Lasagna is a classic comfort food that everyone loves, but sometimes the traditional meaty version can feel a bit heavy. If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious twist on this Italian favorite, vegetarian lasagna roll ups are the perfect solution.
These individual pasta roll-ups are filled with a savory blend of ricotta, spinach, and roasted vegetables, then baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese. Not only are they visually appealing and portion-friendly, but they also pack in a hearty serving of veggies that will satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Whether you’re cooking for family dinners, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a party, this recipe is versatile, easy to customize, and guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak more greens into your diet while indulging in a cheesy, comforting dish.
Keep reading for the full recipe and tips to make your vegetarian lasagna roll ups truly unforgettable!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegetarian lasagna roll ups are a delightful spin on traditional lasagna, offering individual servings that are both fun and practical. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Portion control made easy: Each roll-up is a perfect single serving, great for meal prep or dinner parties.
- Loaded with veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers add nutrients and vibrant flavors.
- Simple to assemble: No need for layering a giant pan; just spread, roll, and bake.
- Customizable: You can swap in your favorite vegetables or add vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Comforting and wholesome: It’s cheesy, saucy, and satisfying without being heavy.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, diced (red or yellow preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or spatula
- Grater (if shredding cheese yourself)
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Cook the lasagna noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and the sautéed vegetables. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Assemble the roll ups: Lay one cooked noodle flat. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese and vegetable filling evenly across the noodle. Carefully roll the noodle from one end to the other. Repeat with remaining noodles and filling.
- Arrange the roll ups: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place the roll ups seam side down in the dish in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with extra shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Let the lasagna roll ups cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Tips & Variations
“For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese filling or mix in some fresh herbs like oregano or thyme.”
- Make it vegan: Use vegan ricotta and mozzarella alternatives and ensure your marinara sauce is free of animal products.
- Change up the veggies: Swap spinach and mushrooms for zucchini, roasted eggplant, or kale for different textures and flavors.
- Use no-boil noodles: This saves time and reduces cleanup. Just be sure to add a bit more sauce to keep noodles moist while baking.
- Make it ahead: Assemble roll ups and store covered in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking.
- Double the batch: Roll ups freeze well. Freeze before baking and reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 18 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 600 mg |
Calcium | 350 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Vegetarian lasagna roll ups make a hearty main dish and pair beautifully with fresh, simple sides. Consider serving them with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
For a lighter option, steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans complement the richness of the cheese filling. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon can round out the experience perfectly.
Conclusion
These vegetarian lasagna roll ups are a delightful way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering a big casserole. Their elegant presentation and customizable filling make them suitable for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping for busy days.
Packed with nutritious vegetables and creamy cheese, they offer a satisfying and wholesome meal for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Plus, the recipe’s flexibility means you can experiment with different veggies, cheeses, or even make a vegan version with ease. If you loved this recipe, be sure to explore more delicious plant-based dishes like Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners, Slow Cooker Vegetarian Recipes Easy and Delicious Ideas, or try a sweet treat with the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Enjoy cooking and savor every delicious bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Lasagna Roll Ups
Description: Delicious lasagna roll ups filled with a savory mixture of spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella. Perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal that's easy to prepare and bake.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and lay flat.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, egg, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture over each noodle and roll up.
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in a baking dish and place roll ups seam-side down.
- Top roll ups with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 28 g
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