You get all the things you love about lasagna. You get marinara, that salted beef and this kind of delicious blanket of cheese. Instead of pasta, I use zucchini ribbons, that is the only real difference. These zucchini roll-ups are warm and really satisfying. I think these zucchini roll-ups are great for a weeknight when you want comfort food but you also do not want to feel too heavy.
● I love the cheesy flavor on the top the most
● A lighter, low-carb alternative to the usual lasagna
● Ingredients that don't overcomplicate things, and steps that feel simple
●Perfect for busy weeknights or when you are prepping ahead
● Easy to adjust with your favourite fillings
Here i am mentioning total time i spent to make this but the exact time can differ based on your own situation
● Prep Time: 15 minutes
● Cook Time: 20 minutes
● Total Time: 35 minutes
● Servings: 3–4
● 2 medium zucchini
● 1 cup (215 to 225 grams) cooked ground beef
● ¾ cup (85 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
● ½ cup (120 ml) marinara sauce
● 2 tablespoon (15 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
● 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
● ½ teaspoon garlic powder
● ¼ teaspoon salt
● ¼ teaspoon black pepper
● 1 tablespoon olive oil
● basil, optional
1. Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) so it is nice and hot when the dish goes in.
2. Cut each zucchini lengthwise into strips, around 1/8-inch thick. A mandoline or a vegetable peeler will make those same size pieces.
3. Lay the zucchini strips on paper towels and sprinkle them lightly with salt. Let them rest 8-10 minutes then pat them dry. This little step stops the whole thing from going watery.
4. Heat a skillet then add the cooked ground beef with seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper and parmesan. Stir it all for 2-3 minutes until it’s heated through and kind of aromatic.
5. Spoon about 1/3 cup of marinara sauce into the base of a baking dish and spread it like a thin layer.
6. Put a spoonful of seasoned beef next to a pinch of mozzarella near one end of each zucchini strip. Roll zucchini up gently into a tight spiral.
7. Set the zucchini rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish so they stay closed while baking.
8. Spoon the remaining marinara over the top of zucchini rolls, then scatter the rest of the mozzarella across everything.
9. Bake uncovered for 18-20 minutes until zucchini is fork-tender and the cheese is bubbling with golden spots.
10. Wait 3-5 minutes before serving. Garnish the zucchini dish with basil, or an extra sprinkling of Parmesan if you like it.
● Zucchini brings fiber, and it works kind of beautifully as a light, low carb stand-in for those pasta sheets
● Ground beef adds protein and this hearty, savory depth to the filling.
● Mozzarella brings protein and calcium, plus it helps make that dreamy, melty texture.
Use chicken or ground turkey in place of the beef.
Trade mozzarella for Provolone, Parmesan, or any Italian blend you like the most.
Toss in cooked spinach, mushrooms, or finely chopped bell peppers just for some extra veggies
Pick a no-added-sugar marinara if you are watching carbs.
● Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
● Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or use the air fryer until everything is warmed through and that cheese melts again
● Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Just remember that the zucchini might be a little soft after unfreezing
● Pair this dish with a green salad, or pair it with roasted broccoli, or with sauteed mushrooms
● Finish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for a bright, savoury feel
● Save this for your next cheesy, low-carb comfort food night and pass it along to anyone who really loves a good zucchini lasagna
#LowCarbRecipes #ZucchiniRecipes #HealthyDinner #EasyRecipes #LowCarbDinner
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes you can do that. You should prepare everything a day beforehand. Keep it all covered up in the fridge until you are set to bake.
What can I substitute for the main ingredient?
You can swap in a lean protein, or maybe another low-carb vegetable, depending on what you have got in your kitchen.
Why did my dish turn out differently than expected?
First, make sure your oven is fully preheated. Then, try to stick closely to the ingredient amounts, so you get the best results.
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Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. CraveCrumb recipes are shared for general cooking and lifestyle purposes and are not intended as medical or dietary advice. If you have a health condition or specific dietary needs, please consult a doctor or registered dietitian. Read full disclaimer
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