Description
Enjoy a healthier twist on classic lasagna with these Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups. Fresh zucchini slices are roasted and filled with a creamy ricotta and cheese mixture, then rolled and baked in marinara sauce for a lighter, gluten-free Italian-style main course. Perfect for those seeking a delicious, low-carb, and vegetarian-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Zucchini
- 4 large zucchini
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 large egg
- Salt & pepper to taste
Other Cheese & Sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (remaining from total 1 1/2 cups divided)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (home-made or store-bought)
For Roasting
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a sheet pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and set it aside. This will prevent the zucchini from sticking during roasting.
- Slice and Roast Zucchini: Slice the zucchini into 1/8” thick strips using a mandoline or sharp knife. Lay the zucchini slices evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Roast them in the oven for 10-12 minutes until they are just tender. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before handling. Keep the oven on for baking the roll-ups.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: While the zucchini is roasting, mix together the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1 large egg, and salt & pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Stir until the ingredients are just combined.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Assemble Roll-Ups: Place a zucchini strip on a flat surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture over each strip. Top with a tablespoon of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Carefully roll up the strip and place it seam side down in the prepared casserole dish. Repeat with all remaining zucchini strips and filling.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Drizzle any remaining marinara sauce over the rolled zucchini. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish uncovered in the oven and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for even, thin zucchini strips for easy rolling.
- Pat zucchini slices dry after roasting to remove excess moisture.
- Try adding fresh chopped basil or Italian herbs to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- For a protein boost, feel free to add cooked ground turkey or chicken to the filling.
- This dish can be assembled ahead and baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 297 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 751 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg