Easy Lasagna Roll Ups for Family Meals
If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, these Lasagna Roll Ups are an absolute game changer. Featuring smoked turkey bacon and creamy plant-based cheese, this recipe is perfect for quick, hearty family meals everyone will love. They combine simplicity and flavor in a way that makes dinner exciting and comforting, all at once.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Lasagna Roll Ups come together in less time than traditional lasagna, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: The smoky turkey bacon and smooth plant-based cheese create a delicious, comforting meal that kids and adults adore.
- Easy to Customize: You can swap or add ingredients to suit your family’s tastes without losing the core deliciousness.
- Perfect Portion Sizes: These individual roll-ups make serving and leftovers easy and convenient.
- Beautiful Presentation: Lasagna Roll Ups look as good as they taste, making meal time special without extra effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but vital to creating the perfect Lasagna Roll Ups. Each brings a unique texture or flavor that complements the others beautifully, ensuring an ultimate balance of taste and satisfaction.
- Lasagna noodles: Use no-boil or regular noodles cooked al dente to hold the roll shape without breaking.
- Smoked turkey bacon: Adds smoky, savory notes while keeping the dish light and satisfying.
- Plant-based cheese: A creamy, melty filling that elevates the roll-ups’ richness and mouthfeel.
- Ricotta-style plant-based cheese: Provides a soft, fluffy texture inside the rolls for a traditional feel.
- Spinach: Fresh or frozen, it boosts nutrition and freshness in every bite.
- Marinara sauce (natural): A vibrant tomato base with natural herbs brings depth and moisture to the dish.
- Garlic and onion powder (natural): Enhances overall flavor with a mild aromatic touch.
- Fresh basil: Adds brightness and herbal notes to balance richness perfectly.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing and drizzling, it contributes a smooth richness and glossy finish.
- Natural gelling agent: Included if you want the sauce to have a thicker texture without heaviness.
Variations for Lasagna Roll Ups
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you have specific dietary needs or want to switch up the flavors, these variations will inspire your next family meal.
- Vegetarian swap: Replace smoked turkey bacon with grilled vegetables or mushroom slices for a meatless option.
- Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot paprika to the marinara sauce for some heat.
- Herb infusion: Incorporate oregano, thyme, or rosemary into the filling to change the flavor profile.
- Cheese varieties: Try blending different plant-based cheeses like mozzarella-style or parmesan-style for unique textures.
- Gluten-free noodles: Use certified gluten-free lasagna sheets to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by boiling your lasagna noodles until they are just al dente tender but still firm enough to roll without tearing. Drain and place them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook Smoked Turkey Bacon and Spinach
In a skillet, sauté chopped smoked turkey bacon in olive oil until crispy. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, seasoning lightly with garlic and onion powder (natural). Set mixture aside to cool.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling
Mix plant-based ricotta-style cheese with shredded plant-based cheese, fresh basil, and sautéed turkey bacon-spinach blend. Stir until well combined into a creamy filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Roll Ups
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce (natural) on a baking dish. Lay one noodle flat, then evenly spread a generous amount of cheese mixture down the center. Carefully roll it up and place seam side down in the dish. Repeat with all noodles.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Once all roll ups are in place, spoon remaining marinara sauce (natural) on top, sprinkle with additional shredded plant-based cheese, and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Pro Tips for Making Lasagna Roll Ups
- Use fresh noodles if possible: This makes rolling easier and creates a tender texture.
- Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the rolls to burst during baking.
- Let them cool slightly before slicing: Helps maintain their shape on the plate.
- Add herbs to the sauce: Fresh basil or oregano can make a big difference in the flavor depth.
- Cover with foil: Keeps the roll ups moist while baking, then remove toward the end for a beautiful golden top.
How to Serve Lasagna Roll Ups
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley adds a lovely fresh touch and vibrant color right before serving. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also enhance the richness and shine.
Side Dishes
Pair your lasagna roll ups with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or serve alongside garlic bread made with plant-based butter for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange roll ups in a circular pattern for a stunning presentation or place them neatly in a row with alternating colors of sauce on a platter for family-style serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover lasagna roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to retain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Wrap individual roll ups tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes to keep them moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I make Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the roll ups the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate before baking to save time on the day you plan to serve them.
What can I use instead of smoked turkey bacon?
Grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant work wonderfully for a vegetarian option, or you can use plant-based bacon alternatives for the same smoky flavor.
Are there any tips for rolling the noodles without tearing?
Make sure the noodles are not overcooked and are cooled on a flat surface. Also, avoid overfilling and roll gently but firmly to keep them intact.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce (natural)?
Yes, homemade sauce is perfect here and allows you to customize herbs and spices to your liking, adding a personal touch to the dish.
What plant-based cheeses are best for this recipe?
Look for shredded plant-based mozzarella-style cheese and ricotta-style blends which melt and blend beautifully with the filling.
Final Thoughts
These Lasagna Roll Ups are the perfect way to bring a fresh spin on a classic that your whole family will appreciate. They deliver a hearty, comforting meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Go ahead, make your next family meal special and delicious with these delightful roll ups!
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Lasagna Roll Ups
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lasagna Roll Ups featuring smoked turkey bacon and creamy plant-based cheese offer a quick, hearty, and family-friendly meal. These individually portioned roll ups combine smoky, savory flavors with fresh spinach and a rich tomato base, delivering a comforting and delicious dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Lasagna Roll Ups Ingredients
- 8 lasagna noodles, no-boil or cooked al dente
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 1 cup ricotta-style plant-based cheese
- 2 cups fresh or frozen spinach
- 2 cups marinara sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional, for thickening sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Boil lasagna noodles until just al dente, tender but firm enough to roll without tearing. Drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
- Cook Smoked Turkey Bacon and Spinach: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season lightly with garlic and onion powder (natural). Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Make the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta-style plant-based cheese, shredded plant-based cheese, fresh basil, and the cooled turkey bacon-spinach mixture. Stir well until creamy and evenly mixed.
- Assemble the Roll Ups: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce (natural) on the bottom of a baking dish. Place one noodle flat and spread a generous amount of the cheese mixture down the center. Carefully roll it up and place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with remaining noodles.
- Top and Bake: Spoon remaining marinara sauce (natural) evenly over the roll ups, sprinkle with additional shredded plant-based cheese, and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Use fresh noodles if possible for easier rolling and a tender texture.
- Do not overfill the noodles to prevent bursting during baking.
- Allow roll ups to cool slightly before slicing to maintain shape on the plate.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the marinara sauce for enhanced flavor.
- Cover with foil while baking to keep roll ups moist, then remove near the end for a golden top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lasagna roll ups, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, easy dinner, family meal, gluten free
