These Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun twist on two favorite dishes! They have cheesy pasta rolled up with pepperoni and tasty marinara sauce, all baked to perfection.
Honestly, it feels like eating pizza in a cozy pasta hug! I love making these for a cozy movie night—grab a slice and enjoy every cheesy bite! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Regular or no-boil lasagna noodles work well. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free lasagna noodles or even zucchini strips!
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess. If needed, you can replace it with cottage cheese for a lower-fat version or use tofu for a dairy-free option.
Cheese: I love using a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for that cheesy goodness. Feel free to swap in provolone or fontina if you want a different flavor—variety is key!
Pepperoni: While classic pepperoni is delicious, you can substitute turkey pepperoni for a leaner alternative or even use diced vegetables for a vegetarian twist.
Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce for ease, or make a homemade sauce if you’re in the mood to create something fresh!
How Do I Roll the Lasagna Properly Without Breaking It?
Rolling the lasagna noodles can be tricky, but here’s how to do it easily:
- Ensure the noodles are cooked al dente, as they need to be flexible but firm.
- Spread the cheese mixture gently, leaving a slight border around the edges, so the filling doesn’t ooze out when rolled.
- Use a spatula to lift the end of the noodle as you start to roll, keeping it tight as you go.
Don’t worry if one or two break; that’s part of the cooking adventure! Just place them seam side down and enjoy the deliciousness.
Delicious Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roll Ups:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 20-25 slices pepperoni
- 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh parsley or dried Italian herbs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes approximately 20 minutes of prep time and about 35 minutes to bake, totaling around 55 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, get your 9×13 inch baking dish ready by lightly greasing it. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Cook the Noodles:
Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in those lasagna noodles and cook them according to the package directions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain them and lay each noodle flat on a sheet of parchment or foil to keep them from sticking together.
3. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Add in the egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well until it’s nice and smooth—this will be your delicious filling!
4. Assemble the Roll Ups:
Take each lasagna noodle and spread about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture evenly over it. Then, layer 2-3 slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese mixture. Starting from one end, carefully roll up each noodle tightly. Isn’t this part fun?
5. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Arrange the lasagna roll ups seam side down in the dish to keep them closed while they bake.
6. Complete the Dish:
Once all the roll ups are in the dish, spoon the remaining marinara sauce over them. Then sprinkle the last 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top for that irresistible melted goodness!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take out your lasagna roll ups and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs for an extra touch of flavor. Now, dig in and enjoy your cozy, cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups!
Enjoy sharing this delicious dish with family and friends at your next gathering!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! No-boil lasagna noodles can save you time. Just layer them directly in the dish with the sauce and cheese filling. You may need to add a little extra sauce to ensure they cook properly!
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese for a similar texture or even blended tofu for a vegan option. Both will work well in this recipe!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual roll-ups in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni and consider adding some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian option that still packs a punch!