Next, in a skillet, heat a little olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides, around 5-7 minutes, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. While they’re cooking, prepare your baking dish by spreading 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. When the meatballs are done, remove them from the skillet and let them cool slightly before assembling. Now, it’s time for the fun part! Take a lasagna noodle and spread a layer of ricotta cheese along the top, sprinkle with mozzarella, and place a meatball at one end. Carefully roll the noodle up, then place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat for all noodles.
Once all your roll-ups are in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese. You can never have too much cheese, right? Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. After that, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The smell wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this three ways before landing on my favorite method: browning the meatballs first gives them an incredible depth of flavor and texture. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it for the most authentic taste. Another tip I’ve found helpful is to use no-boil lasagna noodles. They save time and produce fantastic results — just make sure the sauce is a bit saucier to cook the noodles properly. Lastly, don’t skimp on the cheese! I like to put extra mozzarella on top for that perfect gooey finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I’ve made in the past is overcooking the lasagna noodles. You want them to be al dente because they will continue cooking in the oven. Trust me, no one likes mushy lasagna! Another pitfall is not letting the meatballs cool before assembling the roll-up. If you add them hot, they can melt the cheese too quickly and cause a mess. Lastly, don’t be tempted to skip the marinara on the bottom of the dish. It prevents the pasta from sticking and retains the moisture, ensuring the roll-ups don’t dry out. (See the next page below to continue…)