Pizza Lasagna Rolls
Imagine a dish that combines the comforting layers of lasagna with the delicious flavors of pizza. Sounds tempting, right? Well, let me introduce you to Pizza Lasagna Rolls! This delightful recipe offers a fun twist on traditional lasagna, transforming each slice into a roll filled with cheesy goodness and zesty tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends, these Pizza Lasagna Rolls are sure to impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a keeper!
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
Pizza Lasagna Rolls are not just a meal; they are an experience. The combination of flavors and textures creates a dish that is both satisfying and fun to eat. The rolled-up noodles stuffed with cheese and topped with savory sauce make for a visually appealing presentation. Plus, they are versatile! You can customize the fillings to include your favorite pizza toppings, making this dish adaptable to your taste preferences. These rolls are also a great way to sneak in some veggies if you want to add a health-conscious twist.
What Goes In
To create these scrumptious Pizza Lasagna Rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes, canned, with liquid
- 1 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 10 whole-grain lasagna noodles, boiled according to package instructions
Recommended Tools
Before you start cooking, here are a few tools that will make your life easier:
- Large pot: For boiling the lasagna noodles.
- Skillet: To sauté garlic and combine the sauce ingredients.
- Baking dish: For assembling and baking the rolls.
- Mixing bowl: To combine the cheese filling ingredients.
- Spoon or spatula: For filling the lasagna noodles and spreading the sauce.
Pizza Lasagna Rolls: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their liquid. Stir in 1 1/4 teaspoons of dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Fill the Noodles
Once the lasagna noodles are cooked and drained, lay them out on a flat surface. Spread a generous amount of the cheese mixture over each noodle, leaving a little space at the edges.
Step 4: Roll Them Up
Carefully roll each lasagna noodle from one end to the other, creating a tight roll. Place each rolled noodle seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Once all the lasagna rolls are in the baking dish, pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
What to Use Instead
If you’re looking to customize or substitute ingredients, here are some options:
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles if you prefer a gluten-free option.
- Swap out ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter filling.
- Add spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes or Italian sausage in the filling.
Don’t Do This
To ensure your Pizza Lasagna Rolls turn out perfect, avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t overcook the lasagna noodles; they should be al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Avoid using too much sauce; it can make the rolls soggy. Stick to the recommended amount.
- Don’t skip the simmering step for the sauce; it enhances the flavors significantly.
- Be careful not to overstuff the rolls; a generous but controlled amount of filling works best.
Prep Ahead & Store
These Pizza Lasagna Rolls are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to handle leftovers or prepare them in advance:
- Assemble the rolls and store them in the baking dish covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- You can also freeze unbaked rolls. Just make sure to wrap them tightly and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat baked rolls, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Quick Questions
Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of whole-grain?
Absolutely! Regular lasagna noodles work perfectly fine if you prefer them over whole-grain. Just follow the package instructions for boiling.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I add more toppings to the rolls?
Yes! Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, or olives to the cheese filling for a personalized touch.
Is this recipe easy to make for kids?
This recipe is quite kid-friendly! Kids can help roll the noodles and choose their favorite toppings, making it a fun family activity.
Bring It Home
Pizza Lasagna Rolls are a delightful blend of two beloved dishes, combining the heartiness of lasagna with the flavors of pizza. Whether you’re enjoying them with family, sharing them at a potluck, or indulging in a cozy night in, these rolls will surely satisfy your cravings. They are easy to prepare, customizable, and most importantly, utterly delicious!
There you have it! A recipe that not only brings joy but also brings people together around the dinner table. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to roll out a dish that will become a staple in your household. Happy cooking!
Pizza Lasagna Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their liquid. Stir in 1 1/4 teaspoons of dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Once the lasagna noodles are cooked and drained, lay them out on a flat surface. Spread a generous amount of the cheese mixture over each noodle, leaving a little space at the edges.
- Carefully roll each lasagna noodle from one end to the other, creating a tight roll. Place each rolled noodle seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Once all the lasagna rolls are in the baking dish, pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Assemble the rolls and store them in the baking dish covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- You can also freeze unbaked rolls. Just make sure to wrap them tightly and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat baked rolls, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
