Lasagna Roll-Ups with Kale, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a comforting Italian meal that tastes elegant yet comes together without a fuss, this Lasagna Roll-Ups with Kale, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe is your new go-to. Picture tender sheets of pasta rolled around a creamy ricotta and kale filling, smothered in luscious tomato sauce and melted mozzarella—pure joy in every bite!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Wholesome and flavorful: The addition of kale adds a nutritious twist without compromising the classic comfort of lasagna.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these roll-ups impress with minimal effort.
Customizable and forgiving: You can swap cheeses or greens depending on what you have, making this recipe flexible and practical.
Fun and approachable: Rolling each noodle into little bundles means portion control is a breeze and presentation is charmingly rustic.

Ingredients & Substitutions

This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients—each bringing texture, flavor, or richness to the dish. From the creamy ricotta blend to the fresh kale’s slight earthiness, every element plays its part in creating a well-balanced lasagna experience.

• Lasagna noodles: Opt for regular or whole wheat for a nutty depth; just remember to cook them al dente for perfect rolling ease.
• Kale: Fresh and tender leaves work best; removing stems prevents any unwanted toughness.
• Ricotta cheese: Part-skim ricotta is creamy and light—feel free to use whole-milk ricotta if you want extra richness.
• Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and adds that irresistible gooey texture.
• Tomato sauce: Homemade is ideal, but a good-quality store-bought sauce works perfectly in a pinch.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan brings a sharp, nutty dimension that ties everything together.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling together for easier rolling and slicing.
• Garlic and Italian seasoning: These boost the aromatic and herbal notes, rounding out the flavors magnificently.

How to Make Lasagna Roll-Ups with Kale, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and gently add your lasagna noodles. Cook them until just al dente according to package instructions—this is key because they’ll cook further in the oven. Once done, drain, rinse with cool water to stop cooking, and set the noodles aside laid flat to cool.

Step 2: Sauté the Kale

Heat a little olive oil or water in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in your chopped kale. Let it soften and wilt for a few minutes without browning — tender kale adds a fresh green note that complements the creamy filling perfectly. Remove and let it cool slightly before mixing.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, a beaten egg, freshly grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and the sautéed kale. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until the filling is creamy and cohesive — this mixture is the heart of your roll-ups!

Step 4: Roll and Assemble

Lay out each cooked noodle on a flat surface or parchment paper. Spread a generous but not overwhelming layer of ricotta filling along each noodle’s length. Carefully roll each up from one end to the other, ensuring they’re snug but not forced. Set them seam-side down in a baking dish where you’ve already spread a layer of tomato sauce to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Bake with Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the assembled roll-ups. Sprinkle shredded fresh mozzarella generously on top. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, until bubbly and heated through. The melty mozzarella and fragrant sauce will make this dish irresistible!

How to Serve Lasagna Roll-Ups with Kale, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are the classic way to top off these roll-ups, adding a pop of color and a fragrant burst of herbal brightness. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil before serving can also elevate each bite.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious tomato sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual roll-ups on elegant plates with a swirl of extra tomato sauce or pesto as a beautiful garnish. For a fun twist, make mini-sized roll-ups as party appetizers — they’re great for sharing and guaranteed to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lasagna Roll-Ups with Kale, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe keep nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This makes for an easy, comforting lunch or dinner on busy days.

Freezing

Once cooled, wrap each roll-up tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze them for up to 3 months. This makes a lifesaving freezer meal — baked fresh whenever you want a hearty dish without the prep!

Reheating

To reheat, place frozen roll-ups covered in a baking dish at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly—about 25-30 minutes. For leftovers from the fridge, a microwave or oven reheating until piping hot works beautifully without drying out the cheesy goodness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about pulling warm, cheesy rolls out of the oven and sharing a meal made with love. This Lasagna Roll-Ups with Kale, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe brings classic Italian comfort to your table with ease and a nutritious twist. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy lasagna!

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