Description
Cheesy Baked Vegetable Rolls are a delicious and wholesome Italian-inspired main course featuring tender lasagna noodles rolled with a savory mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and sautéed vegetables. Baked with marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese, this vegetarian dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Vegetable Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small zucchini, finely diced
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For the Cheese Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Others
- 8 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the rolls from sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced zucchini and grated carrot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly softened. Then add chopped spinach and minced garlic, cooking until the spinach wilts. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the vegetables to cool slightly.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the cooled sautéed vegetables until well incorporated, creating a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles flat, then evenly spread the cheese and vegetable mixture over each noodle. Carefully roll each noodle tightly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Top and Bake: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the assembled rolls and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden and slightly crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the baked rolls to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the oven to set. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting cheesy vegetable dish.
Notes
- You can add finely chopped mushrooms or bell peppers to the vegetable mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a sharper cheese taste, substitute part of the mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese.
