If you love classic comfort food but crave a playful spin, these Meatball Roll-Ups! are the answer you’ve been waiting for. Imagine soft, pillowy dough hugging savory, juicy meatballs, all smothered in marinara and blanketed with golden melted cheese. Every bite is a mini celebration of perfectly seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and the heartwarming flavors that cozy family dinners are made of. I can’t wait to walk you through this recipe—it’s every bit as fun to make as it is to eat!

Meatball Roll-Ups! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Your kitchen is about to smell irresistible with just a handful of key ingredients! Each one plays an important role, from adding depth of flavor and tenderness to bringing that signature cheesy stretch in every bite.

Refrigerated pizza dough: This shortcut dough gives you the perfect fluffy base, saving time and letting you focus on the fun part—rolling things up!
Frozen cooked meatballs: Go for your favorite brand, or use homemade; just make sure they’re fully cooked for quick assembly and perfect texture inside each roll-up.
Marinara sauce: Pick a rich, well-seasoned sauce—you want it both inside and on top for layers of flavor and saucy goodness.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible melt and gooey top, nothing beats classic mozzarella.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty edge that makes every bite more crave-worthy.
Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of this herb mix boosts aroma and brings out the best in your meat and sauce.
Olive oil: Just a brush before baking creates a golden, crisp top that seals in all the flavor.

How to Make Meatball Roll-Ups!

Step 1: Prep the Dough

Roll out your refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. You want a rectangle that’s about 12×8 inches—this shape makes it easier to roll and portion later. If the dough springs back, give it a minute to relax and roll again; it’ll be much more cooperative.

Step 2: Spread the Sauce

With a spoon or small spatula, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, right up to the edges. This helps flavor every bite and keeps things deliciously moist as your Meatball Roll-Ups! bake.

Step 3: Add the Meatballs and Cheese

Place your cooked meatballs evenly along one long edge of the dough, making sure they’re about an inch apart. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the meatballs and sauce—don’t be shy! This is where all that melty, stretchy magic comes from.

Step 4: Roll and Cut

Starting at the edge with the meatballs, gently but firmly roll up the dough, tucking the balls in as you go to create one big log. Pinch the seam to seal, then slice crosswise into sections with a sharp knife (a serrated knife makes this easier), aiming for one meatball in each roll-up.

Step 5: Bake and Top

Arrange the cut roll-ups in a greased baking dish, swirl-side up. Drizzle with a touch more marinara, sprinkle Italian seasoning, mozzarella, and Parmesan over the top, and brush the dough with olive oil. Bake at 375°F until bubbly and beautifully golden, about 22–27 minutes.

How to Serve Meatball Roll-Ups!

Garnishes

Give your Meatball Roll-Ups! a restaurant-worthy finish with a shower of fresh basil or parsley right after baking. A scattering of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil adds sparkle and deeper flavor, making these roll-ups truly irresistible.

Side Dishes

These roll-ups are hearty enough to be the star of the show, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or simply steamed vegetables balances out the richness. Garlic bread is another classic side that lets everyone mop up extra sauce, turning dinner into an event.

Creative Ways to Present

Play up the fun by serving Meatball Roll-Ups! on a platter with little skewers for party bites, or tuck a few into packed lunches for a savory surprise. You can even set up a mini “roll-up bar” with extra marinara and cheeses on the side so everyone builds their own dream bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, tuck them away in an airtight container once they’ve cooled. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors only improve as the sauce and cheese soak into the bread a little more.

Freezing

Meatball Roll-Ups! freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled roll-ups on a tray, freeze until solid, then pack into airtight bags or containers. Pop a few out when the craving hits—they’ll keep well for up to two months.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and revived—about 12–15 minutes from the fridge, or a little longer if frozen. The microwave works for a speedy fix, though the bread will be softer; try wrapping in a paper towel for best results.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs will make your Meatball Roll-Ups! extra special. Just be sure to cook them completely before assembling, so the roll-ups bake evenly and stay safe to eat.

What other cheeses can I use?

If you love variety, try provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Each will bring its own personality, but mozzarella is always a reliable classic for unbeatable meltiness.

Can I prepare Meatball Roll-Ups! ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the roll-ups earlier in the day, cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. This makes them a dream for parties or busy weeknights.

Are there ways to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap in your favorite vegetarian or plant-based meatballs for a crowd-pleasing, meat-free twist. All the other steps and ingredients stay exactly the same.

How do I keep the roll-ups from sticking to the pan?

Greasing your baking dish generously with olive oil or nonstick spray works wonders to prevent sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your dinner game, Meatball Roll-Ups! are the answer. They’re the ultimate blend of cozy, cheesy, and just plain fun—perfect for gatherings, game days, or any meal where you want to bring a little extra excitement to the table. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe every chance you get!

Meatball Roll-Ups! Recipe