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French Onion Lasagna Rolls Recipe


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4 from 13 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

French Onion Lasagna Rolls combine the rich, caramelized sweetness of traditional French onion flavors with creamy cheeses and tender pasta, rolled into individual servings and baked with a luscious creamy sauce and melted mozzarella topping. This comforting, savory dish transforms classic French onion soup elements into an elegant and hearty Italian-inspired casserole that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.


Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large sweet onions, diced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • ½ cup dry sherry
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Ricotta Filling

  • ½ of the caramelized French onions reserved
  • 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese
  • 4 oz grated Gruyere cheese
  • 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, stemmed and finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 large egg

Cream Sauce

  • ½ of the caramelized French onions remaining
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2½ cups whole milk
  • 4 oz grated Gruyere cheese
  • 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Assembly

  • 8-10 lasagna noodles, cooked very al dente
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese


Instructions

  1. Preparing Onions and Noodles: Start by heating olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions with kosher salt until they soften, about 5 minutes. Then reduce heat to low, add thyme sprigs, and cook slowly for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently until caramelized. Meanwhile, boil water and cook lasagna noodles until very al dente, 2-3 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and spread noodles on a greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.
  2. Caramelizing and Deglazing Onions: Once onions are caramelized, add brown sugar and dry sherry. Cook constantly stirring until the sherry evaporates. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, simmer until the broth mostly evaporates. The onions should be sweet and richly caramelized. Remove thyme sprigs. Set aside half the onions for the filling and keep half in the pan for the sauce.
  3. Preparing Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine reserved caramelized onions, ricotta, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt, dried Italian herbs, and freshly chopped thyme. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
  4. Making the Cream Sauce: Return skillet with remaining caramelized onions to medium heat. Sprinkle flour over onions and cook a few minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in milk continuously until sauce thickens and begins to simmer. Stir in Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
  5. Preheating Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna rolls.
  6. Assembling Rolls: Spread 3-4 tablespoons of the ricotta filling onto each lasagna noodle and roll it lengthwise to form a tight roll. Arrange rolls seam side down in the cream sauce within the oven-proof skillet or casserole dish. Repeat for all noodles.
  7. Topping and Baking: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the assembled rolls. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown on top.
  8. Resting and Serving: Allow the lasagna rolls to rest for a few minutes after baking to firm up slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the rich blend of French onion flavors melded beautifully with cheesy lasagna rolls.

Notes

  • Cook lasagna noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
  • Slow caramelization of onions is key to developing deep, sweet flavors; do not rush this step.
  • Use an oven-proof skillet or casserole dish to make the transition from stovetop to oven easy and reduce cleanup.
  • Adjust seasoning in the ricotta filling before adding the egg to ensure balanced flavor.
  • Let the dish rest briefly after baking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly for easier serving.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-Italian Fusion