Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy yet satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! These Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups are the perfect solution for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. They’re bursting with flavor, packed with nutritious ingredients, and require minimal cleanup—a win-win for busy home cooks! This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas. Forget complicated lasagna layering; these individual roll-ups are just as satisfying and a whole lot easier.
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred for convenience)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, squeezed spinach, egg, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. This is the heart of your lasagna roll-ups, so make sure the flavors are well balanced.
Assemble the Roll Ups: Lay out your lasagna noodles on a flat surface. Spread about 1/4 cup of the ricotta mixture evenly over each noodle, leaving about a 1/2 inch border at the top. Tightly roll each noodle up from the bottom.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the rolled lasagna noodles seam-down in the prepared baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the roll-ups, ensuring they're mostly coated. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
Finish and Serve: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the sauce is heated through. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
Tips for Homemade Cooking Success:
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture for a subtle kick.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the lasagna roll-ups a few hours before baking and store them covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the ricotta mixture, such as sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Variations:
- Meat Lovers: Add cooked sausage or ground beef to the ricotta filling for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Delight: Increase the amount of vegetables and consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 15-20g Protein: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This recipe provides a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional lasagna, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. The individual portions are perfect for meal prepping or satisfying smaller appetites. Enjoy your homemade delicious dishes!