Ingredients:

For the Zucchini Ravioli:

  • 4 medium-sized zucchini
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Casserole:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

For the Zucchini Ravioli:

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare Zucchini:
    • Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick, using a mandoline or a vegetable peeler.
  3. Make Filling:
    • In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Assemble Ravioli:
    • Lay out two strips of zucchini, slightly overlapping. Place a spoonful of the ricotta mixture in the center. Fold the sides of the zucchini over the filling to form a ravioli-like shape. Repeat until all the zucchini and filling are used.

For the Tomato Sauce:

  1. Prepare Sauce:
    • In a small saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Assemble the Casserole:

  1. Layer in Casserole Dish:
    • Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
  2. Arrange Zucchini Ravioli:
    • Place the zucchini ravioli in the dish, arranging them in a single layer.
  3. Top with Cheese:
    • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the zucchini ravioli.
  4. Repeat Layers:
    • Repeat the layers until all the zucchini and filling are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Garnish and Serve:
    • Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped basil, and let it cool slightly before serving.