Description
These Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups offer a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional lasagna, featuring fresh zucchini strips filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly under running water and pat them dry.
- Slice the zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/8 inch thick) using a vegetable peeler or mandoline slicer.
- Sprinkle the zucchini strips lightly with salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Pat the zucchini strips dry with paper towels.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper, and mix until well combined.
- If making homemade marinara, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté a minced garlic clove for 30 seconds, then add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and oregano. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- To assemble, lay a zucchini strip flat and spoon about 2 tablespoons of cheese filling onto one end. Roll the strip away from you, enclosing the filling, and place seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with remaining strips and filling.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over the roll-ups, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Drizzle olive oil over the roll-ups and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Transfer to plates, spoon extra marinara sauce over if desired, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- You can substitute the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add cooked ground meat or sautéed vegetables to the cheese filling for added flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes