Description
Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, featuring layers of flavors and a healthy twist. These roll ups are filled with ground beef, ricotta, and plenty of cheese, making them a satisfying option for dinner. Easy to prepare, they are perfect for a busy evening or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium zucchini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and a light drizzle of olive oil.
- Slice the zucchini into 1/8-inch pieces and place them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then bake for 10-12 minutes until softened.
- Once baked, lay the zucchini slices on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced onion and garlic, cooking for 1 minute before moving them to one side.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon while cooking until no pink remains. Drain excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
- Stir in diced bell pepper, diced tomatoes, and paprika. Let it simmer on low for about 20 minutes, adjusting salt to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the beef mixture with ricotta cheese, parmesan, 1 cup of mozzarella, and egg. Mix until well combined.
- Grease a 10-inch cast-iron pan lightly with olive oil. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the pan.
- On each zucchini slice, spread a little marinara sauce, followed by a tablespoon of the beef filling. Roll them up and place them into the pan. Repeat with remaining slices.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes until cheese melts and zucchini is tender. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Make sure to remove excess water from zucchini to prevent sogginess.
You can substitute ground beef with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg