There’s something inherently satisfying about transforming a familiar favorite into a new presentation, and these Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups do exactly that. I discovered this twist on traditional lasagna when hosting a dinner party where I wanted individual portions that looked as impressive as they tasted. The beauty of these roll-ups is how they maintain all the beloved flavors of classic lasagna—savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and three-cheese goodness—while creating a fun, personalized dining experience. Trust me when I say these spiral bundles of flavor will not only elevate your dinner presentation but also make serving and portion control infinitely easier than traditional lasagna.
Why You’ll Love These Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Perfect Portions – Each roll-up is an individual serving, eliminating messy cutting
- Impressive Presentation – The spiral pattern creates a beautiful plate presence that looks gourmet
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare completely and refrigerate or freeze before baking
- Customizable – Easy to modify for different dietary preferences in the same batch
Ingredients for Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Lasagna noodles – The foundation that gets rolled with fillings (cook just shy of al dente)
- Italian sausage – Provides rich flavor without additional seasoning needed (sweet or hot, depending on preference)
- Ricotta cheese – Creates the creamy filling that binds everything together
- Mozzarella cheese – Delivers that perfect cheese stretch when melted
- Parmesan cheese – Adds savory depth and sharpness
- Marinara sauce – Use high-quality jarred sauce for convenience or homemade for extra flavor
- Egg – Helps bind the cheese filling
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic elevates all the flavors
- Italian seasoning – A balanced herb blend perfect for Italian-inspired dishes
- Fresh parsley – Brightens the rich flavors and adds color
- Salt and pepper – Essential for proper seasoning
How to Make Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups
Step 1: Prepare the Components
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 lasagna noodles according to package directions, but remove them 1-2 minutes early so they’re slightly undercooked. They’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
While the pasta cooks, brown 1 pound of Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spreading 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom.
Step 2: Create the Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella (reserve 1 cup for topping), 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Fold in the cooled sausage crumbles, incorporating them evenly throughout the cheese mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Lay out the cooled lasagna noodles on a flat surface. Spread approximately 3 tablespoons of the cheese-sausage mixture evenly along each noodle, leaving a small border at the end. Starting from one short end, carefully roll up each noodle.
Place the roll-ups, seam side down, in the prepared baking dish. I find that a 9×13-inch dish typically fits 12 roll-ups perfectly, arranged in rows.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups, ensuring each one is lightly covered. Sprinkle the reserved cup of mozzarella and an additional 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden in spots.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Allow the roll-ups to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps them set and makes them easier to serve intact. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Noodle Handling – If noodles tear, piece them together when rolling; the cheese filling will act as glue
- Even Filling Distribution – Use a small offset spatula to spread the filling evenly for consistent roll-ups
- Make-Ahead Strategy – Prepare completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking; add 10 minutes to covered baking time
- Prevent Sticking – Don’t skip the sauce on the bottom of the pan, as it prevents the roll-ups from sticking
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Option – Substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers
- Chicken Alternative – Use ground chicken seasoned with Italian herbs instead of sausage
- Extra Cheesy – Add a layer of provolone cheese before rolling up the noodles
- Spicy Version – Mix red pepper flakes into the cheese filling or use spicy Italian sausage
Storage and Reheating
These Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups refrigerate beautifully for up to 4 days in an airtight container. They can also be frozen both before or after baking:
To freeze unbaked: Assemble the roll-ups in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
To freeze baked: Cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the entire dish. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
These Cheese Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups bring a delightful twist to a classic favorite. The individual servings make them perfect for family dinners, entertaining, or meal prep. Each spiral bundle delivers the perfect ratio of pasta, sauce, and filling in every bite—something that’s harder to achieve with traditional layered lasagna. They’re elegant enough for company yet simple enough for a weeknight meal, proving that sometimes the most memorable dishes are just familiar favorites reimagined in a creative way.