Quick & Zesty Zucchini Enchilada Roll Ups Recipe for Dinner Joy

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these zesty zucchini enchilada roll ups spark culinary excitement with every bite.

Tender zucchini strips replace traditional tortillas, creating a lighter twist on a classic Mexican favorite.

Each roll bursts with savory cheese, spiced meat, and vibrant seasonings that dance across your palate.

The recipe reimagines comfort food with a healthier approach that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a meal that feels indulgent yet nutritious.

Melted cheese and rich fillings make these roll ups an irresistible option for anyone seeking a delicious low-carb alternative.

Dive into this mouthwatering dish that promises to become a new dinnertime staple.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients to Make Enchilada Roll Ups Stand Out

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that adds hearty flavor and richness to the roll-ups, best when freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken.
• Black Beans: Creamy legumes packed with fiber and protein, providing a smooth texture and earthy undertone.
• Corn: Sweet and crisp vegetable that brings a pop of brightness and subtle sweetness to the dish.

• Zucchini: Versatile summer squash that creates delicate, low-carb wrap perfect for rolling, choose firm and bright green zucchinis without soft spots.

• Enchilada Sauce: Vibrant, spicy sauce that infuses the roll-ups with authentic Mexican-inspired flavor, select a high-quality jarred or homemade version.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds creamy richness and golden-brown color when baked, opt for freshly grated for best melting.
• Cilantro: Optional fresh herb that provides a bright, citrusy note and beautiful green garnish, choose crisp leaves with no wilting.

Tools That Simplify the Rolling Process

• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing chicken, beans, corn, and enchilada sauce.
• Baking Dish: Rectangular or square dish to create and bake the roll ups.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing zucchini into thin, even strips.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for preparing zucchini and slicing ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: To shred fresh cheddar cheese for topping.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately portion enchilada sauce and filling.
• Spatula or Spoon: Useful for spreading sauce and transferring roll ups.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dish.

Directions to Assemble Zucchini Roll Ups Easily

Zucchini Enchilada Roll Ups

• Flavor Fusion

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a splash of enchilada sauce. This colorful blend creates a mouthwatering base for our roll ups.

• Sauce Foundation

Grab a baking dish and coat the bottom with a generous layer of enchilada sauce. This secret trick ensures maximum flavor and prevents sticking.

• Zucchini Wrap Technique

Create delicate zucchini ribbons by carefully arranging thin slices. Spoon the savory chicken mixture onto one end, then gently roll into cute little bundles. Nestle each roll snugly in the sauce-covered dish.

• Cheesy Transformation

Drizzle remaining sauce over the rolls, creating a tantalizing river of flavor. Sprinkle a blanket of sharp cheddar cheese that will melt into golden, irresistible goodness.

• Oven Magic

Slide the dish into a preheated oven and let the magic happen. Watch as the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown, creating a crispy, melty masterpiece in about 25 minutes.

• Fresh Finale

Pull out your creation and let it rest for a moment. Scatter fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and bright flavor. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Fillings and Sauces to Make It Your Own

• Zucchini Zen: Pro Tips for Perfect Roll Ups
• Moisture Management: Pat zucchini slices dry with paper towels to prevent watery rolls. Extra moisture can make your dish soggy and less appealing.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese mix for exciting flavor variations. Each cheese brings a unique taste profile to your roll ups.
• Protein Playbook: Swap chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or black beans for vegetarian options. This flexibility keeps the recipe exciting and adaptable to different dietary preferences.
• Spice Symphony: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase heat levels. Adjust spiciness according to your family's taste preferences for a personalized touch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare roll ups in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly with foil to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. This trick helps busy home cooks save time during meal preparation.

How to Serve These Low-Carb Favorites

• Fresh Fiesta Plate: Pair these zucchini roll ups with a vibrant Mexican-inspired side salad featuring crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and a zesty lime vinaigrette for a complete meal bursting with color and nutrition.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside grilled chicken or shredded beef for extra protein, creating a hearty dinner that satisfies larger appetites and provides additional flavor layers to complement the roll ups.
• Creamy Cool Companion: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top, which cuts through the enchilada's spiciness and provides a smooth, tangy contrast to the savory zucchini rolls.
• Weekend Crowd-Pleaser: Transform this dish into a fun party appetizer by cutting the roll ups into smaller bite-sized pieces, securing with toothpicks, and arranging on a platter for easy sharing during game nights or casual gatherings.

Best Practices for Storing Roll Ups

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover roll ups in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Individually wrapped portions make quick reheating and grab-and-go lunches super easy.
• Freezer Friendly Hack: Prepare entire batch and freeze unbaked roll ups for future meals. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, keeping them fresh for 2-3 months. Simply thaw overnight and bake when craving strikes.
• Meal Prep Magic: Chop zucchini and prepare chicken mixture in advance. These components stay fresh in separate containers for 2-3 days, allowing quick assembly during busy weeknights.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated roll ups in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy edges and prevent soggy texture. Microwave works in a pinch, but oven reheating delivers best results with crisp cheese and tender zucchini.

Creamy Zucchini Enchilada Roll Ups

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful zucchini enchilada roll ups combine Mexican-inspired flavors with garden-fresh ingredients. Cheesy, spicy layers roll into a simple meal that delights palates and brings comfort to your table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups shredded or sliced/diced cooked chicken
• 2 lbs (907 g) zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise (~2–4 medium-large)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsps chopped cilantro (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Filling Fusion: Thoroughly blend shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring complete ingredient integration and flavor harmony.
2. Sauce Foundation: Generously coat the baking dish bottom with enchilada sauce, creating a non-stick surface and flavor base that will elevate the entire dish.
3. Zucchini Transformation: Craft delicate wrappers by layering 2-3 zucchini slices slightly overlapping, forming a flexible 3-4 inch wide base for the rolls.
4. Rolling Technique: Position the chicken mixture at one zucchini strip end, then carefully roll the vegetable around the filling, creating tight, secure parcels that seal in the robust flavors.
5. Baking Arrangement: Position the rolled zucchini parcels seam-side down in the prepared dish, ensuring uniform placement for consistent cooking and optimal heat distribution.
6. Final Touches: Lavishly drizzle remaining enchilada sauce over the rolls, then crown with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, creating a mouthwatering golden blanket.
7. Culinary Alchemy: Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a bubbly, golden-brown masterpiece that promises incredible depth of flavor.
8. Serving Preparation: Rest the dish briefly after removing from the oven, letting flavors meld and settle, then optionally garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Enhance Zucchini Texture: Slice zucchini thinly to prevent soggy rolls and ensure a delicate, pliable wrapper that holds filling securely.
• Prevent Watery Filling: Pat chicken and beans dry before mixing to avoid excess moisture that could make rolls soggy and compromise structural integrity.
• Optimize Cheese Melting: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and more even coverage, creating a golden, appetizing surface.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Let rolled zucchini rest briefly after baking to allow sauce and cheese to set, intensifying overall taste and making serving easier.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg