Roasted Zucchini has always been a favorite side dish for a lot of my meals. Even then, I would always try to think of different ways to prepare them which would either consist of Zoodles or Parmesan crusted amongst others. Tomato Basil Zucchini Roll Ups was my latest try on trying something new.
Zucchini doesn’t take on much in flavor but seems to merry well with others. Taking all my favorite ingredients commonly used in my Lasagna recipe and transforming it into a healthier version of using Zucchini in place of Lasagna noodles was an exciting adventure. Who am I kidding? I’m not giving up my Ricotta and Cheese but there are alternatives out there should you choose to substitute them. Anticipating was it going to live up to my vision and provide that taste I was longing for. Roasted Zucchini stuffed with creamy Ricotta, flavorful Ground Beef and melted Mozzarella just oozing out the sides slathered in a Sweet Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce. My vision didn’t last long.
Tomato Basil Zucchini Roll Ups delivered an exceptional meal that left me heart broken when I didn’t have seconds to go to. Definitely a lesson learned at this point, better to make more than not to make enough. I look forward to making this again and if you are anyone that knows me.. I will find a few different ways to change this recipe up again and again. I’m excited to share this recipe with you but I’m even more excited that you can recreate this recipe and make it your own. Pair it along side a warm crusty bread and a side salad and enjoy!
Tomato Basil Zucchini Roll Ups
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Pan
- Small Sauce Pan
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb Ground Sirloin May substitute for Ground Turkey
Produce
- 4 Large Zucchinis Washed, ends removed and sliced long wise into 1/2 inch or so slices. Approximately 4 slices each.
- 1 Small Onion Diced
- 1 Small Green Pepper Diced
- Fresh Basil Leaves Cut into Slivers
Dairy
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 16 oz Shredded Mozzarella
Pantry
- 1 Jar of your favorite Marinara Sauce May Substitute for your homemade version.
Seasonings/Condiment
- 2 tbsp Garlic Herb Seasoning No Salt
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Sugar (Optional)
Oil
- Olive Oil
Instructions
Zucchini Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Place sliced Zucchini on a baking sheet. Drizzle Olive Oil on both sides adding a pinch of Salt and Pepper to season.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until they are tender but not too mushy as you want them to hold their form when rolling up. When they are done, set them aside to cool down.
Meanwhile Ground Beef
- Heat Skillet on Medium/High drizzling a little Olive Oil.
- Begin sautéing chopped Onions and Peppers until they begin to soften.
- Add your Ground Sirloin, 1 tablespoon of Garlic Herb Seasoning, 1 teaspoon of Onion Powder and a generous pinch of Salt & Pepper and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes or until the meat is cooked thoroughly. Drain any excess grease. Set aside to cool down some.
Sauce Preparation
- Heat Marinara Sauce in pan on medium heat adding 1 tablespoon of Garlic Herb Seasoning, 1 teaspoon of Onion Powder, Basil, pinch of Salt & Pepper and a teaspoon or 2 of sugar (Optional). I like my sauce with a little sweetness. Stir until all ingredients are incorporated and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes or so.
Ricotta Preparation
- Place Ricotta in a small mixing bowl.
- Add Parmesan Cheese and a pinch of Salt & Pepper. Stir until all ingredients are incorporated.
Assembling Zucchini Roll Ups
- Add a light layer of Marinara Sauce to the bottom of a baking dish.
- Lay your Zucchini slices directly in front of you.
- Gently spread a layer of Ricotta onto the Zucchini slices.
- Spoon the cooked Ground Beef onto the Ricotta pressing it in as this will help keep the meat in place.
- Add a layer of Shredded Mozzarella.
- Starting from one end, gently roll the Zucchini up being sure to push in any filling if it starts to push out. May place a toothpick if needed to keep closed or you may lay seam side down directly into the dish. Continue the process until all slices are done.
- Top off with additional Shredded Mozzarella and Sauce and bake for additional 20-25 minutes or until the Cheese is melted and sauce is piping hot.
- Serve along side some warm Garlic Bread and a side Salad and enjoy!!
