Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 large zucchini
02 - 1 teaspoon salt, divided
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - ½ small sweet onion, finely diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
06 - 1 pound (450g) 90/10 ground beef

→ Cheese Mixture

07 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
08 - 1 cup whole milk ricotta
09 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1 large egg

→ Seasonings and Sauce

11 - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
12 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1 jar (24-ounce/680g) marinara sauce
14 - Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Cut and remove ½ inch from each end of the zucchini. Using a mandoline, cut zucchini lengthwise into ¼-inch thick slices. You should have about 24 slices.
03 - Line a large baking sheet with paper towels. Lay the zucchini flat (slight overlapping is acceptable) and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt. Let sit for at least 15 minutes to release excess moisture.
04 - In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until translucent. Add the garlic and continue cooking for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
05 - Push the onion and garlic to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking apart for 7-8 minutes, or until no longer pink. Line a plate with paper towels and transfer the cooked beef to drain excess fat.
06 - In a large bowl combine 1 cup of the mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined. Add the drained meat mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
07 - Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9-inch square or 7 x 11-inch baking dish, spreading to create an even layer.
08 - Pat zucchini slices thoroughly dry with additional paper towels. Spread 1½ tablespoons of the meat and cheese mixture along each zucchini slice. Roll up and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
09 - Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
10 - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese begins to bubble and brown slightly. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, use a homemade Italian seasoning blend. If your blend contains salt, adjust the added salt accordingly.
02 - The quickest way to get even zucchini slices is using a mandoline. If slicing by hand, trim one side to create a flat edge for stability while cutting.
03 - For optimal texture, thoroughly dry the salted zucchini by dabbing multiple times while it sits to remove as much moisture as possible.
04 - These roll-ups keep well for 3-4 days when refrigerated. Freezing is not recommended as it may result in excess moisture upon thawing.