Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Lasagna Roll Ups

Lasagna Roll Ups

What's for dinner? I used to flip through cookbooks for inspiration but now I "flip" through Pinterest and Food Gawker. Don't you love food porn? And at this point I've probably got ideas to make or tweak or use as a basis for to last me a while so it's only a matter of what speaks to me that day.

Lasagna Roll Ups
Over the weekend, a lasagna roll up spoke to me and said "I'm delicious, cook me" so I did. I haven't made lasagna very often but for some reason the cute little rolled up package made it irresistible and a perfect rainy Sunday activity. It's certainly not difficult to make but there are quite a few steps involved so it's not a work night project. Fortunately you can make a big batch and refrigerate or freeze for a week's worth of easy dinners. Enjoy!







Adapted from Cooking Classy

Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
1/2 lb. Lean ground beef
1 Onion, chopped
2 Cloves garlic, minced
3 Cups tomato sauce (home made or store bought)
1 Tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Sauce:
2 Cups part skim ricotta cheese
1 Egg
1 Tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1/2 Cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 Cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 Teaspoon salt
1/4 Teaspoon pepper

Pasta:
10 Uncooked lasagna noodles

Topping:
1/2 Cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 Cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 Tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

In a large pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat, add the onion, garlic and seasoning. Continue cooking and stirring until all the meat is broken up and browned. Add the tomato sauce and continue cooking on low heat while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Cook the lasagna noodles in boiling salted water according to the package directions. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and immediately line them in a single layer on waxed or parchment paper.

While the noodles are cooking, add the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, basil, mozzarella and Parmesan to a bowl and mix well.

To prepare the pasta rolls, spread some meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish (approx. 9"). Spread a large spoonful of cheese mixture evenly onto each cooked lasagna noodle. Then spread a spoonful of meat sauce along the top of the cheese layer. Roll the noodles up, jellyroll style, and arrange them seam side down in the baking dish. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the rolls.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle the remaining half cup of mozzarella, half cup of Parmesan and remaining fresh basil over the top and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted. This recipe makes enough sauce for about 10 rolls but can easily be doubled.

26 comments:

  1. I have been dying to try these myself. I am such a lasagna freak. It's like heaven.

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  2. Wow these do look great I have been so lazy to make them I end up breaking it all up and making a layered casserole, but I see this is easy enough... these look amazing and worth the time since mine dont look so delicious.... your photo is awesome!

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  3. I have never really tried the roll up method when it comes to lasagna, but it looks like it does have several benefits over the standard. Your dish here does look amazing! I am always up for italian food and this looks like it should be the next one I make. Delicious!

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  4. Anita~

    I am. SO. in.

    Signed,

    Jen

    P.S.~ My stomach is growling. Seriously.

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  5. I like this a lot. I am a huge lasagna fan, because you can do so many things with it, but the roll-up method? Genius! These look absolutely delicious. I am with you on the whole food porn/Pinterest/Food Gawker thing. Sometimes I can just look at food for hours and hours, its hard to rip myself away!

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  6. Those look delicious! I love lasagna but hate how long it takes to make, and I think you've streamlined it.

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  7. I will tweak this for vegetarian purposes but that is it because this dish is calling out my name!!!
    Yumm :D

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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    Replies
    1. I didn't realize you were vegetarian. I actually have a veggie version of this that I was planning to make and post in the next month.

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  8. i've yet to actually make lasagna...i think i need to change that as your lasagna roll ups look too delicious to pass up!

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  9. I barely ever make lasagna, unfortunately for my boyfriend since it's one of his favorites! This sounds like a perfect way to make individual lasagnas that are just so adorable! I love that you can freeze these for later use. Great recipe!!

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  10. Mmmm I adore lasagna and this "rolled up" version looks wonderful. I love finding a recipe that just speaks to you and you need to make immediately!

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  11. I think I saw those, too! They are cute.... glad to know they're delicious as well. And congrats on all the lovely (well-deserved) awards.

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  12. Great idea, and I'm sure the lasagna tastes delicious too...

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  13. Oh wow! These look delicious! I've seen the Lasagna rolls ups before but haven't had a chance to make it. Now you are making me hungry and want to try this very soon!

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  14. This is such a great twist on a classic recipe. I would love to have this for dinner (instead of the boring sandwich I usually take to class) What a wonderful end to a long Thursday at work. I hope you have an amazing weekend, my friend.

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  15. When I make lasagna, I always say it will be the last time I make them because they are messy and fussy. But with the first bite I take back everything I said before! These lasagna look absolutely gorgeous!

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  16. I really am waiting for the vegetarian version!

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