Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dinner that’s both fun to make and absolutely irresistible, Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups will be your new favorite go-to. These roll-ups take everything you love about classic lasagna—the hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and gooey, golden top—and wrap it up in a playful, easy-to-serve format. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, looking for a new weeknight staple, or simply want to indulge in some Italian-American comfort food, this dish delivers big on flavor and even bigger on smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups is in their simple, everyday ingredients that come together for a showstopping meal. Each element plays a special role, from the savory sauce to the creamy filling, making every bite rich, cheesy, and oh-so satisfying.
- Lasagna noodles (8, cooked and drained): These are the foundation—wide, sturdy, and perfect for rolling up all that goodness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a fruity richness to the beef and ensures nothing sticks in the pan.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Brings a savory depth to the Bolognese sauce—feel free to swap in turkey or plant-based meat!
- Onion (1 small, diced): Softened onion adds natural sweetness and body to the sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For that must-have aromatic punch—don’t skip it!
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz): The backbone of a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that brings that classic Italian flavor profile.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every other flavor in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and depth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a little kick—add more if you love heat!
- Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup): Creamy, mild, and essential for that luscious filling.
- Egg (1): Binds the cheese mixture so it stays delightfully creamy but never runny.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded, divided): Melty, stretchy, and irresistibly cheesy—half goes inside, half on top.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds sharp, nutty flavor to the filling.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): A bright, herby finish that makes the dish pop visually and taste even fresher.
How to Make Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your roll-ups won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. A little nonstick spray or a swipe of olive oil does the trick!
Step 2: Build the Bolognese Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat up your olive oil, then add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft—about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for just one minute more to release its aroma. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and (if you like) a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Let this simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Filling
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella, and all the grated Parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy. This filling is the secret to the creamy, cheesy center of every Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Up!
Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Lay your cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly over each noodle, then add a generous spoonful of the Bolognese sauce on top. Roll each noodle up tightly—think jelly roll style—and place seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. This keeps all that cheesy goodness inside while baking.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Spoon any remaining sauce over the roll-ups, making sure each one gets a saucy blanket. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella over the top for that classic bubbly, golden finish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until everything is hot, melty, and irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups are bubbling and golden, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. If you like, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and get ready for lots of “Wow, can I have seconds?” at the table!
How to Serve Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch—it adds brightness and makes your Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups look straight out of an Italian trattoria. For extra flair, try a dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
These roll-ups are rich and hearty on their own, but they pair beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread is another crowd-pleaser, perfect for sopping up any extra sauce. If you want to round out the meal, roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli are simple, colorful additions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, family-style dinner, serve the Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups right from the baking dish at the table. If you’re entertaining, plate them individually on a swirl of extra sauce and garnish with microgreens for a restaurant-worthy look. You can even slice the roll-ups into rounds for an easy-to-eat party appetizer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups keep beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer the roll-ups to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get better as they meld together.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze, assemble the roll-ups but don’t bake them yet. Wrap the dish well in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, place roll-ups in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). For individual portions, the microwave works just fine—just cover and heat in 1-minute bursts until hot and melty again.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups?
For best results, stick with traditional lasagna noodles that you cook and drain. No-boil noodles tend to crack or break when rolled, but if you par-cook them until pliable, they can work in a pinch.
What’s the best way to prevent the roll-ups from falling apart?
Be sure not to overfill the noodles and roll them up tightly. Placing them seam-side down in the baking dish and nestling them close together helps them hold their shape while baking.
Can I make Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the roll-ups up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes them perfect for meal prep or dinner parties.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef for your favorite plant-based meat or cooked lentils for a hearty, satisfying vegetarian version.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best texture, reheat leftover Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups in the oven, covered, until hot and bubbly. The microwave is convenient for quick single servings—just cover to keep the cheese from drying out.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! They’re fun to make, deeply comforting, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table with big appetites and happy hearts. Give them a try and let this cheesy, saucy classic become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups are a comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring tender lasagna noodles filled with rich ground beef Bolognese sauce and creamy ricotta mixture, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a hearty family dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 lasagna noodles (cooked and drained)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook beef and aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef browns and the onion softens, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Prepare Bolognese sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and thicken slightly.
- Mix cheese filling: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well blended to create a creamy filling.
- Assemble roll-ups: Lay cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over each noodle. Top each with a spoonful of the prepared Bolognese sauce, then tightly roll each noodle up and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add sauce and cheese topping: Spoon any remaining Bolognese sauce over the arranged roll-ups in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the roll-ups hot, paired nicely with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for ground beef to suit dietary preferences.
- Prepare the roll-ups ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours before baking, ideal for meal prepping.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or warm garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 roll-ups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
