How to Make the Perfect Skillet Lasagna Roll-Ups
Italian · Medium · 50 min · 4 servings
These fun and satisfying lasagna roll-ups are filled with creamy ricotta and savory ground beef, then simmered directly in a rich marinara sauce right in the skillet. The result is all the cozy flavors of classic lasagna without the long bake time or multiple pans to wash.
Why this recipe works
This Skillet Lasagna Roll-Ups recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 50 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 670 calories with 42g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 8 whole lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks, for about 6 to 7 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat, then stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let the beef cool slightly before mixing in the ricotta cheese until fully combined.
Step 2: Fill and Roll the Noodles
Lay each cooked lasagna noodle flat on a clean work surface. Spread a generous 3 to 4 tablespoons of the beef and ricotta filling evenly across the entire length of each noodle. Carefully roll each noodle up tightly from one end to form compact rolls.
Step 3: Build the Skillet
Pour the marinara sauce into the same large skillet and spread it into an even layer over medium heat. Gently place each lasagna roll-up seam side down into the marinara sauce, arranging them snugly so they hold their shape during cooking.
Step 4: Simmer Until Cooked Through
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over medium-low heat for 15 to 18 minutes until the roll-ups are heated through and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Check halfway through and spoon sauce over the tops of the rolls to keep them moist.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve
Uncover the skillet and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the roll-ups. Cover for an additional 2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and gooey. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve directly from the skillet.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → Italian sausage for a more robust and spiced filling
- ricotta cheese → cottage cheese blended smooth for a lighter option
- marinara sauce → homemade tomato basil sauce for a fresher flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overfilling the lasagna noodles which causes them to unroll and fall apart in the sauce
- Not cooking the noodles to al dente before rolling, resulting in mushy texture after simmering
- Cooking on too high heat which scorches the bottom of the sauce before the roll-ups are heated through
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 670 calories, 42g protein, 62g carbs, 28g fat, 5g fiber.
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