These zucchini roll ups are a enjoyable low carb play on the traditional lasagna dish. Every zucchini sliced is filled with a ricotta beef filling then topped with tomato sauce and melty mozzarella for a tacky weeknight chew.

Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Roll Ups

If you happen to hate endlessly standing over the range when cooking, these baked zucchini roll ups with creamy ricotta might be your new favourite dinner.

• Italian-inspired. These tender zucchini roll ups are nice while you’re craving Italian meals however don’t need to have pasta.
• Nice for weeknights. Pop them into the oven or just reheat them for a straightforward, easy dinner.
• Prep-friendly. Cook dinner the bottom beef and make the cheese filling upfront to chop down prep time through the week.
• Versatile. Combine in leftover mushrooms and carrots, or swap the protein for floor turkey.

What You’ll Want

Herby basil, parsley, earthy oregano, and candy fennel seeds create an Italian-like taste profile. Scroll to the recipe card on the backside of the put up for precise quantities.

Beef Sauce

• Floor beef – If it’s not lean, discard any extra fats from the pan.
• Grape seed oil – You can even use olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Garlic powder – Be happy to make use of recent garlic or garlic paste.
• Basil – It may be dried or recent.
• Parsley – Go for recent or dried parsley. Keep away from cilantro as a result of the flavour profiles are very completely different.
• Oregano – Contemporary oregano is nice, however take away it from the combination while you’re completed cooking.
• Fennel seeds – This balances out the savoriness of the recipe with refined and spicy licorice-like flavors.
• Salt – Kosher salt is greatest.
• Pasta sauce – Add your favourite.

For the Cheese Filling

• Ricotta – Full-fat ricotta is less complicated to unfold, however low-fat works too.
• Garlic powder – Onion powder is an efficient swap.
• Oregano – You possibly can swap it for recent parsley or dill.
• Mozzarella cheese – Don’t use recent mozzarella for this.
• Salt and pepper – Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper are greatest.

For the Roll Ups

• Zucchini – Ensure the slices are the identical thickness for even cooking.
• Salt – Keep away from seasoned salts for this as a result of they gained’t draw out the moisture nicely.
• Mozzarella cheese – Add any melty cheese like cheddar, Muenster, or Monterey Jack.

How To Make Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups

Don’t add an excessive amount of filling in order that the zucchini roll ups don’t open within the oven. Scroll to the recipe card on the backside of the put up for extra detailed directions.

• Prep the oven. Preheat the oven to 400F. Unfold a cup of tomato sauce alongside the underside of an 8×8″ baking dish.
• Season it. Place the zucchini on a paper towel to soak up extra moisture. Season with salt and pepper. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
• Brown the meat. Add the oil and floor beef to a big pan over medium-high warmth. Use the spatula or a wood spoon to interrupt up any giant chunks. Cook dinner the meat till barely browned.
• Season it. Stir within the garlic powder, basil, parsley, oregano, fennel seeds, and salt. Cook dinner for one more 2 minutes. Add the sauce and blend till nicely mixed and heated via. Set it apart.
• Make the cheese combination. Mix the cheese filling substances in a separate bowl. Set it apart.
• Assemble it. Add a tablespoon of the cheese combination to at least one finish of every zucchini slice. Unfold it out after which roll them up. Place the zucchini rolls vertically within the ready baking dish. You shouldn’t be capable to see the zucchinis clean facet. Pour the remaining tomato sauce on high.
• Bake it. Pop the baking dish into the oven for 20 minutes. Take away it from the warmth and sprinkle with 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella. Bake for one more 5 minutes or till melty.
• Serve. Take away it from the warmth and let it cool for 10 minutes. Serve and revel in!

Suggestions & Variations

These saucy zucchini roll ups are an effective way to make use of up leftover veggies, almonds, and creamy dips.

• Swap the protein. Use floor rooster, pork, turkey, or Italian sausage as an alternative of beef for a straightforward variation.
• Change the herbs. If you happen to don’t have or don’t need to purchase basil, parsley, oregano, and fennel seeds for this recipe, you’ll be able to swap all of it for simply 1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.
• Use toothpicks. In case your roll ups are opening up, use toothpicks to safe them in place. Ensure to take away them proper earlier than serving. I additionally advocate utilizing the identical variety of toothpicks for all roll ups in order that means you recognize should you’ve eliminated all of them or not.
• Add veggies. Finely chop 1 cup every of mushrooms, carrots, and celery. Cook dinner them over medium-high warmth for 6-7 minutes till simply tender. Add the meat and proceed with the recipe as ordinary.
• Crank up the warmth. Combine 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crimson pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the meat combination for a bit of warmth.
• Swap the filling. Skip the cheese filling for my Spinach Artichoke Dip, or your favourite store-bought ricotta or spinach dip.
• Add crunch. Combine 1/4-1/2 cup crumbled bacon, chopped almonds, or pistachios into the cheese filling for further texture.

What To Serve With Zucchini Roll Ups

These zucchini roll ups are an Italian-inspired predominant. Serve them with Roasted Brussel Sprouts or Air Fryer Asparagus on the facet. Don’t overlook a salad like my Easy Arugula Salad or Italian Grinder Salad. If you happen to desire one thing heat and comforting, attempt my Tuscan White Bean Soup or Minestrone Soup.

Correct Storage

Retailer 2-3 zucchini roll ups collectively in a container for simple reheating.

• Fridge: Place them in an hermetic container for as much as 4 days.
• To reheat them: Microwave them in 30-second increments till heat. You can even use a pan (coated) over medium-low warmth for 7-8 minutes.

Extra Zucchini Recipes To Strive

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