Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups

 

Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 (4 roll-ups per serving)
Calories: 353 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 3 medium zucchini (about 24 long slices)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• ½ cup sweet onion, finely chopped

• ¾ lb ground turkey

• 1½ cups marinara sauce, divided

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• 1 cup full-fat ricotta cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp salt (plus more for sweating zucchini, optional)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the zucchini:
   Using a mandolin or a sharp knife, slice the zucchini lengthwise into ⅛-inch-thick strips. You should get about 24 slices.
   (Optional: Lightly salt the slices and let them rest on paper towels for 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry.)

3. Cook the turkey filling:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the crushed garlic and chopped onion; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
   Add the ground turkey and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove from heat.

4. Assemble the cheese mixture:
   In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of mozzarella, the ricotta, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and pepper. Mix well.
   Stir in the cooked turkey mixture until evenly combined.

5. Layer the baking dish:
   Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×9-inch square baking dish.

6. Roll the zucchini:
   Lay a zucchini slice flat. Spoon about 1½ tablespoons of the turkey-cheese mixture onto one end. Roll the zucchini up gently and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining zucchini slices and filling.

7. Top and bake:
   Pour the remaining ½ cup of marinara sauce over the roll-ups. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

8. Bake:
   Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is tender.

9. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy hot!

Notes:

• To prevent excess moisture, salting the zucchini slices before rolling is highly recommended.

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.