Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Enchilada Roll Ups Recipe for Dinner

Comfort food takes a delightful turn with these zucchini enchilada roll ups bursting with cheesy goodness.

Tender zucchini strips become the perfect canvas for a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired filling.

Rolled and baked to golden perfection, these enchiladas offer a lighter twist on the classic dish.

Melted cheese cascades over each roll, creating an irresistible blend of flavors and textures.

The combination of fresh vegetables and rich, savory ingredients makes this recipe a standout meal for any occasion.

Packed with protein and vegetables, these roll ups deliver both nutrition and satisfaction in every single bite.

You won’t be able to resist these incredible enchilada rolls that bring a fresh, exciting approach to dinner.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients You’ll Need for Zucchini Roll Ups

• Zucchini: Fresh, firm squash perfect for creating light and flexible roll-up wrappers, choose medium-sized with smooth, vibrant green skin.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the filling, select firm onions without soft spots.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic intensity, choose plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin.

• Black Beans: Creamy protein source that adds earthy richness, rinse canned beans thoroughly.
• Chicken: Lean protein that complements Mexican-inspired flavors, use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that add texture and subtle sweetness, fresh or frozen work equally well.

• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice essential for authentic Mexican flavor profile.
• Chili Powder: Adds mild heat and complex pepper notes, choose high-quality blend.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky undertone, enhances overall depth of dish.
• Enchilada Sauce: Vibrant, tangy base that ties all ingredients together, choose red or green varieties.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides bright, citrusy finish, chop just before using.
• Cheese: Melty topping that creates golden, crispy layer, choose mild or sharp varieties.
• Sour Cream or Avocado: Optional creamy garnish that balances spices and adds richness.

Tools to Prep and Roll Your Zucchini Sheets

• Mandoline or Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing zucchini into thin, even strips.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions and cooking the flavorful filling.
• Paper Towels: Helps draw moisture out of zucchini slices.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the enchilada roll ups.
• Foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix and stir ingredients smoothly.

Bake These Saucy Zucchini Rolls with Ease

• Prep Zucchini Ribbons

Slice zucchini into delicate, thin strips using a mandoline or sharp knife. Sprinkle with salt and let rest to release excess moisture. Gently pat dry with paper towels.

• Create Flavorful Filling

Heat skillet and sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly. Blend black beans, corn, and spices into the mixture. Incorporate shredded chicken and a splash of enchilada sauce. Fold in fresh cilantro.

• Roll and Arrange

Warm oven to 400F. Spread enchilada sauce in baking dish. Lay out zucchini strips, slightly overlapping. Spoon filling at one end and roll tightly. Position rolls seam-side down in the dish.

• Bake and Bubble

Cover rolls with remaining sauce and sprinkle cheese on top. Wrap with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until golden and sizzling.

• Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with extra cilantro. Add a dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado for extra creaminess. Serve hot and savor the vibrant flavors.

Add-Ins to Spice Up Your Enchilada Style

• Salt the zucchini strips before rolling to prevent watery enchiladas. This simple step helps draw out excess moisture, ensuring a firmer, more delicious texture.
• Prepare the filling and zucchini strips in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving to save time during busy weeknights.
• Replace chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or lentils to suit different dietary preferences and protein needs.
• Skip traditional tortillas by using zucchini as a nutritious, low-carb wrapper. Perfect for those following keto, paleo, or gluten-free diets while maintaining incredible flavor.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the filling for increased nutrition and a more complex flavor profile. This technique helps incorporate more vegetables into your meal.

Presentation Tips for a Neat, Tidy Plate

• Fiesta Fresh Feast: Top the zucchini enchilada roll ups with extra chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a generous dollop of creamy sour cream for a burst of color and tangy flavor.
• Mexican Meal Companion: Serve alongside fluffy Mexican rice, black bean salad, or crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances the roll ups perfectly.
• Protein Power Plate: Add grilled shrimp, pulled chicken, or crumbled queso fresco on top to boost protein content and provide additional texture and richness to the dish.
• Crowd-Pleaser Presentation: Arrange roll ups on a large platter, garnish with fresh herbs, and provide small bowls of salsa, guacamole, and extra enchilada sauce for guests to customize their plate.

Saving Leftovers Without Getting Soggy

• Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption. Refrigerated roll-ups stay delicious for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual roll-ups in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen roll-ups remain tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm roll-ups in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy texture. Microwave works for quick heating, but may soften zucchini slightly. Add fresh cheese on top for extra flavor boost.
• Prepare filling and zucchini strips a day ahead. Store separately in refrigerator to save time during busy weeknights. Assembly takes just minutes when ingredients are ready to go.

Cheesy Zucchini Enchilada Roll Ups Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory zucchini enchilada roll ups bring Mexican culinary magic straight to your dinner table. Cheese-filled ribbons of tender zucchini wrapped in spicy sauce create a low-carb delight you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 large zucchini
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• ¾ cup enchilada sauce (for topping)
• ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
• ½ cup diced onion
• ½ cup enchilada sauce
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Sour cream or avocado, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Moisture Extraction: Employ a mandoline or sharp knife to create elongated zucchini ribbons. Arrange slices on absorbent towels, delicately seasoning with salt. Allow 10 minutes for moisture release, then thoroughly blot dry.
2. Flavor Development: Caramelize onions in a medium-heat skillet until translucent. Introduce garlic and quickly sauté. Incorporate black beans, corn, and aromatic spices, allowing ingredients to meld for approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and fresh cilantro.
3. Rolling Technique: Warm the oven to 400F (200C). Coat a baking dish with a thin layer of enchilada sauce. Strategically layer zucchini strips with slight overlap, distributing filling along one edge. Tightly roll each strip, positioning seam-side downward in the prepared dish.
4. Baking Transformation: Cascade remaining enchilada sauce over the rolls, generously sprinkle cheese. Shield with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue roasting 5-10 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.
5. Presentation: Embellish with additional cilantro, complemented by a dollop of sour cream or creamy avocado for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Remove excess water from zucchini strips by salting and patting dry to prevent soggy roll-ups and ensure crisp texture.
• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create consistent zucchini strips for even cooking and professional presentation.
• Enhance filling by toasting spices briefly before adding other ingredients to intensify cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika’s depth.
• Swap chicken with tofu, black beans, or quinoa for vegetarian version; use dairy-free cheese alternative for vegan adaptation.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg