Grilled Zucchini Double Cheese Tuna Bake

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This is Grilled Zucchini Lasagna is made with double cheese, tuna and spices. Whether you call this a Lasagna or a Casserole, I’m sure the whole family will love this Baked Summer Zucchini recipe. 

Zucchini bake in a white pan.

 

Another summer and another batch of zucchini. And I have to say this summer the zucchini is really out doing itself. Not only do I have the zucchini plants that my husband planted but my mother-in-law seems to think another couple of dozen won’t hurt me either.

Needless to say I have shredded, baked, boiled, stuffed and even made a tasty Pizza with all the zucchini until I seriously can’t take anymore, along with the horrendous heat, I might add.

And when the Italian comments “hmmm zucchini again”, aaa yeah you planted the darn things and you will be eating them until October.

But even he has to admit this Grilled Zucchini Casserole is really really delicious. I pretty well make this at least once a week. I actually made it last weekend when friends came over. I made a triple batch, thinking I would have left overs for Sunday. Sorry no leftovers for us!

Recipe Ingredients

  • Zucchini – sliced and grilled
  • Tuna – canned tuna
  • Bread crumbs
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Egg
  • Freshly grated Parmigiano
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Parsley – fresh or dried parsley
  • White sauce homemade or store bought

What is authentic parmigiano?

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is authentic or DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta which means Protected Designation of Origin), and Parmesan cheese is just an imitation of Parmigiano Reggiano. Reggiano is always made in Italy, while Parmesan can be made anywhere, there are no restrictions on using the name Parmesan. And don’t forget a less expensive but also a DOP choice is Parmigiano Grana Padano.

How to make a Zucchini Lasagna

To start I grilled the zucchini,  it’s the best way I found to eliminate that over abundance of liquid that zucchini unfortunately seems to have.

Then in a medium bowl I mixed together the filling,  including cheese, tuna, some bread crumbs, an egg and of course my all time favourite, Parmigiano.

zucchini lasagna how to make the filling, grilled zucchini, layering in the white pan and ready for bakingzucchini lasagna how to make the filling, grilled zucchini, layering in the white pan and ready for baking

When I have time to spare I whip up my own white sauce, but there are some pretty good ones on the market now so that isn’t a problem.

I made three layers of grilled zucchini, the tuna mixture, white sauce and the last layer I added another sprinkle of Parmesan Cheese. Then I baked it, be sure to let it sit for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Zucchini bake in a white pan.Zucchini bake in a white pan.

What is a Lasagna?

Lasagna is usually made with an egg pasta dough, that is cut into large squares or rectangles. What is added between the layers, from Mozzarella Cheese, to Ricotta, to a Meaty Tomato Sauce depends on the Region of Italy that you are in.

But here in Italy, Italians are also substituting the pasta layers with veggies, such as this Grilled Zucchini Lasagna. And to tell the truth it’s a delicious change.

How to store a Zucchini Lasagna

Any leftover zucchini lasagna should be covered and stored in the fridge. You can re heat it either in the oven or microwave.

More Zucchini Recipes

A piece of zucchini bake on a spatula.A piece of zucchini bake on a spatula.

So if you are looking for a new dinner idea, I hope you give this Grilled Zucchini Lasagna a try and let me know what you think. Buon Appetito!

  • 2-3 medium zucchini sliced (not too thin) lengthwise and grilled
  • 6 ounces tuna (canned)
  • 1½ tablespoons bread crumbs
  • 1 cup shredded firm mozzarella
  • 1 large egg slightly beaten
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 dashes black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon parsley
  • ⅔ cup white sauce homemade or storebought

HOMEMADE WHITE SAUCE

  • 1 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • ½ pinch salt
  • 1¼ cups milk

TOPPING

  • ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

  • Pre-heat oven to 350F (180C), lightly grease a deep (8×6 inch / 20×15 cm) baking dish

  • Grill the zucchini on a pan grill or bbq.

HOMEMADE WHITE SAUCE

  • In a small pot on medium heat melt the butter then add the flour and salt and whisk to combine, slowly add the milk and continue whisking until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

  • In a medium bowl mix together, the tuna, bread crumbs, mozzarella, egg, Parmesan, olive oil, salt, black pepper and parsley.

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

  • Drizzle the bottom of the baking dish with a tablespoon of olive oil, then top with a layer of grilled zucchini, then top with ⅓ of the tuna mixture and pour half the white sauce on top, cover with another layer of grilled zucchini, ⅓ tuna mixture and remaining half of the white sauce, cover with remaining grilled zucchini, tuna mixture and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan, bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, let sit 5 minutes and serve. Enjoy!

Store any leftover zucchini lasagna should be covered and stored in the fridge. You can re-heat it either in the oven or microwave.

Calories: 221kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 581mg | Potassium: 313mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 525IU | Vitamin C: 11.7mg | Calcium: 268mg | Iron: 1.2mg

Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!

Updated from July 9, 2015.

 

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