Dinner

Vegetable Lasagna

Name: Vegetable Lasagna
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-488205H5M44S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 medium zucchini, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 yellow bell pepper, diced; 2 cups mushrooms, sliced; 2 cups fresh spinach; 4 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Bysarra September 10, 2025

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Short Description

Vegetable lasagna is a hearty, comforting dish layered with pasta, fresh vegetables, tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses. It is a perfect meatless main course that is both satisfying and wholesome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetable lasagna is versatile, nutritious, and full of flavor. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, enjoy it as a family-friendly dinner, and even make it ahead for busy nights. The combination of rich tomato sauce, tender veggies, and gooey cheese makes it irresistible while still offering a lighter, healthier twist compared to traditional meat lasagna.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
Olive oil
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Zucchini, sliced
Bell peppers, chopped
Mushrooms, sliced
Spinach or kale
Carrots, shredded
Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)
Salt and black pepper
Ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions (skip if using oven-ready noodles).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots until softened. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer noodles, ricotta cheese, sautéed vegetables, sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–10 portions
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Use roasted vegetables instead of sautéed for a deeper flavor.
Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a lighter texture.
Make it vegan by using plant-based ricotta and mozzarella.
Add lentils or chickpeas for extra protein.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles if preferred.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

2. Do I need to cook the vegetables first?

Yes, sautéing or roasting helps release water and prevents the lasagna from becoming watery.

3. Can I freeze vegetable lasagna?

Yes, freeze baked or unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking or reheating.

4. What cheeses work best?

A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates the best flavor and texture.

5. Can I use no-boil noodles?

Yes, just ensure you use enough sauce to fully soften the noodles while baking.

6. How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Cook vegetables well to remove excess moisture, and avoid adding too much sauce.

7. Can I add more protein?

Yes, add lentils, tofu, or even a layer of beans for a protein boost.

8. What can I serve with vegetable lasagna?

It pairs well with garlic bread, green salad, or roasted vegetables.

9. How long should I let it rest before serving?

Allow 10–15 minutes for the lasagna to set, making it easier to slice.

10. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cheese alternatives or a cashew-based ricotta.

Conclusion

Vegetable lasagna is a flavorful, customizable, and nourishing dish that works well for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. With its layers of tender vegetables, rich sauce, and melted cheese, it is a satisfying comfort food that appeals to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Whether fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, this recipe is a timeless classic that deserves a spot in your kitchen rotation.

sarra