Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese
Lasagna is a classic comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. But sometimes, you want something a little different, something that’s just as delicious but with a fun twist. Enter Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese! These delightful roll-ups are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and nutrition. They’re perfect for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or even for impressing guests. Let’s dive into this comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of marinara sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and delightful herbs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese are the perfect blend of convenience and taste. Here are a few reasons to fall in love with them:
– Easy to Assemble: Unlike traditional lasagna that can be cumbersome, these roll-ups are simple to prepare and can be customized to your liking.
– Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these fun pasta rolls filled with cheesy goodness and savory marinara.
– Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and store them for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.
– Versatile: You can easily switch up the filling or add veggies to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Ingredient Notes
To create these delicious Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups homemade or jarred marinara sauce, plus more for serving – Choose a quality marinara that you love for the best flavor.
- 8 uncooked lasagna noodles, wheat or gluten-free – Opt for your favorite type of lasagna noodles to suit dietary needs.
- 16 ounces 2% cottage cheese, drained – I recommend using Good Culture for its creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – This adds a lovely sharpness to the filling.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley – Fresh herbs brighten up the dish.
- 2 tablespoons pesto, prepared or homemade – A burst of flavor that elevates the cheese filling.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the filling together.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Black pepper to taste – For a little kick.
- 1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 3 oz) – Melts beautifully on top.
- Basil or parsley, optional for garnish – For that finishing touch.
Essential Tools for Success
To make your cooking experience easier, gather the following tools:
- Large pot – For boiling the lasagna noodles.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – Perfect for assembling and baking your roll-ups.
- Mixing bowl – For blending the cottage cheese filling.
- Fork or whisk – To mix your ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula – For spreading the marinara sauce evenly.
Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese Cooking Guide
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making these delightful roll-ups.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, warm your homemade or jarred marinara sauce. Allow it to simmer gently while you prepare the other components of the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to cool.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, pesto, egg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Roll Ups
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Take one lasagna noodle, spread about 1/4 cup of the cheese filling along the length of the noodle, and roll it up tightly. Place the roll seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.
Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Once all the roll-ups are in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese!
Texture-Safe Substitutions
If you’re looking to customize your Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese, consider these texture-safe substitutions:
- Gluten-free noodles: Substitute traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free varieties.
- Ricotta cheese: Swap cottage cheese for ricotta for a creamier filling.
- Spinach: Mix in chopped cooked spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Vegan cheese: Use a plant-based cheese alternative for a dairy-free option.
Missteps & Fixes
Even the best cooks can have an off day. Here are some common pitfalls and how to fix them:
- Overcooked noodles: If your noodles are too soft, they may tear when rolling. Keep them slightly firm for best results.
- Too much filling: Avoid overstuffing the noodles, which can cause them to burst during baking.
- Dry roll-ups: If your roll-ups seem dry, ensure there’s enough marinara sauce in the baking dish.
- Uneven baking: Rotate the dish halfway through baking for even cooking.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese make excellent leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat them:
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated thoroughly.
If you want to prepare these roll-ups in advance, you can assemble them a day ahead and refrigerate them before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if they are coming from the fridge.
Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese Q&A
Can I freeze Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled roll-ups before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Feel free to add cooked vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the cheese filling for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure they are chopped finely and cooked before adding.
What type of marinara sauce should I use?
You can use any marinara sauce you enjoy! Whether homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s a good quality sauce for the best flavor. You can also try different varieties like roasted garlic or spicy marinara for a twist.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative, use a flax egg in place of the egg, and choose dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives. This way, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese!
You Might Also Like
- Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Vegetarian Zucchini Lasagna
- Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake
- Classic Baked Ziti
Wrap-Up
Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese are a delightful twist on a classic dish that everyone will love. They are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for meal prep or a family dinner. With a simple list of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a comforting meal that is sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, these roll-ups will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Marinara Sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm your homemade or jarred marinara sauce. Allow it to simmer gently while you prepare the other components of the dish.
- Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to cool.
- Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, pesto, egg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Step 4: Assemble the Roll Ups. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Take one lasagna noodle, spread about 1/4 cup of the cheese filling along the length of the noodle, and roll it up tightly. Place the roll seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.
- Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese. Once all the roll-ups are in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Step 6: Bake. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve. Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese!
Notes
- Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, cover with a damp paper towel and microwave in short intervals.
- Assemble roll-ups a day ahead and refrigerate before baking, adding extra time if needed.
