control portion sizes better. Each roll-up is a perfect, self-contained serving, which makes plating and serving effortless.
The combination of three cheeses gives a wonderful creamy texture and rich flavor:
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Ricotta provides a smooth, mild base.
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Mozzarella adds meltiness and stretch.
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Parmesan gives a sharp, nutty depth.
Meanwhile, the Italian sausage brings a hearty, savory punch with a touch of spice, balanced by the fresh herbs and zesty marinara sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make about 12 roll-ups (serves 6-8):
Pasta & Sauce
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12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil) — cooked al dente
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1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
Meat Filling
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1 lb Italian sausage (remove casings)
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
Cheese Filling
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2 cups ricotta cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus 1 cup extra for topping)
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1ÂĽ cups grated Parmesan cheese
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2 large eggs
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½ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Seasoning
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Red pepper flakes (optional, if you want a little heat)
Step-By-Step Instructions for Perfect Roll-Ups
Step 1: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles
If using regular lasagna noodles, boil them according to package directions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Avoid overcooking; you want them tender but still firm enough to roll without tearing.
After cooking, drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet or large cutting board lined with parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
Tip: Lightly brush the noodles with olive oil to keep them separated and easier to handle.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage Mixture
In a large skillet over medium-high heat:
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Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the pan.
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Cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
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Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, around 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
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Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
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Ricotta cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella
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Grated Parmesan
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2 eggs (these help bind the filling)
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Chopped parsley
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Salt and pepper to taste
Mix gently until well blended but still creamy. You don’t want to overmix; the texture should remain slightly fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the roll-ups from sticking and adds flavor.
Take one cooked noodle at a time:
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Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodle, leaving about ½ inch border on each side.
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Spoon a generous amount (2-3 tablespoons) of the sausage mixture on top of the cheese layer.
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Carefully roll the noodle up, starting from one end, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
Repeat until all noodles are rolled and placed snugly side by side.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the roll-ups.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella over everything.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let the roll-ups rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
Preparation Time and Nutritional Information
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Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus noodle boiling time)
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Cook Time: 30 minutes (+ 2-3 minutes broil)
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Total Time: 50-55 minutes
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Servings: 6-8
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Calories: Approximately 500 kcal per serving
Tips for the Best Lasagna Roll-Ups
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Don’t overcook noodles: They’ll cook further in the oven, so keep them firm to prevent mushiness.
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Use fresh herbs: Parsley adds brightness, but basil or oregano can also complement the flavors.
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Make ahead: You can assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate (covered) overnight before baking.
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Freezing: These roll-ups freeze well. Freeze them unbaked in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.
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Variations: Substitute spicy sausage or ground turkey for a milder or leaner option. Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the cheese filling for extra veggies.
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Avoid soggy bottoms: Use a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of your baking dish and don’t overload with too much sauce on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use no-boil noodles for this recipe?
Yes! No-boil noodles can be used to save time. Just be sure to spread sauce generously to allow noodles to soften properly during baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure any sausage or seasoning mixes are gluten-free.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe balances creamy cheeses with hearty meat and tangy marinara, creating layers of flavor in every bite. Rolling the noodles makes for a pretty presentation and easy serving, perfect for families and dinner parties alike.
The step-by-step instructions and tips ensure even beginners can create a delicious and impressive meal without stress.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to shake up your weeknight dinner routine or impress guests with a classic Italian comfort dish, these 3-Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups deliver on taste and ease. The cheesy, meaty filling paired with perfectly cooked noodles and baked to bubbly perfection is simply irresistible.
Try making a batch this weekend — it’s sure to become a family favorite!