Cheesy Sausage & Spinach Lasagna Roll Casserole

I’ve perfected this show-stopping lasagna roll casserole through countless iterations in my kitchen. This recipe transforms traditional lasagna into elegant pinwheels that combine the hearty flavors of Italian sausage, vibrant spinach, and three indulgent cheeses. The presentation is absolutely stunning, making it perfect for both family dinners and special occasions. What I love most about this dish is how it portions perfectly – each person gets their own beautiful spiral of pasta filled with rich, savory goodness.

A Bit of History

The concept of rolled lasagna, or “rotolo” in Italian, originates from Northern Italy, particularly the Emilia-Romagna region. While traditional lasagna is layered, this rolled version emerged as a creative variation that allows for better portion control and a more elegant presentation. I’ve adapted this classic technique to create a modern, crowd-pleasing casserole that maintains all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna while adding a contemporary twist.

Ingredients

For the Base and Filling:

• 7 lasagna sheets (no-boil or pre-cooked)
• 2 Italian sausages (200g/7 oz), casings removed
• 200g (7 oz) fresh spinach
• 400ml (1½ cups) tomato puree/passata
• 125g (4½ oz) ricotta cheese
• 100g (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

For Topping:

• 200g (7 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
• Additional Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Detailed Instructions

Preparing the Sauce Base

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F with a rack in the middle position.
2. Pour half of the tomato puree into a 9-inch round baking dish.
3. Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring gently to combine.

Creating the Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Crumble the sausage meat into the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
3. Cook for 8-10 minutes until nicely browned and cooked through.
4. Add fresh spinach in batches, stirring until completely wilted (about 3-4 minutes).
5. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.
6. Fold in the ricotta cheese and half of the Parmesan.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Assembly Process

1. If using regular lasagna sheets, cook them in salted water until al dente, then shock in ice water.
2. Lay each lasagna sheet on a clean work surface.
3. Spread approximately 3 tablespoons of the sausage-spinach mixture evenly across each sheet.
4. Starting from the short end, carefully roll each sheet into a tight cylinder.
5. Cut each roll into 2-3 even pieces using a sharp knife.

Creating the Casserole

1. Arrange the rolled pieces cut-side up in your prepared baking dish.
2. Start from the outer edge, working in a circular pattern toward the center.
3. Pour the remaining tomato puree over the rolls.
4. Top generously with torn mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese.

Baking to Perfection

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and continue baking for 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
3. Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve an extra golden-brown top.
4. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips

• Use fresh pasta sheets if available for the best texture and ease of rolling.
• Squeeze excess moisture from the spinach after wilting to prevent a watery filling.
• Don’t overfill the rolls – leave a small border around the edges for easy rolling.
• Score the rolls lightly before cutting to ensure clean cuts.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (serves 6):

• Calories: 425
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 32g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Iron: 15% DV
• Calcium: 35% DV

This recipe offers a perfect balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables, making it a complete meal. The spinach adds significant nutritional value, providing iron and vitamins, while the three cheeses deliver calcium and protein.

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This elegant twist on traditional lasagna transforms a familiar comfort food into an impressive dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The spiral presentation creates a beautiful visual effect, while the combination of Italian sausage, spinach, and three kinds of cheese delivers rich, satisfying flavor in every bite.