Mom of a 4 year old here, sharing a recipe I think both you and your kids will love! It’s easy to put together, inexpensive, yummy and is ready quickly! All the things a busy mom needs in a dinner recipe. 

These pepperoni lasagna rolls are also very versatile. You could change out the ingredients inside the roll to pretty much any pizza or lasagna toppings you prefer. I stick with pepperoni and cheese because I know that’s what my daughter prefers – and I accept that because we pick our battles in my house!  

Ingredients:

* 16 lasagna noodles (cooked until tender: careful not to overcook or they fall apart)
* 1 24 ounce jar of marinara sauce (any flavor)
* 1 15 ounce container of ricotta cheese
* 2–2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 6 ounce package pepperoni slices
* 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
* 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
* 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
* optional: fresh parsley

Directions:

1. Start by boiling your noodles in a large pot until they are tender, but don’t overcook them or else they’ll fall apart when you start assembling. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 13×9 baking dish with cooking spray. ** In the photos, we are using a 9×9 baking dish which I do when I need a smaller portion! **
3. Spread an even layer of pizza sauce in the bottom of the dish.
4. Lay your lasagna noodles out on a cutting board or baking sheet. 
5. Chop pepperonis into small pieces. 
6. In a medium bowl combine, chopped pepperoni, splash of marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, mix until smooth. 
7. Use a ice cream scoop or spoon to get a scoop of ricotta cheese mixture onto each lasagna noodle. Use an offset spatula or spoon to spread evenly on each noodle.
8. Carefully roll up the noodles tightly and place seam side down in your prepared baking dish
9. Pour remaining pizza sauce over the rolls. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes in oven until cheese is completely melted, and it is a bubbly light golden brown.
11. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or more Italian seasoning if desired. You can add red pepper flake as well for spice. 

These pepperoni lasagna rolls are so much fun to have your kiddos help make! The recipe has lots of different textures and is interactive. My daughter loves rolling them up for me. They don’t come out quite as tight but she’s so proud and that’s what matters most! I truly believe getting our kids in the kitchen early benefits them in so many ways, especially when you have a picky eater. When my daughter helps cook she is always more willing to try the things she made herself or helped me make. 

As summer approaches take a look at some of our other easy recipes to try! Let us know how you incorporate your kids or grandkids in the kitchen and be sure to tag @WacoMoms showing how fun cooking together can be!