Pepperoni Lasagna Roll-ups

When I was trying to figure out what to do today for dinner, I seriously had a list of six new recipes to try.  As I made my grocery list, I had every intention of making a homemade marinara to go with this.  However, with the other recipes on my list, I hung my head in shame as I bought a jar of bottled marinara sauce.  *Enter blood-curdling scream* I really could taste the difference, but this was still a great recipe.  It's fairly easy, too.  Next time, when I don't have a million other things going on in the kitchen, I will make homemade sauce.  I loved the pepperoni and provolone in there.  I added fresh basil, too, and that was quite the tasty little addition.

Pepperoni Lasagna Roll-ups

source: Taste of Home Italian Favorites

6 lasagna noodles

1 1/2 c ricotta cheese

1 t minced chives (I omitted this)

1 t dried oregano

1 t dried basil

bag of pepperoni

6 slices provolone

fresh basil leaves (optional, but delicious)

2 c meatless spaghetti sauce

mozzarella for the top

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions.  Drain. 

Preheat the oven to 350.

Combine the ricotta, chives, oregano, and basil in a bowl.  Spread about 1/4 c of ricotta mixture on a noodle.

 Tear the provolone cheese in half and lay it on top of the ricotta mixture.  Top with pepperoni and fresh basil.

 Roll it up.

 Pour some spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.  Place the roll-ups on top. (Clearly, I did a couple more than the recipe calls for.)

 Top the roll-ups with the spaghetti sauce.  Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top.  I sprinkled a little dried parsley on it as well.  Cover it with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

As a side note, I love having little helpers in the kitchen.  My kids loved helping me with this recipe.  They could do it almost completely by themselves.  I think kids are more apt to eat what you've made for dinner when they have helped.  I hope to instill a love of cooking to my kids.  :)