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Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Roll Ups: Easy, Delicious Dinner Idea

  • Author: lila
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy the delightful combination of tender beef, melted cheese, and the subtle crunch of zucchini with these Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Roll Ups. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this dish is both comforting and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchinis (about 1 pound), sliced lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/8 inch thick)
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor and moisture)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your roll ups will bake evenly and get a nice golden finish.
  2. Slice the zucchinis lengthwise into strips about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer works best for even thickness. Avoid cutting them too thick, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and fully cooked. Make sure there’s no pink left; this ensures food safety.
  4. Once the beef is cooked, drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom and become fragrant.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Add the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup) to the beef mixture, stirring well to combine.
  6. On a clean surface, lay out a zucchini strip. Place a generous tablespoon of the beef and cheese mixture at one end of the strip and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining zucchini strips and filling. Aim for a snug roll to keep everything contained during baking.
  7. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom. Place the zucchini roll ups seam side down in the dish, fitting them snugly together. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the roll ups.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup) on top of the roll ups. This will create a deliciously gooey cheese layer as it bakes.
  9. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. Once out of the oven, let the roll ups sit for about 5 minutes to set before serving. This helps the filling stay intact when you serve them. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll up
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: When slicing the zucchini, keep them as uniform in thickness as possible for even cooking. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, but adjust seasonings accordingly. For a vegetarian version, use sautéed mushrooms and spinach instead of beef.

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Find it online: https://kitchenyumm.com/cheesy-beef-zucchini-roll-ups-easy-delicious-dinner-idea/