After a long week of juggling responsibilities and fast food takeout, I found myself craving something warm and wholesome—something that could bring the comfort of home-cooked goodness back to my table. Enter these delightful Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups! They burst with flavor, each roll a perfect blend of savory Italian sausage, sweet roasted butternut squash, and a creamy béchamel sauce that wraps everything in cozy comfort.
The moment I sat down to enjoy this dish, fork in hand, I was reminded that the best meals are often those that come together with a little love and care. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, hosting a dinner party, or looking to impress family, these roll-ups are not just easy to make but also visually stunning! Trust me, their golden hue and bubbling cheese will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into this recipe and transform your weeknight dinners into something extraordinary!
Why choose Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups?
Comforting and Delicious: These roll-ups are a warm embrace on a plate, combining savory sausage, sweet butternut squash, and a rich béchamel sauce.
Visually Stunning: The golden hue and bubbling cheese make this dish a feast for the eyes, perfect for impressing guests or family.
Easy Assembly: The roll-up method simplifies presentation, ensuring each serving is as visually appealing as it is delectable.
Crowd-Pleaser: With hearty flavors and creamy textures, this recipe is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the filling with other veggies or cheeses to match your family’s taste preferences!
Indulge in these Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups and elevate your homemade dining experience!
Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Ingredients
For the Roasted Squash
• Butternut squash – a sweet, nutty base that adds warmth to your roll-ups.
• Kosher salt – enhances the flavor of the squash while it roasts.
• Olive oil – helps achieve a golden, caramelized exterior.
For the Béchamel Sauce
• Unsalted butter – provides a rich, creamy foundation.
• All-purpose flour – helps thicken the sauce for a velvety texture.
• Milk – the key liquid that makes your béchamel luscious.
• Ground nutmeg – adds a subtle warmth and depth to the sauce.
• Kosher salt – balances the flavors.
• Black pepper – a hint of spice to elevate the béchamel.
• Garlic – infuses the sauce with aromatic goodness.
• Bay leaves – impart a subtle herbal note; don’t forget to remove them!
• Rosemary – a fragrant herb that enhances the savory profile.
For the Filling
• Mild Italian sausage – brings savory richness to the dish.
• Olive oil – aids in cooking the sausage and onions beautifully.
• Onion – sweetens as it cooks, adding depth to your filling.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese – adds a nutty flavor that complements the dish.
• Asiago cheese – brings a creamy texture and sharpness that elevates the filling.
For Assembly
• Lasagne noodles – provide the perfect vessel for rolling up your delicious filling.
• Béchamel sauce – used again to envelop your roll-ups for extra creaminess.
These Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups are just waiting for you to assemble and savor!
How to Make Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups
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Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining or greasing a half-sheet pan for roasting the squash.
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Toss the squash: Mix the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out on the sheet pan and roast for 30 minutes, or until soft and lightly caramelized.
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Melt the butter: While the squash is roasting, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for several minutes until it turns a pale golden color.
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Combine ingredients: Gradually add the milk, whisking between each addition. Toss in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, garlic, bay leaves, and rosemary. Stir this mixture well, bringing it just to a boil. Lower to a simmer and let it thicken for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain and set aside.
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Prep the casserole dish: Preheat the oven again to 350°F and grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole pan where your roll-ups will bake.
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Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagne noodles until al dente, then drain and reserve them for assembly.
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Sauté the sausage: In a wide-bottomed skillet, cook the Italian sausage and onion in olive oil until the onion is translucent and the sausage is cooked through, approximately 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels until slightly cooled.
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Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained sausage and onion with the grated Asiago cheese, half of the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and the roasted butternut squash.
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Spoon the béchamel: Pour about a cup of béchamel sauce onto the bottom of the greased casserole pan. Lay a cooked lasagne noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread a spoonful of béchamel on it, add some of the sausage-squash-cheese filling, and roll it up snugly. Place it in the casserole and repeat with the remaining noodles.
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Top with béchamel: Pour the remaining béchamel sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle them with the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano and a few twists of black pepper.
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Bake the roll-ups: Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until bubbling and golden. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes, covered with foil, before serving.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups
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Perfect Roasting: Ensure the butternut squash is evenly coated with olive oil and spaced out on the pan, allowing it to caramelize beautifully without steaming.
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Whisking Technique: When making béchamel, whisk continuously after adding milk to prevent lumps. This step is vital for achieving a smooth sauce in your Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups.
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Al Dente Noodles: Cook the lasagne noodles just until al dente, as they will continue to cook while baking. This prevents soggy roll-ups and keeps them perfectly textured.
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Consistent Filling: Mix the sausage, butternut, and cheeses thoroughly for a balanced filling in every roll. This ensures each serving is packed with flavor and doesn’t require digging through for delicious bits.
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Baking Time: Keep an eye on your roll-ups while baking. The top should be golden and bubbling, but if they brown too quickly, cover with foil to prevent burning.
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Rest Before Serving: Let the baked roll-ups rest for 10 minutes covered with foil before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and makes for cleaner slices when serving.
How to Store and Freeze Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups
Fridge: Store your Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow them to cool completely before sealing to maintain moisture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the roll-ups before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag—good for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, covered with foil, until heated through. Uncover for the last 10 minutes for a bubbly top.
Assembly Tip: If you plan to freeze, assemble your Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups without the béchamel topping, adding it right before baking for best results.
Make Ahead Options
These Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups are perfect for meal prep, saving time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the filling and béchamel sauce up to 3 days ahead; simply store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The roasted butternut squash can also be prepped 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated. When you’re ready to assemble, just cook your lasagne noodles, then layer everything together in your greased casserole dish as directed. To maintain the quality and freshness, cover the assembled dish tightly and refrigerate overnight, then bake it directly from the fridge, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness with minimal effort!
Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe to create your perfect version of these delightful roll-ups!
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the béchamel to accommodate dietary needs.
- Spicy Kick: Substitute mild Italian sausage with spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes to the filling for a flavorful punch.
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a delicious vegetarian twist that still packs a flavor punch.
- Creamy Basil: Stir in fresh basil into the béchamel sauce for an aromatic herbaceous note that brightens up the dish beautifully.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or fontina for a unique flavor profile and creamy texture.
- Nutty Flavor: Add a handful of toasted pine nuts to the filling for an earthy crunch that will elevate each bite.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate spinach, kale, or roasted bell peppers into the filling for added nutrients and vibrant colors.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked sausage or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the béchamel for a rich, smoky undertone.
What to Serve with Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups?
Elevate your dining experience by pairing these delightful roll-ups with sides that complement their rich flavors and textures.
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Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery goodness of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy béchamel sauce.
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Mixed Greens Salad: A fresh salad with light vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch, balancing the hearty roll-ups beautifully.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts creates a stunning contrast, enhancing the sweetness of the butternut squash.
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Creamy Polenta: This comforting side is creamy enough to pair well without stealing the show, allowing the lasagna roll-ups to shine.
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Herbed Quinoa: With its fluffy texture and nutty flavor, quinoa is a wholesome addition that brings a satisfying bite to your meal.
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Sparkling Water with Citrus: A refreshing drink like citrus-infused sparkling water cleanses the palate and offers a citrusy zing alongside your decadent dish.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light chocolate mousse offers a delightful finish, with its airy texture contrasting nicely with the lasagna’s richness.
Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe butternut squash?
Choosing the perfect butternut squash is essential for your Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups. Look for squash that feels heavy for its size with a matte skin, avoiding any with dark spots or soft areas. Ideally, it should have a rich, tan color and firm exterior to ensure delicious sweetness once roasted.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Absolutely! Store your Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they have cooled down completely before sealing, which helps preserve their moisture. Reheat them gently in the oven for the best results!
Can I freeze Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups?
Yes, you can! To freeze, I often assemble the roll-ups without the béchamel sauce. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then cover with the béchamel and bake according to the recipe instructions.
What can I do if my béchamel sauce has lumps?
If you find that your béchamel sauce has lumps, don’t worry! Just whisk continuously to break them up while it’s still on low heat. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up. For smoothness, you may also strain the sauce through a fine sieve. This ensures that your Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups have that velvety texture we all love.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Great question! If you’re serving someone with a gluten intolerance, you can substitute the lasagne noodles with gluten-free pasta. Also, for those with lactose sensitivity, consider using lactose-free milk and cheese in the béchamel and filling. Just be sure to check labels for any added ingredients that could cause issues!
How do I ensure my roll-ups don’t fall apart?
Very important! To keep your Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups intact, make sure to cook the lasagne noodles al dente. This prevents them from becoming too soft during baking. Also, when assembling, try not to overfill the noodles; a generous spoonful of filling per noodle does the trick. With these tips, you’ll have beautiful roll-ups every time!
Savor Sausage Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups Tonight!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line or grease a half-sheet pan for roasting the squash.
- Mix the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out on the sheet pan and roast for 30 minutes, or until soft and lightly caramelized.
- While the squash is roasting, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for several minutes until it turns a pale golden color.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking between each addition. Toss in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, garlic, bay leaves, and rosemary. Stir this mixture well, bringing it just to a boil. Lower to a simmer and let it thicken for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain and set aside.
- Preheat the oven again to 350°F and grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole pan where the roll-ups will bake.
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagne noodles until al dente, then drain and reserve them for assembly.
- In a wide-bottomed skillet, cook the Italian sausage and onion in olive oil until the onion is translucent and the sausage is cooked through, approximately 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels until slightly cooled.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained sausage and onion with the grated Asiago cheese, half of the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and the roasted butternut squash.
- Pour about a cup of béchamel sauce onto the bottom of the greased casserole pan. Lay a cooked lasagne noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread a spoonful of béchamel on it, add some of the sausage-squash-cheese filling, and roll it up snugly. Place it in the casserole and repeat with the remaining noodles.
- Pour the remaining béchamel sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle them with the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano and a few twists of black pepper.
- Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until bubbling and golden. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes, covered with foil, before serving.