Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups are a great way to enjoy lasagna without the mess of layering a traditional casserole. The spinach and ricotta filling is creamy and rich, while the marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese add a burst of flavor. This dish is not only comforting but also nutritious, as it’s packed with spinach, which adds vitamins and minerals to the mix. Plus, it’s customizable—add ground meat, mushrooms, or extra herbs for your own twist!

Ingredients

• 9-12 lasagna noodles (depending on the size of your pan)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little olive oil.

2. Cook the lasagna noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay them out on a flat surface to prevent them from sticking together.

3. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, egg, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

4. Assemble the roll-ups: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Take a cooked lasagna noodle and spread a generous spoonful of the spinach and ricotta mixture along the noodle. Roll the noodle up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles.

5. Top with sauce and cheese: Once all the roll-ups are arranged in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the roll-ups. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown slightly.

7. Serve: Let the roll-ups cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 9-12 individual roll-ups, depending on the size of your pan.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

• Add meat: For a meatier version, add cooked ground beef to the ricotta filling.
• Use other greens: You can swap spinach with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard.
• Vegetarian with mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms to the spinach and ricotta filling for extra flavor and texture.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual roll-ups for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups the day before and store them in the fridge. Bake them when you’re ready to serve, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if they’re chilled.

2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just be sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before using it in the filling.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lower-fat version. You can also use different cheeses like provolone or mozzarella for a different flavor.

4. Can I freeze these roll-ups?

Yes, you can freeze the roll-ups before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the roll-ups in the pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time (about 30-40 minutes).

5. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Make sure to spread the cooked noodles out on a flat surface after draining, and if necessary, drizzle them with a bit of olive oil to keep them from sticking.

6. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and check the marinara sauce ingredients to ensure it’s gluten-free.

7. Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Use dairy-free ricotta or a tofu-based filling, and vegan cheese for the topping.

8. Can I add more vegetables to the filling?

Yes, you can add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

9. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

10. Can I make these with store-bought sauce?

Yes, using store-bought marinara sauce saves time, but homemade sauce adds a fresh, personalized touch to the dish.

Conclusion

Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delicious and customizable alternative to traditional lasagna. With creamy spinach and ricotta filling, topped with savory marinara and melted cheese, these roll-ups are a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dish. Perfect for any occasion, this meal is both comforting and nutritious, offering all the flavors of lasagna in a fun and convenient format.

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