Lasagna Roll-Ups with Cottage Cheese

Lasagna roll-ups with cottage cheese offer a fun and easy twist on classic lasagna. Instead of layering noodles, they are rolled up with a creamy cottage cheese filling and topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, providing all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a convenient, individual-serving format.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easier to Serve – No messy slicing; each portion is neatly rolled.
• Lighter and Healthier – Cottage cheese adds protein while keeping the dish light.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat individual rolls as needed.
• Kid-Friendly – Fun to eat and packed with cheesy goodness.
• Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling – In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, spinach (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Assemble the Roll-Ups
   • Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface.
   • Spread a generous layer of the cottage cheese mixture evenly over each noodle.
   • Carefully roll up each noodle and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
3. Add the Sauce – In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce with garlic powder and red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Pour the sauce evenly over the rolled-up noodles.
4. Bake – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 (2 roll-ups per serving)
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Meaty Version – Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the marinara sauce.
• Extra Cheesy – Mix shredded mozzarella into the filling for a creamier texture.
• Vegetarian Boost – Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini in the filling for added nutrients.
• Spicy Kick – Increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for heat.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish suitable for dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked roll-ups in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking or reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make lasagna roll-ups ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them in advance, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and bake when ready.

How do I prevent the roll-ups from falling apart?

Make sure not to overfill the noodles and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, ricotta cheese can be used as a direct substitute for cottage cheese.

What side dishes go well with lasagna roll-ups?

Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables complement this dish perfectly.

Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?

No, regular cooked lasagna noodles work best for rolling. Oven-ready noodles tend to be too stiff.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Use plant-based cheese alternatives and a dairy-free cottage cheese substitute.

Can I add protein to the filling?

Yes, you can mix in shredded chicken or cooked ground meat with the cottage cheese mixture.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Rinse them in cold water after cooking and lay them on a greased baking sheet before assembling.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Absolutely! A homemade sauce with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs will enhance the flavor.

What’s the best way to freeze lasagna roll-ups?

Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Conclusion

Lasagna roll-ups with cottage cheese are a fun, easy-to-make twist on traditional lasagna. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, they offer all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in convenient individual portions. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or customize it with different ingredients, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.