Speedy Beef Spinach Lasagna Rollups
Recipe Introduction: Speedy Beef & Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups!
Fancy a bit of Italian comfort food but without the faff? Ever wondered if you could make lasagna even easier? You're in the right place! This recipe for beef mince and spinach lasagna roll ups transforms the classic dish into individual portions that are packed with flavor and surprisingly quick to make.
Oh my gosh, get ready for some deliciousness.
Quick Hook: Lasagna, But Make It Roll!
This recipe is all about taking the classic lasagna flavors you love and making them easier to eat. Tender beef mince , vibrant spinach , and creamy ricotta cheese combine for a taste sensation! It's easy lasagna recipe magic!
A Classic, Rolled Up
Lasagna, a cornerstone of Italian comfort food , has been feeding families for generations. Our version is a fun twist, turning traditional layers into handy homemade lasagna rolls .
It's a great way to serve a crowd! This beef mince lasagna recipe is rated medium difficulty and takes about an hour and 15 minutes, yielding 6 roll ups.
You can easily double or triple it for more people.
Why You'll Love These Lasagna Roll Ups
One of the best things about this recipe? It's packed with spinach, meaning you're sneaking in some extra vitamins! This is the perfect occasion for serving when you want something satisfying but don't want to spend all day in the kitchen.
Trust me, these spinach lasagna roll ups are something special; it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser and makes dinner feel like a fancy restaurant experience.
They're definitely one of my favourite lasagna variations .
Ready to roll? Let's dive into the ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Lasagna Toolkit
Alright, let's talk ingredients. For this beef mince and spinach lasagna roll ups recipe, we need a few bits and bobs.
Don't worry; it’s all pretty straightforward. It is homemade lasagna rolls , after all!
Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks
Okay, here’s what you’ll need for your tasty Italian comfort food .
For the Beef & Spinach Filling:
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Go for a decent quality olive oil for the best flavour.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150g) . Brown or white onions will do the job.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced . Fresh is always best here.
- Beef mince : 500g / 1.1 lbs . Get good quality mince with a bit of fat (around 15-20%) for maximum flavour! Trust me.
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 (400g / 14 oz) can . Any brand will do, really.
- Tomato sauce: 1 (400g / 14 oz) can . Passata is great too!
- Fresh spinach: 100g / 3.5 oz, roughly chopped . Make sure it's nice and vibrant green. I've used frozen in a pinch and it works OK.
- Dried oregano: 1 tbsp . Adds that classic Italian flavour.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): 1/2 tsp . Only if you like a bit of a kick.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- Ricotta cheese: 400g / 14 oz full fat . Full fat is key for that creamy texture in this ricotta cheese lasagna .
- Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten .
- Parmesan cheese: 50g / 1/2 cup grated . Freshly grated is always better.
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp . Adds a subtle warmth.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
Other Ingredients:
- Dried lasagna sheets: 9 . The ones that don't need pre-boiling are lifesavers.
- Mozzarella cheese: 100g / 1 cup grated . For that bubbly, cheesy top.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Power
Oregano is essential, as is a good grind of black pepper. But don't be afraid to experiment! A pinch of basil or thyme can also work wonders, especially when making a quick lasagna dinner .
No oregano? Marjoram is a decent sub.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen to whip up this beef mince lasagna . These are the essentials:
- Large skillet or pot: For browning the beef and making the sauce.
- Mixing bowl: For the ricotta mixture.
- 9x13 inch baking dish: For baking the lasagna roll ups.
- Aluminum foil: To cover the dish while baking.
If you don't have a proper baking dish, a large oven safe pan will do! This easy lasagna recipe is all about making things work, right? See, the beauty of lasagna variations is that it’s all about making it your own.
So, raid that spice rack, dust off your trusty skillet, and let's get cooking!
Mastering the Art of Rolling: Beef Mince and Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups
Honestly, who has time to mess with layering a whole lasagna? That's why I'm obsessed with these speedy beef & spinach lasagna roll ups .
They're the epitome of Italian comfort food , but reinvented for busy weeknights. Plus, they look super impressive, which is always a bonus, right?
Prep Steps: Get Your Mise en Place On!
First things first, the mise en place is essential. Chop your onion, mince your garlic, and roughly chop the spinach .
Having everything ready to go is a game changer. It honestly saves me so much time. Grate 100g / 1 cup of mozzarella cheese .
Measure 400g / 14 oz of ricotta cheese . Trust me, doing this upfront will make the whole process way smoother.
Oh, and safety reminder: Wash your hands before you start. It's basic, but you'd be surprised.
step-by-step: Rolling Into Deliciousness
Here’s how you make these homemade lasagna rolls :
- Sauté 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in 1 tbsp of olive oil until softened.
- Brown 500g / 1.1 lbs beef mince, breaking it up. Drain any fat!
- Stir in 1 (400g / 14 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (400g / 14 oz) can tomato sauce, 100g / 3.5 oz fresh spinach, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes .
- Combine 400g / 14 oz of ricotta cheese, 1 lightly beaten egg, 50g / 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let stand for 15 minutes . This lets some of the extra moisture drain out!
- Spread a thin layer of beef mince mixture in the baking dish. Layer lasagna sheets on a clean surface. Spread the ricotta mixture and beef on lasagna sheets. Roll each sheet tightly.
Pro Tips: Roll Like a Pro
One of the biggest mistakes people make is overfilling the lasagna sheets. Less is more. You want to be able to roll them without them bursting.
For easy lasagna variations , try adding a dollop of cream cheese into the ricotta mixture for extra richness. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20 minutes , then remove foil and bake another 10 minutes or until bubbly.
These beef mince and spinach lasagna roll ups are a total winner! They are perfect for a quick lasagna dinner . So get rolling!
Recipe Notes for Your Stellar Beef Mince and Spinach Lasagna
Right then, before you get your pinny on and dive into making this beef mince and spinach lasagna , let's run through a few helpful hints.
I’ve tweaked this recipe loads of times, so I’m sharing all my secrets! Remember, even the best cooks started somewhere.
This easy lasagna recipe is about enjoyment, not perfection.
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Presentation is key, innit? For these homemade lasagna rolls , a sprinkle of fresh basil is an absolute must. It just lifts the whole dish.
I like to serve these roll ups on a bed of wilted spinach adds a pop of colour. A crisp green salad cuts through the richness, and a hunk of crusty bread for sopping up all that lovely sauce? Chef's kiss ! Don't forget a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or even a fizzy elderflower presse for a refreshing touch.
It pairs well with Italian comfort food .
Keep It Fresh: Storage Tips
Honestly, leftovers of this beef mince lasagna are a gift. To store, let the roll ups cool completely, then pop them in an airtight container.
They'll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet. Wrap each roll-up individually in cling film, then freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, bake from frozen at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 45 minutes, or until heated through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
Microwaving works in a pinch, but baking gives you that lovely crispy cheese again.
Tweak It 'Til You Make It: Variations
Fancy mixing it up? Go veggie by swapping the beef mince for lentils. It’s a brilliant lasagna variation and adds a lovely earthy flavour.
Or, if you're feeling adventurous, throw in some roasted butternut squash for a bit of sweetness. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna sheets.
I sometimes add a layer of thinly sliced mushrooms for extra depth. Adaptable recipes are the best, aren't they?
Knowing What's Inside: Nutrition Basics
Okay, let's be real it's lasagna with ground beef , not a kale smoothie! But it does pack a punch in the protein department, thanks to the beef, spinach, and ricotta cheese lasagna .
The spinach gives you a good dose of vitamins and minerals. It's roughly about 450 calories per serving but with protein and fibre to keep you full.
All things in moderation, eh?
So there you have it. Now go forth and create some stunning beef mince and spinach lasagna roll ups . It's easier than you think, I promise! You've got this.
You will enjoy this quick lasagna dinner .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this beef mince and spinach lasagna ahead of time? Like, can I prep it on a Saturday for a Sunday roast esque lunch?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna roll ups completely and store them, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they're heated through. Think of it as your own "ready, steady, bake" moment, but without the pressure!
My lasagna sheets keep cracking when I try to roll them. What am I doing wrong? Am I going full "Nailed It!" here?
No worries, that's a common issue! Even though most modern lasagna sheets don't require pre-boiling, some brands can be a bit brittle. Try giving them a quick dunk in hot water for a few seconds before assembling to soften them up.
Just don't overdo it, or they'll become too soggy to handle a bit like a soggy bottom on "Bake Off"! You could also try adding a little water to the Ricotta to make it more pliable.
I'm trying to cut back on the calories. Are there any healthy swaps I can make in this beef mince and spinach lasagna roll ups recipe?
Definitely! Use lean beef mince (5% fat or less), part skim ricotta cheese, and whole wheat lasagna sheets. You can also bulk up the spinach content for added nutrients and fiber. Serving a side salad can help keep you full as well.
Can I freeze beef mince and spinach lasagna roll ups for later? I sometimes cook for one.
Yes, you can! Assemble the roll ups, but don't bake them. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer safe container or bag. They'll keep for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
That's dinner sorted for a rainy day, innit!
What can I use instead of ricotta if I don't have any on hand?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese makes a great substitute! Just be sure to drain it well and puree it in a food processor or blender to achieve a similar creamy texture. You could even use cream cheese thinned out with a little milk or cream.
My kids aren't big fans of spinach. Any ideas on how to sneak it into this beef mince and spinach lasagna so they don't notice?
Ah, the age-old battle of wills! Finely chop the spinach, almost to a puree, before adding it to the sauce. The smaller the pieces, the less likely they are to detect it. You can also mix it into the ricotta mixture for an extra layer of stealth!
If they still baulk at the green flecks, blitz the spinach in a blender with a touch of milk or water to create a smooth puree and stir that through the sauce, and say nothing! It's like a magic trick, but with veggies.
Speedy Beef Spinach Lasagna Rollups
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
