If you are craving a dish that brings together the comforting warmth of Italian flavors with a gooey, cheesy punch, then this Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender lasagna sheets generously layered with rich, meaty Bolognese sauce and a luscious blend of cheeses, rolled up tightly and baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with family or friends and making any weeknight feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients aren’t just simple staples; each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so irresistible. From the al dente pasta sheets that provide the perfect base, to the cheeses that meld into creamy richness, every component is essential.
- 12 lasagna sheets, cooked al dente: These provide the perfect tender but firm canvases to hold your fillings without falling apart.
- 3 cups Bolognese sauce, rich and meaty: The star of the show, packed with savory depth and a hint of tomato sweetness.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, slightly tangy texture that balances the robust Bolognese.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for that iconic cheesy stretch and gooey goodness.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a salty, nutty kick that enhances every bite.
- 1 egg, beaten: Helps bind the cheeses into a smooth, luscious filling.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brings a fresh, bright contrast to the rich flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining ricotta, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the beaten egg in a mixing bowl. Season this mixture generously with salt and pepper. This creamy blend will add richness and bind the roll-ups together perfectly.
Step 2: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Lay out your cooked lasagna sheets on a flat surface. Spread a generous layer of the rich Bolognese sauce evenly over each sheet. Next, dollop and spread the cheese mixture on top of the sauce. Now, carefully roll each sheet from one end to the other, making sure the filling stays inside and everything is snug.
Step 3: Arrange in Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat the bottom of a baking dish with a thin layer of Bolognese sauce. Place your rolled-up lasagna sheets seam side down in the dish in a single layer so they hold their shape. Pour the remaining Bolognese sauce evenly over the tops, and then sprinkle the leftover shredded mozzarella generously to cover.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld and the roll-ups to heat through fully. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown, signaling a perfectly cooked, cheesy delight.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Let the roll-ups rest a few minutes before serving to let them set slightly—this makes slicing and serving a dream.
How to Serve Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish, adding a lovely green pop and brightness against the rich cheese and sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat if you enjoy a kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh side salads that cut through the richness, like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a garden salad with a light balsamic. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is another fantastic side, perfect for sopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve individual roll-ups on plates with a drizzle of extra Bolognese sauce artistically swirled around. You can also arrange the roll-ups in a beautiful casserole dish straight from the oven for a rustic family-style meal that invites everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though that may be tough), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the cheesy goodness again without any loss in flavor or texture.
Freezing
Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups are freezer-friendly! Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the roll-ups with foil to prevent drying out and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. The cheese should bubble again as it warms, bringing that fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling right back to your plate.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Bolognese sauce?
Absolutely! A quality store-bought Bolognese sauce works perfectly here and can save you a lot of time without sacrificing flavor, making this Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups Recipe even more approachable.
Is it necessary to cook the lasagna sheets before assembling?
Yes, cooking the lasagna sheets al dente prevents them from becoming overly soft or mushy when baked inside the roll-ups. They hold their shape better and create a sturdier roll.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Of course! You can swap the meaty Bolognese sauce with a rich tomato sauce loaded with mushrooms, lentils, or finely chopped veggies to maintain that hearty texture and deep flavor.
What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have ricotta?
Ricotta is key for the creamy texture, but cottage cheese or a smooth cream cheese can be a good alternative in a pinch. Just make sure to drain excess moisture so your filling isn’t too wet.
How can I make this dish in advance for a party?
Prepare the roll-ups up to the assembly step and place them in your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bake according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes if coming straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups Recipe is a game-changer for Italian dinners made simple yet indulgent. It’s a dish that wraps up layers of comforting flavors in every bite and brings a homemade touch that’s always appreciated at the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how magical a few simple ingredients can become when combined with a little love and patience.
Print
Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Cheesy Bolognese Roll-Ups combine tender lasagna sheets filled with a rich, meaty Bolognese sauce and creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheese topping, this comforting Italian-inspired dish makes for a satisfying family meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Lasagna Rolls
- 12 lasagna sheets, cooked al dente
- 3 cups Bolognese sauce, rich and meaty
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper and mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Lay out the cooked lasagna sheets flat. Spread a generous layer of Bolognese sauce over each lasagna sheet, then spoon an even amount of the cheese mixture over the sauce. Carefully roll up each sheet tightly to form roll-ups.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the roll-ups seam side down in the dish to keep them from unrolling, then pour the remaining Bolognese sauce over the roll-ups. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of freshness. Serve the cheesy Bolognese roll-ups warm with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Cooking lasagna sheets al dente ensures they don’t overcook during baking and maintain a nice texture.
- Use a high-quality Bolognese sauce for the best flavor or make your own for a fresher option.
- Covering with foil during the initial bake helps keep the roll-ups moist and prevents the cheese from burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the Bolognese sauce with a hearty vegetable marinara or mushroom ragù.
