Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Let’s talk about one of my favorite meal prep recipes – butternut squash and spinach lasagna rolls. This dish is not only comforting and nutritious but also incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic addition to your fall and winter meal rotation.

Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna Rolls Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 9 lasagna noodles
• Your choice of sauce (tomato, béchamel, butternut squash, etc.)

The star ingredients of this recipe are, of course, butternut squash and spinach, which offer a delightful combination of sweet and earthy flavors. These are complemented by creamy ricotta cheese and lasagna noodles, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. 

For those with dietary preferences, whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles are excellent alternatives. And for those looking to add a protein boost, consider incorporating cooked chicken or sausage into the filling. For a vegan twist, almond milk ricotta is a delicious substitute for traditional ricotta.

Instructions for Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna Rolls

1. Prepare the Butternut Squash

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
• Once cooled, mash or puree the butternut squash until smooth.

2. Make the Spinach and Ricotta Filling

• In a large bowl, combine the thawed and squeezed spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.

3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente.
• Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

4. Assemble the Lasagna Rolls

• Lay out a lasagna noodle on a clean surface.
• Spread a layer of the spinach and ricotta mixture evenly over the noodle.
• Top with a spoonful of the butternut squash puree.
• Roll up the noodle tightly and place it seam-side down in a baking dish.
• Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.

5. Add Sauce and Bake

• Pour your chosen sauce over the lasagna rolls.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Let the lasagna rolls rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.
• Serve with a side salad or your favorite vegetables.

Meal Prepping Tips

Here are some helpful meal prepping tips for this lasagna rolls recipe:

1. Ingredient Batch Preparation: Roasting or steaming a large batch of butternut squash and portioning it out for later use is a real time-saver. Similarly, you can pre-make the spinach and ricotta mixture, ensuring that you have the filling ready to go. If you’re short on prep time, consider using pre-cubed frozen butternut squash to simplify things even further.
2. Assembly Line Setup: When it’s time to assemble the lasagna rolls, create an assembly line. Lay out all your cooked noodles, spread them with the spinach and ricotta mixture, add the butternut squash, and roll them up. This streamlined approach will make the process much more efficient and enjoyable.
3. Cooking in Stages: Another helpful tip is to cook the lasagna rolls in stages. You can prepare the filled rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. This is perfect for those busy days when you need a quick and easy meal.
4. Freezing and Reheating: Lasagna rolls are also freezer-friendly. Freeze them individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to airtight containers or freezer bags. This way, you can bake them directly from frozen, just remember to add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
5. Sauce Variations: For the sauce, get creative! Prepare a classic tomato sauce, a creamy béchamel, or even a rich butternut squash sauce. You can even try variations like a brown butter parmesan sauce for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless, and freezing different sauces allows you to customize your meal whenever you’re ready to enjoy it.
6. Portion Control: A fun and practical tip is to use muffin tins to bake individual lasagna rolls. This not only makes portion control easier but also ensures even cooking. Plus, they look adorable!

Pairing Suggestions

Pair your lasagna rolls with a light arugula salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside a crusty bread or garlic knots.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover lasagna rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

Conclusion

I hope these tips and suggestions inspire you to try this delicious and meal-prep-friendly recipe. Happy cooking!