Meg'S Roll-Up Surprise
Meg's Roll-Up Surprise features tender lasagna noodles filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, baked in flavorful spaghetti sauce for a satisfying Italian-inspired dish suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly cook spinach; squeeze out all water.
- Put spinach in a large bowl. Add Ricotta cheese, Romano cheese, 2 eggs, basil, parsley, black pepper, and olive oil; mix thoroughly.
- Cook lasagna noodles until soft (12 to 15 minutes); drain and cool.
- Spread about 3 tablespoons of filling on each noodle.
- Starting from the short side, roll each noodle tightly.
- Place the roll-ups in a pan with about 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce on the bottom.
- Arrange all roll-ups in the pan and cover the tops with the remaining spaghetti sauce.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic powder or crushed red pepper to the cheese mixture. If you don't have Romano cheese, Parmesan can be a good substitute. Ensure to squeeze out as much water from the spinach as possible to avoid a watery filling. Using fresh lasagna noodles can also save time and ensure a better texture in the roll-ups.
Serving Suggestions
These roll-ups are best served warm, topped with additional spaghetti sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair them with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with 'Lasagne (Use Sauce Recipe By Helen Seitz)' for a delicious Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for quicker reheating, but be careful not to overheat them.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meg'S Roll-Up Surprise contains roughly 608 calories, with 42g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (166% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (153% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 670mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen. You will need about 6 cups of fresh spinach, which should be sautéed until wilted before mixing with the cheeses. This will enhance the flavor and texture of your roll-ups.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the roll-ups and assemble them in the baking dish a day in advance. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add extra sauce if needed, then bake as directed.
What can I serve with these roll-ups?
These roll-ups pair well with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar. You could also serve them with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables to round out the meal. For a more indulgent option, consider pairing with 'Fettuccine With Spicy Tomato Cream Sauce'.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).