Ingredients

The following ingredients have 6 Servings
  • 4 medium zucchini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3/4 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/2 small onion (minced)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 green bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (divided)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • Fresh chopped parsley

Instruction

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Cover the bottom of a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly sprinkle with olive oil. Set aside.
  • Slice the zucchini in 1/8 inch slices and arrange them in one layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake for 10-12 minutes, until softened.
  • Place the cooked zucchini slices on paper towels to remove extra water.
  • Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and once the oil is hot add diced onion and garlic, stir and cook for 1 minute. Push to one side of the pan.
  • Add ground beef and using a wooden spoon, break it up while it cooks. Mix wit the onion and garlic and continue cooking until no longer pink. Drain grease, leaving only about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
  • Add the diced bell pepper, diced tomatoes, and paprika. Stir well and simmer on low for about 20 minutes. Taste and adjust for salt if needed.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Add beef mixture to a large bowl and add ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the egg. Stir until fully combined.
  • Lightly grease with olive oil a 10 inch cast iron pan. Add 1 cup of marinara sauce to the bottom.
  • One by one, spread a little marinara sauce onto each one, and spread one tablespoon of the beef mixture onto it. Roll and add the zucchini roll-up to the prepared pan. Repeat with the remaining zucchini slices.
  • Top with the remaining cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and zucchini is cooked through. Remove foil during last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.