Zucchini Roll-Ups | The Recipe Critic

Zucchini Roll-Ups are a delicious, unique meal that the whole family will enjoy. Thin slices of zucchini are rolled around a tasty sausage ricotta mixture and layered over marinara before being topped with cheese and baked to bubbly perfection!

Do you have a bounty of zucchini to use from your garden? If so, you must try these other wonderful zucchini recipes! Start with easy Grilled Zucchini, then try Zucchini Pizza, and definitely don’t miss out on this light and fluffy Chocolate Zucchini Cake!

What are Zucchini Roll-Ups?

Zucchini roll-ups have all of the flavors of a classic lasagna, but use zucchini to wrap up all of the deliciousness for an amazing dinner! I love how using zucchini keeps this lasagna inspired recipe light and lower in carbs and calories. Plus, it’s much more rich in nutrients, and the rolls are in perfect servings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Zucchini roll-ups might look fancy, but they’re actually so easy to make! They also don’t require very many ingredients. Follow the recipe card below for exact amounts.

• Zucchini: Sliced length-wise to create the rolls.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the meat, onion and garlic.
• Yellow Onion: Sautéed to add depth of flavor to the dish.
• Italian Sausage: I like using Italian sausage instead of ground beef because it adds so much zest and flavor to the meal.
• Garlic: Infuses the sausage with garlic flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: Makes this taste just like classic lasagna with the creamy filling.
• Egg: The egg helps to bind the ricotta mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Elevates the rolls with a nutty, salty taste.
• Seasoning: This recipe uses Italian Seasoning and salt and pepper for major flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: You can use store bought or try my super tasty homemade marinara sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: If you have the time, I recommend freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.

How to Make Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups

There are quite a few important steps to follow when making zucchini roll-ups. Don’t worry, it’s actually so easy! I will walk you through all of the steps. The pictures really help, too!

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Clean the zucchini, cut the ends off, and slice it lengthwise into ⅛ 18-inch-thick ribbons. If you have a mandoline, using it is easiest. Place the ribbons in a bowl of water while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the onion until it’s clear. Add the sausage to the skillet and cook until browned. Add the garlic and saute for another minute. Remove from heat.
4. Whisk the ricotta cheese, egg, ½ cup of parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Once the sausage mix has cooled, add it to the ricotta mixture and mix well to combine. In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.
6. Pour the marinara sauce into the 9×13 baking dish. Dry the zucchini and lay one out in front of you. Spread about a tablespoon of the sausage ricotta filling halfway up the zucchini ribbon.
7. Roll the ribbon from the filled side to the empty side and place it in the sauce. Continue with the remaining zucchini and filling.
8. Once the pan is filled, top all the zucchini rolls with the mozzarella cheese mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese browns on top.
9. Remove the zucchini rolls ups from the oven, let cool at room temperature for at least 5 minutes, and serve!