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Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups are made with thin zucchini slices rolled around a delicious ricotta filling, then baked in tomato sauce and topped with cheese. A healthier, low carb lasagna option that’s not only delicious, but also very easy and quick to make.
Zucchini lasagna roll ups are my favorite twist on traditional lasagna rolls, right up there with my eggplant rollatini recipe. This recipe features zucchini slices rolled up in bundles with a delicious ricotta filling, baked in tomato sauce, and topped with melted cheese. This dish is a game-changer, especially for those keeping an eye on their carb intake. Trust me, I can easily eat a whole pan of these, and they are always a hit with my family. It’s like a cheesy, baked zucchini casserole and it’s loved by everyone, even the kids who don’t mind the green veggie when it’s covered in cheese!
These zucchini roll ups are not only healthier but also quicker to make than regular lasagna, making them the perfect weeknight meal. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! You can stuff them with all sorts of fillings – meat sauce, mushroom and cheese, chicken, or even a vegan option. Whatever you choose, you’re in for a treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this zucchini roll-ups recipe, you’ll need just some simple ingredients, mostly cheese, zucchini, and tomato sauce. These basics come together to create a delicious and healthy dinner!
- Zucchini: Sliced lengthwise to create the “noodles” for the rollups. For this part, I use my handy mandoline slicer.
- Baby Spinach: I use a couple of cups of spinach, saute it quickly, and then I mix it into the ricotta cheese filling.
- Ricotta Cheese: Forms the creamy base of the filling.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor, but you can also use Pecorino Romano.
- Egg: Helps bind the filling together.
- Garlic: I like to use fresh garlic for flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Italian Seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor with a blend of herbs. Other dried herbs like oregano, rosemary, and basil are okay to use.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, used for seasoning the filling and zucchini slices.
- Tomato Sauce or Marinara Sauce: Poured over the rollups for a rich, savory base. Your favorite pasta sauce or canned crushed tomatoes with added Italian seasoning are a good substitute.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded and melted on top for a cheesy finish. Any mild, melty cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar will work.
- Fresh Basil: Sliced thinly and used as a garnish. Other fresh herbs, like fresh parsley or cilantro, are okay to use.
How To Make Zucchini Roll Ups
Your (our) low-carb dreams have come true. Here’s how to make these delicious lasagna bundles with zucchini instead of noodles!
- Prep. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Cut the zucchini. Slice the zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Lay them flat on a paper towel-lined surface, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 15 minutes.
- Make the cheese filling. Wilt the spinach in a skillet over medium heat, then let it cool. In a bowl, mix the spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the zucchini. Pat the zucchini slices dry and place a spoonful of the ricotta mixture on each slice. Roll up the zucchini slices and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Bake. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Rest and serve. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve.
Recipe Tips And Variations
- Remove Excess Water: Salt the zucchini slices for about 15 minutes before adding the filling to remove excess moisture.
- Secure the Rolls: If your zucchini rolls are unrolling, secure the ends with toothpicks.
- Prevent Soggy Rolls: Pat the zucchini slices dry after salting to ensure they don’t get soggy during baking.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings like ground turkey, mushrooms, or a mix of your favorite veggies.
- Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; if your zucchini slices are thicker, they might need a few extra minutes in the oven.
What To Serve with Zucchini Roll Ups
These cheesy lasagna-style zucchini bundles make a delicious dish that pairs well with a crisp Mediterranean Cobb salad or a tangy coleslaw. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables like roasted green beans or Brussels sprouts will be perfect.
You can also serve them with a bowl of our favorite alphabet soup for a cozy meal. No matter how you choose to serve them, these roll-ups will be loved by all!
Making Zucchini Roll Ups Ahead Of Time
Prepare the zucchini lasagna bundles, set them in a baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
How To Store Leftovers
Leftover zucchini roll-ups can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To freeze, prepare the zucchini roll-ups, set them in a baking dish, cover them with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.
More Lasagna Recipes
- Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna
- Skillet Vegetable Lasagna
- Spinach and Feta Crock Pot Lasagna
- Lasagna Bolognese
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Ingredients
- 2 to 3 firm zucchini, sliced lengthwise, ¼-inch thick (you will need 12 slices)
- 8 to 10 ounce bag baby spinach, 10 ounces baby spinach
- 1½ cups fat free ricotta cheese, or regular ricotta cheese
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- ¾ cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
Instructions
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 9-inch baking dish. Set aside.
- Prepare the zucchini. Slice the zucchini and arrange the slices flat on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet (or any other flat surface), sprinkle them with salt, and set aside for 15 minutes.
- Cook the spinach. Spray a skillet with cooking spray and set over medium heat. Add spinach to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes or until wilted. Remove spinach from skillet and let cool for a couple of minutes.
- Combine. In a medium bowl, combine the prepared baby spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix until thoroughly combined.
- Fill. Lay out the zucchini slices on a cutting board (or any other working surface), wipe them down, and place a spoonful of the ricotta mixture on top of each slice.
- Roll. Roll up the zucchini around the filling and transfer the bundles to the prepared baking dish, seam-side down. Repeat the process with the remaining zucchini and ricotta mixture.
- Bake. Spoon marinara over the zucchini and add shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and the zucchini is tender.
- Finish. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with basil ribbons and serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
This was so delicious! I added cooked ground sausage to the ricotta mixture. Will definitely make again. Thanks so much for sharing!
Great recipe! I added breakfast sausage and layered the zucchini as in lasagna! We absolutely loved it and have made it again!
My zucchini seem to be a bit thick to roll so I just laid it with the toppings like lasagna. Also, I didnโt have Italian sausage, but I wanted meat in it so I use regular breakfast sausage and just seasoned it with some Italian seasoning, garlic powder, a little onion powder, and Fennel seeds. There was enough for six servings. I laid them across a glass baking pan and followed all the other directions.
It was incredible! I will definitely do this again, and it was super easy!
Recipe for zucchini lasagne using cottage cheese
Made these using kale instead of spinach and fontina instead of mozzarella. They were amazing!
Thank you!
That’s great! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! ๐
Would I be able to add beef to this recipe in the ricotta mixture? Hubby wants to eat healthier, but not interested in giving up meat ๐ Thanks!
I just made this recipe and it was delicious. I did however slice my zucchini a little thinner than ยผ” using my mandolin.
I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! ๐
I bet if you added shredded chicken it would be amazing
How long are the zucchini slices?
I’d say about 6 to 7 inches.
Delicious! Added sauted mushrooms too. Think we’ll splurge with the leftovers and make tomorrow night our “meat” night and serve with grilled Italian sausage โค
I hope you enjoy it! Thank YOU! ๐
These were amazing!! Due to timing a hectic schedule, I’d like to make them about 34-36 hours in advance but I see you said 24 hours. Any idea what would happen if it was made but not baked that far in advance? I appreciate any input. Thansk for the great recipe!
Nicole,
Bake it 1st. As casseroles go….the reheat is tastier. ๐
also, I stopped rolling many yrs ago and just layer it ….so much faster.
This came out great. I make something similar with eggplant and will add this to the regular repertoire. I made it with chopped sauteed mushrooms instead of spinach and made a fairly spicy marina. The only comment I would make about the recipe is that I had to use toothpicks to hold the rollups together even though I had thin strips from a mandoline.
Hi Spike. Did you tuck the end of the roll underneath so the weight of roll kept it closed?
Thanks for sharing great recipe and I will have to try coming weekend.