Veggie Lasagna Rolls

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the warm, cheesy goodness of lasagna. But why not shake things up a bit? Enter Veggie Lasagna Rolls—your new favorite way to enjoy all the flavors of traditional lasagna while sneaking in a generous dose of vegetables. These delightful rolls are not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients, making them a perfect weeknight dinner or a lovely dish for entertaining. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and seasonal veggies wrapped in whole-wheat lasagna noodles will have your family asking for seconds. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Veggie Lasagna Rolls are a game-changer for several reasons:

• Flavorful and Satisfying: The rich marinara sauce and creamy cheese filling create a deliciously satisfying dish.
• Vegetable-Packed: With broccoli, mushrooms, and kale, each bite is loaded with vitamins and minerals.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or herbs based on what you have on hand.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These rolls can be made in advance and stored for easy weeknight meals.

What You’ll Gather

• 24 ounces marinara sauce (no sugar added)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 1 head broccoli, top minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, minced
• Kosher or sea salt to taste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese (small curd if possible)
• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 10 whole-wheat lasagna noodles, cooked to al dente (about 8 minutes), well drained
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Tools of the Trade

• Large Pot: For boiling lasagna noodles.
• Skillet: To sauté the vegetables.
• Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch dish works best for this recipe.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining the cheese filling ingredients.
• Aluminum Foil: To cover the dish while baking.

Veggie Lasagna Rolls: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

Begin by pouring the 24 ounces of marinara sauce into the bottom of your baking dish. Spread it evenly to create a delicious base for your lasagna rolls.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, broccoli, and mushrooms, seasoning with kosher or sea salt to taste. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Finally, add the chopped kale and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the low-fat ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, egg white, fresh oregano, fresh basil, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Now comes the fun part! Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto each noodle, followed by a generous scoop of the sautéed vegetable mixture. Carefully roll each noodle up, starting from one end, and place seam-side down in the baking dish over the marinara sauce.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Once all the rolls are in the baking dish, pour any remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the rolls. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the Veggie Lasagna Rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs if desired, and enjoy this delightful dish with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Better-for-You Options

If you’re looking to make these Veggie Lasagna Rolls even healthier, consider the following options:

• Swap out the whole-wheat lasagna noodles for zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Use low-fat or dairy-free cheese options to cut down on calories.
• Add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or carrots for extra nutrients.
• Replace the egg white with a flaxseed mixture for a vegan-friendly version.

Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary

This Veggie Lasagna Rolls recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or vegetables based on your taste preferences. If you have leftovers, they make for a fantastic lunch the next day! Remember, the key to these rolls is to not overstuff them—this will make rolling them easier and prevent any filling from spilling out during baking.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

These Veggie Lasagna Rolls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them before baking. Just make sure to wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake from frozen, simply add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Popular Questions

Can I make Veggie Lasagna Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or even a vegan cream cheese alternative for a similar texture.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.

Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand. Spinach, bell peppers, or even roasted eggplant would work beautifully.

Serve & Enjoy

Gather around the dinner table, serve up these hearty Veggie Lasagna Rolls, and watch as everyone digs in with delight. The layers of flavor and the vibrant colors of the vegetables will make this dish a star on your dinner table. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or an evening with friends, these rolls are sure to impress. Don’t forget to pair them with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love!

You’ll find that making Veggie Lasagna Rolls is not only a rewarding cooking experience but also a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. With layers of flavor, a pleasing texture, and a touch of creativity, these rolls will quickly become a favorite in your household. So, roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!