Zucchini Lasagna Rolls are a healthy, delicious twist on the classic lasagna dish. Perfect for those looking for a lighter, low-carb alternative, this recipe replaces the traditional pasta noodles with thinly sliced zucchini. The result is a dish that’s just as satisfying, but with fewer carbs and more vegetables. These zucchini rolls are filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, topped with marinara sauce, and baked until bubbly and golden, making them a perfect comfort food without the heaviness.

This Easy Zucchini Lasagna Rolls Recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or serving to guests. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna in a lighter, more nutritious form. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or simply love zucchini, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s versatile! You can add in your favorite vegetables, use a meat sauce, or make it vegetarian, depending on your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Low-Carb and Healthy

Replacing traditional pasta with zucchini makes this dish low in carbs and a great way to sneak more vegetables into your diet. It’s perfect for anyone following a keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diet.

2. Flavorful and Comforting

With a creamy ricotta filling, savory marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, these zucchini rolls are packed with all the comforting flavors you love about lasagna—without the guilt.

3. Easy to Make

This recipe is simple to put together and doesn’t require any fancy cooking techniques. The zucchini rolls are assembled in minutes and baked to perfection in just 30 minutes.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

Zucchini Lasagna Rolls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. They also freeze well, making them a great option for meal prepping.

5. Customizable

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes. Add extra vegetables, swap the ricotta for cottage cheese, or even include ground meat in the sauce for a heartier dish.

Ingredients

Zucchini (sliced into thin strips lengthwise)
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Marinara sauce
Egg
Fresh basil (optional)
Garlic (minced)
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

Variations

Meat-Lovers Version: Add ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the marinara sauce for a more filling, protein-packed option.
Vegetarian Option: You can add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the ricotta mixture or the marinara sauce.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella to make this dish dairy-free.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as zucchini is used in place of pasta.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the rolls from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick). You can use a mandoline slicer to get even slices. Lay the slices on a paper towel and lightly sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 of the shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, the egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. You can also add fresh basil or spinach for added flavor and nutrients.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Take each zucchini strip and spread a small amount of the ricotta mixture along the center. Roll the zucchini strip tightly to form a roll. Place each roll seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Cheese

Once all the zucchini rolls are in the dish, spoon more marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the rolls.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is tender.

Step 7: Serve

Let the zucchini lasagna rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Thin Zucchini Slices: Make sure your zucchini slices are thin enough to roll easily without breaking. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform thickness.
Remove Excess Moisture: Zucchini has a high water content, so be sure to salt and pat the slices dry to avoid soggy rolls.
Use Homemade Sauce: While store-bought marinara is convenient, using homemade sauce can elevate the flavors of the dish.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the zucchini strips with the ricotta mixture, as it could cause the rolls to spill open during baking.
Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat, if desired.

How to Serve

Zucchini Lasagna Rolls can be served as a main dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. For a heartier meal, pair them with roasted vegetables or a light soup. They’re perfect for dinner, but also make a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Freezing

These zucchini rolls freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep. To freeze, arrange the rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the rolls to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat from the refrigerator, cover the rolls with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls in advance and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before baking.

2. Can I use eggplant instead of zucchini?

Yes, eggplant can be used in place of zucchini for a similar texture, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

3. Can I add meat to this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or sausage can be added to the marinara sauce for a meatier version.

4. How do I prevent the zucchini from being too watery?

Salting the zucchini slices and allowing them to sit for a few minutes will draw out excess moisture. Be sure to pat them dry before assembling the rolls.

5. Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses zucchini instead of traditional pasta.

6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian. You can add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the ricotta filling for added nutrition.

7. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara works just fine, but homemade sauce will give the dish a more robust flavor.

8. How can I make these rolls spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinara sauce for a little extra heat.

9. Can I freeze the zucchini rolls before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the rolls before baking. Just make sure they are fully frozen before transferring them to a storage container.

10. How long will the rolls stay fresh in the fridge?

The rolls will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

Easy Zucchini Lasagna Rolls are a perfect low-carb and healthier alternative to traditional lasagna, without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor you crave. They’re easy to make, full of cheese and marinara sauce, and packed with the goodness of zucchini. Whether you’re following a specific diet or just looking for a lighter take on lasagna, these zucchini rolls are sure to satisfy. With endless variations and the ability to make ahead, they’re a great choice for any meal. Try this recipe today and enjoy a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious dish that everyone will love!