Discover the ultimate comfort food with a zesty twist! This easy, Cheesy Southwest Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups recipe
reimagines classic lasagna by rolling tender noodles around a vibrant filling of seasoned chicken, hearty
beans, and fresh vegetables. Each roll-up is then generously topped with a rich, aromatic enchilada cream
sauce and baked to golden perfection. It’s a truly delicious and exciting twist on an Italian favorite,
infused with bold, zesty Southwestern flavors that will have your family asking for more!
Southwest Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups: Your New Family Favorite!
Are you constantly searching for fresh, exciting dinner ideas to break free from the monotonous weeknight meal
rut? The challenge of finding a dish that is both easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the
table is a real one. But look no further! This cheesy Southwest Chicken Lasagna is the perfect
solution – a bold, flavorful Tex-Mex inspired take on traditional lasagna that promises to be a resounding success.
It combines the comforting layers of an Italian classic with the vibrant, spicy, and savory notes of Southwestern
cuisine, creating a fusion dish that stands out. Prepare for this incredible recipe to become a regular request in
your home, transforming ordinary dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences.
From Our Kitchen to Yours: Expert Recipe Notes
Through countless experiments with different fillings, cheese ratios, and sauce combinations, we’ve perfected
this recipe to bring you a truly balanced and delightful meal. This is our tried-and-true
recipe, meticulously crafted to achieve the ideal harmony of tender chicken, wholesome beans,
fresh vegetables, and just the right amount of decadent cheese, all lovingly rolled into soft pasta
noodles. Our goal was to create a dish that not only tastes incredible but also offers a comforting and
satisfying experience with every bite, ensuring it’s packed with both flavor and texture.
Why This
Southwest Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
- Effortless Weeknight Dinner Solution: Say goodbye to complicated meal prep! This recipe
is designed for maximum convenience without sacrificing flavor. By utilizing time-saving ingredients
like pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken or even last night’s leftovers, you can assemble the rich
and savory filling in under 5 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need
a wholesome, delicious meal on the table fast, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy with your
family. - Unforgettable Bold and Cheesy Flavor Profile: Prepare your taste buds for an explosion
of flavor! This dish layers incredible tastes, starting with a robust filling seasoned with authentic
taco spices and brimming with melty cheese. But the real star is the sauce: a luscious blend of tangy
cream cheese and vibrant red enchilada sauce that creates a creamy, savory, and slightly piquant topping.
Every bite offers a harmonious balance of zesty, savory, and incredibly cheesy notes, making it
irresistibly delicious. - Remarkably Adaptable for Every Palate: While we stand by this as our absolute
favorite version of chicken enchilada lasagna rolls, its beauty lies in its versatility. This recipe is
incredibly easy to customize, allowing you to effortlessly swap ingredients to match your personal
preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re adjusting proteins, adding different vegetables, or
modifying the spice level, it adapts beautifully, ensuring a perfect meal every time.
Don’t hesitate! Make plans to prepare this fantastic dinner recipe tonight, or seize the opportunity to prep
and freeze a batch. It’s an ideal make-ahead dish that offers unparalleled convenience, ensuring a delicious
and comforting meal is always just an oven away, perfect for those unpredictable busy days.
Essential Ingredients for Your Southwest Lasagna Roll-Ups
Crafting these delectable Southwest Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that come
together to create a symphony of flavors. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect Tex-Mex
fusion. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to bring this culinary masterpiece to life:
- Dried Lasagna Noodles: The foundation of our roll-ups! A standard box of dried lasagna noodles
(typically 1 pound) will yield enough for a 9×13 inch baking tray. Remember to boil them to an al dente
consistency, ensuring they are pliable enough to roll without tearing but still retain a slight chew. - Hearty Lasagna Rolls Filling: This is where the magic happens! Our robust filling features a
generous amount of chopped cooked chicken (perfect for using up leftovers or rotisserie chicken for ease). We
add drained canned black beans for a creamy texture and earthy flavor, finely chopped bell pepper for a touch
of sweetness and crunch, minced garlic for aromatic depth, and fresh scallions for a mild, oniony kick. The
entire mixture is seasoned with a packet of rich taco seasoning for authentic Tex-Mex flavor and bound together
with a generous helping of shredded Mexican blend cheese, ensuring a cohesive and delicious filling. - Creamy Cheesy Enchilada Sauce: The crowning glory of this dish! This effortlessly delicious
sauce combines a can of classic Old El Paso Red Enchilada Sauce with luscious cream cheese. Blended until
smooth, this creates a rich, tangy, and beautifully aromatic sauce that blankets the roll-ups, infusing them
with incredible moisture and a creamy texture as they bake.
Creative Recipe Variations to Customize Your Dish
One of the many joys of cooking is the ability to adapt recipes to your unique tastes and dietary preferences. This
Southwest Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to experiment with different
ingredients and create new flavor profiles. Here are some fantastic variations to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Alternative Proteins: While chicken is fantastic, feel free to swap it out! Consider using
shredded slow-cooked pork for a rich, smoky flavor, or seasoned ground beef for a heartier texture. If using
pre-cooked ground beef or ground turkey, remember these might add a bit more moisture to the filling, resulting
in a saucier lasagna. For a plant-based option, seasoned crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute
would also work wonderfully. - Boost Your Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and fresh flavors by mixing in additional
chopped vegetables. Along with the bell pepper, try adding finely diced zucchini for extra moisture, fresh kale
or spinach (which will wilt down beautifully during baking), or even corn kernels for a touch of sweetness and
texture. - Different Enchilada Sauce Profiles: The red enchilada sauce provides a classic flavor, but don’t
hesitate to experiment. Swap the mild red for a tangy green enchilada sauce (salsa verde) for a slightly
different, often brighter flavor with a bit more heat. You could also try a blend of red and green for a unique
combination. - Crank Up the Spice: If you crave a fiery kick, there are several ways to intensify the heat.
Opt for a hot enchilada sauce instead of mild. Additionally, you can mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper, red
pepper flakes, or finely diced fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers (with seeds removed for less heat, or left in
for maximum spice) directly into the filling. A dash of your favorite hot sauce drizzled over the top before
baking also works wonders. - Lighter Options: For a slightly lighter version without sacrificing flavor, consider using
low-fat cream cheese and shredded cheese. While it might not be “low-fat,” it will certainly be a lower-fat
alternative, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish with a little less guilt. The rich flavors from the
taco seasoning and enchilada sauce will still shine through beautifully.
Effortless Creation: How To Make Southwest
Lasagna Roll Ups
The beauty of these Cheesy Southwest Chicken Lasagna Rolls lies not only in their incredible flavor but also in their
straightforward preparation. As they bake, the creamy, aromatic cheese sauce truly works its magic, seeping into
every crevice of the rolled noodles and infusing the filling with an extra layer of richness and moisture. The
result is an exquisitely saucy and flavorful dish that’s comforting and satisfying.
Pro Tip for Perfect Browning: Keep an eye on your lasagna roll-ups as they bake. If the cheese on
top begins to brown too quickly or gets excessively toasty, simply cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
This will help prevent over-browning while allowing the dish to continue baking through evenly.
For a complete guide to making these delightful Southwest Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups, including comprehensive
detailed instructions, handy storage tips, and a helpful video tutorial, please refer to the printable recipe
card located at the very bottom of this post.
Meal Prep & Storage: Enjoying Your Lasagna Roll-Ups Later
These Southwest Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups are not only fantastic for dinner tonight but also incredibly convenient for
meal prepping and future enjoyment. Their freezer-friendly nature makes them an excellent choice for batch cooking,
ensuring you always have a comforting, homemade meal ready when you need it. Here’s how to store and reheat your
delicious roll-ups:
- Storing Leftovers: Properly stored, any leftover lasagna roll-ups can be enjoyed for several
days. Simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They will maintain their delicious
flavor and texture for 3 to 5 days, making them perfect for lunch the next day or a quick re-heat dinner. - Freezing for Future Meals: This recipe truly shines as a freezer meal! To freeze, allow the
baked lasagna roll-ups to cool completely. Then, either wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and
foil, or cover the entire baking dish securely with multiple layers of foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to
3 months. When you’re ready to serve, transfer the frozen dish to the refrigerator the night before to thaw. To
reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, typically around 30-45 minutes for
thawed roll-ups, or longer if baking from frozen (covered with foil to prevent drying). - Make-Ahead Convenience: Take the stress out of busy evenings by preparing these cheesy
Southwestern lasagna roll-ups in advance. You can assemble the entire dish, up to the point of baking, several
days before you plan to serve it. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and
refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When it’s time for dinner, pull it straight from the refrigerator and bake as
directed. Please note that baking time will be slightly longer, closer to 40-45 minutes, to ensure it heats
through evenly and becomes perfectly bubbly and golden.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Lasagna Roll Ups
While these easy lasagna roll-ups are incredibly satisfying on their own, pairing them with the right side dishes can
elevate your meal into a full and memorable feast. Whether you prefer classic Italian accompaniments or want to lean
into the Tex-Mex theme, there are plenty of delicious options:
Complement this cozy, flavor-packed dish with a simple yet elegant side like Classic Garlic Bread, perfect for soaking
up every bit of that amazing sauce. For a refreshing contrast, a vibrant Mexican Street Corn
Salad (Esquites) or a crisp Brazilian
Chopped Salad adds a wonderful coolness and fresh crunch. Or, for something unexpectedly delightful, try a
colorful Crunchy Beet and Carrot Slaw.
If you’re fully embracing the Southwestern spirit, these lasagna enchiladas are excellent served alongside creamy refried beans,
topped with a generous dollop of rich homemade
queso, and a vibrant scoop of fresh salsa! Don’t forget a side of fluffy
Mexican rice for a truly authentic Tex-Mex experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest
Lasagna Roll Ups
enchilada lasagna roll ups spicy?
The primary sources of heat in this dish are the red enchilada sauce and the taco
seasoning. Generally, both are designed to be mild to medium in spice, making the dish palatable for most
tastes. However, if you’re a fan of a more significant spicy kick, you can easily customize it! Feel free
to incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even some finely diced fresh
jalapeños into the filling mixture to achieve your desired level of heat.
oven-ready lasagna noodles for roll ups?
Absolutely! While “oven-ready” noodles are typically designed to cook directly in
the oven with plenty of sauce, for roll-ups, you’ll need them to be pliable. To achieve this, you can indeed
boil them. Simply cook the oven-ready noodles in boiling, salted water until they reach an al dente
texture. This will soften them just enough to make them easy to roll without breaking, ensuring your
roll-ups hold their shape perfectly.
these southwest lasagna roll ups vegetarian?
Yes, transforming these Southwest lasagna rolls into a delicious vegetarian meal is
quite simple! The easiest method is to omit the chicken entirely and increase the quantity of black beans
or add other hearty beans like pinto or kidney beans for extra bulk and protein. For a more substantial
vegetarian option, you can also incorporate seasoned, diced tofu, crumbled tempeh, or a plant-based ground
meat substitute into the filling mixture. Ensure your enchilada sauce is vegetarian-friendly, as some brands
may contain chicken broth.
Lasagna Roll Ups?
For the most authentic Southwest flavor and best melting qualities, a Mexican blend
cheese (which typically includes Monterey Jack, cheddar, asadero, and queso blanco) is ideal. Its balanced
flavor and excellent meltability make it perfect for both the filling and the top layer. However, you can
also use a combination of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses if a specific Mexican blend isn’t
available.
Explore More Delightful Lasagna Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting layers and rich flavors of our Southwest Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups,
you’re in for a treat! The world of lasagna offers endless possibilities, from classic Italian preparations to
innovative twists. We invite you to explore more of our cherished lasagna recipes, each promising a unique and
delicious experience that caters to various tastes and occasions.
Discover Other Delicious Comfort Food
Recipes
Beyond the realm of lasagna, we have a diverse collection of comforting and flavorful recipes that share the same
hearty appeal as these Southwest Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups. If you enjoyed this dish, you’re sure to find another
favorite among these similar recipes, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests.
- 5-Ingredient Cheesy Chicken
Chili Recipe - Keto Lasagna Roll-Ups
Recipe (Made With Zucchini!) - Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Bake Recipe - Cheesy Chicken
Spaghetti with Rotel (Casserole Recipe) - Best Vegetarian Pot Pie Recipe
- Rustic Ribollita Recipe
(Tuscan White Bean Soup) - Broiled Salmon Recipe
with Garlic Herb Butter - Best Hamburger Patty Recipe
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Ole El Paso. All opinions are my
own.
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Southwest Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
20 minutes
40 minutes
1 hour
This easy, Cheesy Southwest Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups recipe features lasagna noodles rolled around a
filling of chicken, beans, and veggies and topped with a cheesy, aromatic enchilada cream sauce. It’s a
delicious twist on an Italian favorite with zesty Southwestern flavors!
12 rolls
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried lasagna noodles (1 box)
- 19 ounces Old El Paso Red Enchilada Sauce (1 can)
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken (great for using up leftovers)
- 15 ounces black beans, drained (1 can)
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper, (heaping) I used two colors
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1/2 cups chopped scallions
- 1 Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Packet
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Coat a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick
cooking spray. Set a large pot of salted water over high heat, and bring to a boil. -
Once boiling, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
Once cooked, lay them out flat on a clean tea towel to cool slightly and prevent sticking. -
Meanwhile, prepare the creamy enchilada sauce. Place the entire can of Old El Paso Red
Enchilada Sauce into a blender along with the cream cheese. Blend until the mixture is
completely smooth and creamy. Pour half of this blended cheese sauce evenly into the
prepared baking dish, spreading it to cover the bottom. -
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, drained black beans, diced bell
peppers, minced garlic, 2 cups of the shredded Mexican blend cheese, chopped scallions, and
the taco seasoning packet. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Spread this
flavorful mixture evenly over each of the 12 cooked lasagna noodles. Carefully roll each
noodle from one end to the other, tucking in any loose bits of filling if they fall out.
Arrange the rolled lasagna noodles snugly in the baking dish over the sauce. Once all the
rolls are in the dish, pour the remaining creamy enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring
they are well coated. -
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. Then, remove from the oven and
sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Return to the oven for
another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. For an extra touch
of freshness and color, garnish with additional chopped scallions or fresh cilantro, if
desired, before serving hot.
Notes
- Storing Leftovers – When stored in an airtight container, these rolls can last
3 to 5 days in the fridge. - Freezing – This is a great freezer recipe! Cover well and freeze for up to 3
months. Place it in the fridge the night before you want to serve it, then bake in the oven to
reheat. - Make Ahead – Prep these cheesy Southwestern lasagna rolls ups all the way up
to baking, then cover and refrigerate for several days. Straight from the refrigerator, the
baking time will be closer to 40-45 minutes.
Nutrition
Protein: 18g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol:
53mg, Sodium: 632mg, Potassium: 320mg, Fiber: 5g,
Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 1165IU, Vitamin C: 17.9mg, Calcium:
196mg, Iron: 2mg
Main Course
Tex-Mex
Sommer Collier
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