Classic Vegetable Lasagna

🕒 Prep: 25 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Nothing beats a hearty, homemade lasagna bubbling with cheese and packed with fresh vegetables. This Classic Vegetable Lasagna is a comforting dish that combines creamy layers with rich, savory flavors. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Ingredients for Classic Vegetable Lasagna

The base of our lasagna is the trusty lasagna noodles, which provide structure and soak up all the delicious flavors. Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables, bringing out their natural flavors. The onion and garlic form a fragrant base, while the zucchini, red bell pepper, and mushrooms add a medley of textures and tastes. Spinach offers a pop of color and nutrients, perfectly seasoned with oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.

The creamy layer is made with ricotta cheese mixed with an egg and Parmesan cheese, providing a rich, savory contrast to the vegetables. Mozzarella cheese melts into gooey perfection, and marinara sauce ties everything together with its robust tomato flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you’re short on time, feel free to use no-boil lasagna noodles.
  • For a deeper flavor, consider roasting the vegetables ahead of time.
  • Make sure to drain your ricotta if it’s too watery to avoid a soupy lasagna.

Serving Suggestions

This lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. For a bit of extra decadence, serve with garlic bread on the side. A simple dessert like lemon sorbet will round out the meal perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Is it possible to freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully cooled before wrapping tightly for freezing.
What other vegetables can I use?
Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like eggplant, kale, or roasted red peppers.

Classic Vegetable Lasagna Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. You want them al dente since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.

In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil on medium. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, letting them sauté until they’re nice and soft. Add the zucchini, red bell pepper, and mushrooms, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until they’re just tender. Stir in the spinach, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. The spinach will wilt quickly, releasing a fresh aroma.

In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. This will be your creamy layer.

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer with 3 noodles, then add half of the ricotta mixture, half of the vegetable mixture, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers, then top with the last 3 noodles, the remaining marinara sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.

Cover your dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Let your lasagna stand for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set a bit so you get neat slices.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Loaded with fresh, vibrant vegetables for a healthy twist.
  • Rich layers of cheese that satisfy every cheesy craving.
  • Simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor without fuss.
  • Perfect for making ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week.

Ingredients

9 lasagna noodles
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 cups spinach, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 cups ricotta cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
4 cups marinara sauce

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
5. Add zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms, cook for 5-7 minutes.
6. Stir in spinach, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook until spinach wilts.
7. In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
8. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
9. Layer 3 noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the vegetable mixture, and 1 cup of mozzarella.
10. Repeat the layering process.
11. Top with remaining noodles, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
12. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
13. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is golden.
14. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

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