Ree Drummond’s Delightful Lasagna Rollups

Ree Drummond’s lasagna rollups are a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, offering a convenient and delicious meal solution for families and individuals alike. This recipe is perfect for those looking to avoid the hassle of cooking large casseroles, as it can be prepared in either a big pan for a family meal or in smaller foil loaf pans for single servings. Below, we’ll explore the ins and outs of this fantastic recipe.

Introduction to Lasagna Rollups

Ree Drummond’s lasagna rollups are a creative take on the classic Italian dish, lasagna. Instead of flat layers, these rollups offer a visually appealing presentation and are easy to portion out, making them ideal for households of any size. The recipe is straightforward, incorporating a meaty sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and gooey melted cheesy goodness into each roll.

Ingredients Needed

To prepare Ree Drummond’s delicious lasagna rollups, you will need the following ingredients:

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For the Pasta:

– 20 whole lasagna noodles
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For the Sauce:

– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
– 1/2 pound Italian sausage
– 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
– 8 ounces tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
– 3 tablespoons minced fresh basil
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For the Filling:

– 30 ounces ricotta cheese
– 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon minced parsley
– 1 tablespoon minced basil
– 1 pound grated mozzarella

Instructions for Preparation

For the Pasta:
1.

Boil the Noodles:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a sheet of foil to prevent them from sticking together.

For the Sauce:
1.

Cook the Onion and Garlic:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
2.

Brown the Meat:

Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook until the meat is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain the excess fat from the pot.
3.

Simmer the Sauce:

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, parsley, and basil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

For the Filling:
1.

Combine Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, parsley, and basil. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.

Assembly and Baking:
1.

Assemble the Rollups:

Spread a small amount of the sauce in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish or smaller foil loaf pans. Place a cooked lasagna noodle on a flat surface. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta filling evenly over the noodle, then roll it up tightly. Place the roll seam-side down in the prepared pan.
2.

Add Sauce and Cheese:

Repeat the process with the remaining noodles and filling, arranging them in rows in the pans. Pour the meat sauce over the rollups, followed by the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
3.

Bake the Rollups:

Bake the rollups in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes if baking immediately, or bake from a frozen state at 350°F for 45 minutes covered with foil, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden.

Benefits of Lasagna Rollups

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Convenience:

These rollups are perfect for single-serving meals or family dinners. They can be easily stored in the freezer for later use, making them a great solution for busy households.
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Customization:

You can adjust the filling ingredients to suit your taste preferences, such as adding spinach or other herbs.
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Visual Appeal:

The rolled shape adds a unique presentation to the dish, making it an excellent choice for special occasions or gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do you freeze lasagna rollups?

A: To freeze the rollups, assemble them in smaller foil loaf pans, cover them with aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, follow the baking instructions for frozen rollups.

Q: Can you use different types of cheese in the ricotta filling?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, to add unique flavors to the filling.

Q: Can I use gluten-free lasagna noodles for this recipe?

A: Yes, gluten-free lasagna noodles can be used as a substitute for traditional noodles to make the recipe gluten-free.

Conclusion

Ree Drummond’s lasagna rollups offer a delightful twist on traditional lasagna that is both convenient and delicious. With its adaptable serving sizes and freezer-friendly nature, this recipe is perfect for households of any size. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, these rollups are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.