If there’s one dish that always gets everyone excited at the dinner table, it’s lasagna. But let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of layering noodles, sauce, and cheese in a big dish can feel like a bit of a project. That’s where these Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups come in! They’re everything you love about lasagna—tender pasta, a savory meat sauce, and all the gooey cheese—but in a fun, manageable, single-serving package. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
The first time I made these roll-ups, I had been craving lasagna but didn’t have enough time to commit to the traditional version. I spotted a box of lasagna noodles in my pantry and thought, “What if I just rolled everything up instead of layering it?” Not only was the process quicker, but the end result was adorable and completely satisfying. These little rolls have become a staple in our kitchen, and I’m so excited to share them with you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups are one of those dishes that feel special, even if they’re pretty straightforward to make. Each roll is packed with seasoned ground turkey, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melty cheese, all smothered in marinara sauce. The best part? They’re easy to portion and serve, making them perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or even freezing for a rainy day.
If you’re trying to lighten things up, ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef or sausage. It’s lean but still flavorful, and it pairs beautifully with the classic Italian seasonings in this recipe. Add a big green salad and maybe some garlic bread on the side, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a hug in food form.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups. Don’t worry if you’re missing something—there’s plenty of room to adjust and make this recipe your own.
- 12 lasagna noodles – Regular lasagna noodles, not the no-boil kind. You need the flexibility of fully cooked noodles for rolling.
- 1 pound ground turkey – I use lean ground turkey, but you can also use ground chicken or even a mix of turkey and Italian sausage if you’re feeling fancy.
- 2 cups marinara sauce – Your favorite jarred sauce works great, but if you have a homemade marinara on hand, even better!
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – Creamy and dreamy. Cottage cheese is a great substitute if you prefer.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Save some for the top—bubbly, golden cheese is a must!
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nice salty, nutty flavor to the filling and on top.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the ricotta filling so it stays creamy but holds its shape when baked.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For a little extra oomph.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – Or use a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to season the turkey and the filling.
How to Make Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups
Let’s get rolling (literally)! Don’t be intimidated—once you get the hang of it, making these is super straightforward.
1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, but pull them out about a minute or two early. You want them to be just slightly undercooked since they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Once they’re done, drain them and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to cool. This step is key—if you leave them in a pile, they’ll stick together, and rolling them will be a nightmare.
2. Make the Turkey Filling
While the noodles are cooling, grab a large skillet and heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Toss in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for another minute or two until fragrant.
Once the turkey is cooked, stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. You want the mixture to be saucy but not too watery, so it stays in place when you roll the noodles. Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella, the Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. The filling should be creamy but not runny.
4. Assemble the Roll-Ups
Now for the fun part! Spread a thin layer of the turkey mixture across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This keeps the rolls from sticking and adds extra flavor.
Take one lasagna noodle and spread a thin layer of the ricotta mixture across its surface. Top it with a spoonful of the turkey mixture, spreading it out evenly. Then, carefully roll the noodle up from one end to the other, like you’re rolling a little lasagna burrito. Place the roll seam-side down in the baking dish.
Repeat with the remaining noodles, ricotta mixture, and turkey filling. Don’t worry if your rolls aren’t perfectly neat—once they’re covered in sauce and cheese, they’ll look (and taste) amazing. (source:Ineskohl.info)
5. Add Sauce and Cheese
Once all the rolls are snug in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Spread it out so each roll is evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over everything.
6. Bake and Serve
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
Let the roll-ups cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. They’ll hold their shape better this way—and you won’t burn your tongue trying to eat them right out of the oven (we’ve all been there).
Tips for Success
- Work with Cool Noodles: Warm noodles are tricky to handle and can tear easily. Let them cool completely before spreading the filling and rolling.
- Customize the Filling: Want to add some veggies? Finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms would be great additions to the turkey mixture.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Freezer-Friendly: These roll-ups freeze beautifully. Assemble them in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 20-25 minutes to the cook time.
Serving Suggestions
These roll-ups are hearty enough to be a meal on their own, but if you want to round things out, serve them with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for soaking up the extra sauce. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top wouldn’t hurt either—it’s the little touches that make a dish feel extra special.
Final Thoughts
Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups are proof that lasagna doesn’t have to be a big production. They’re fun to make, easy to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, I love that they’re customizable—you can make them lighter, heartier, or veggie-packed depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Give these a try, and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear if you made any tweaks or added your own spin. Enjoy!
