What are some comfort food recipes? What’s a veggie lasagna? What’s the kind of dish that instantly makes me think of Sunday dinners at my grandma’ s, but with a twist? I used to be all about traditional lasagna with meat sauce, but honestly, this vegetarian version is really good. Just as satisfying, maybe even more so! What are some interesting ingredients in this ricotta and mozzarella sandwich? Between tender lasagna noodles. Even the meat-lovers in your life will be asking for seconds. How do I sneak in extra veggies without noticing?
What is Veggie Lasagna?
Think of veggie lasagna as the classic Italian comfort food, but with a vibrant, plant-based flavor. It’s essentially layers of lasagna noodles, a creamy cheese mixture (usually ricotta-based), and some pasta. What are some of the best vegetable fillings with mozzarella? What is the beauty of flexibleness? Can you use any vegetable you like – zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, you name it? The possibilities are endless. The name says it all, though: “The world is infinite.” What is lasagna? And with veggies taking center stage instead of meat? What is a great way to eat without the heaviness of meat? My version has evolved over the years, incorporating little tweaks I’ve learned from countless people.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love veggie lasagna? What I love about this is how incredibly flavorful it is! What are the flavors of roasted vegetables, herbs, and cheeses? What makes you want more? What’s a flavor explosion? What are some of the easiest layers to make? Once you have your ingredients prepped, it’s just a matter of assembly. I’ve made this on busy weeknights, and it’s always a winner. Plus, it’s very cost-effective meal. Is it possible to feed a crowd without breaking the bank? Is it incredibly versatile? Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. What are some good ways to add spice? What are some of the best ways to add butternut squash to a salad? What’s the best way to use up leftover veggies? Isn’t it a comfort food that’s good with spinach and artichoke dip? If you are a pasta fan, you might like the Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe.
How do I make a veggie lasagna?
Quick Overview
How do I make veggie lasagna? We’re basically roasting some delicious vegetables, mixing up a creamy ricotta filling, and layering the vegetables. This is essentially frying some tomatoes, adding some fresh Is lasagna a bad thing? How do I cook vegetables? How do you cook lasagna? What is the best part? How do I customize this recipe to my liking by using my favorite vegetables and cheeses? What are some great make-ahead meals?
Ingredients
For the Vegetables: What
- 1 large zucchini, diced.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced. 1 green pepper.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced.
- 1 large onion, diced.
- 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced. 1 clove
- 2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 teaspoon salt. 2
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano per serving.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
What is the cheese filling?
- I like whole milk ricotta cheese. 15 ounces is good for me!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 1/4 cup shredded Par
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
- 1 egg, lightly beaten.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
For the Sauce and Assembly:
- 25 ounces jarred marinara sauce (look for a good quality one)
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready, no boiling required – lifesaver!)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. 1 cup melted mozzarella.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you prevent lasagna from sticking to your fingers? I always use olive oil or cooking spray. Make sure to get the corners!
Step 2: Roast the Vegetables
In a large bowl, toss together zucchini, bell peppers, onion, mushrooms, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and pepper. Mix well. Serve immediately. What are some good substitutes for oregano, basil, Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. What is the best way to roast vegetables? Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of roasting!
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling
While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Do not overmix. How does the egg help to bind the filling together, so it doesn’t ooze out when you cut into it? If the ricotta seems a little watery, drain it in cheesecloth for about 30 minutes before using.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
What is the best way to make lasagna? Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange three lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping slightly if necessary. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half the tomatoes. What are the layers of mozzarella cheese? What are the ingredients for sauce, noodles, ricotta, vegetables, Top with remaining lasagna noodles, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. What is lasagna made of? Covering lasagna with foil prevents the top from burning while baking. I always check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center of the lasagna. I do this every time. Is it hot?
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the lasagna cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and prevents it from falling apart when you cut into them. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it is worth the wait!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good side dishes to serve with lasagna? I love to serve it with a simple green salad. The freshness of the salad helps to balance out the richness and flavor of lasagna. What are some good crusty breads to dip into the sauce? A glass of red wine, like a Chianti or Pinot Noir, complements the flavors of lasagna. For a complete meal, you could also add roasted asparagus or steamed Green Beans. My family always eats garlic bread on the side.
For a Cozy Night In:Serve with a big green salad with lemon vinaigrette and some crusty bread. Is this simple, satisfying, and perfect for a relaxing evening at home?
What is the best way to host a dinner partyHow do you serve lasagna on a plate garnished with fresh basil? What are some good basil leaves and olive oil? Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
For a Potluck:Bring the whole lasagna in the baking dish and let everyone serve themselves. Is it easy, convenient, and always a crowd-pleaser?
What are some tips for perfecting lasagna?
What are some of the best ways to make veggie lasagna? What are some of the Best Tips?
Vegetable Prep: Don’t skip the roasting step! Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and prevents them from becoming watery in the lasagna. If you’re short on time, you can sauté the vegetables instead, but the flavor won’t be quite as intense.
Cheese Choice: Use good-quality ricotta cheese. It makes a big difference in the overall flavor and texture of the lasagna. I prefer whole milk ricotta for its creaminess, but part-skim also works. I’ve even experimented with adding a little mascarpone for extra richness!
Noodle Handling: Don’t overcook the lasagna noodles. They should be slightly undercooked, as they will continue to cook in the oven. If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package directions, but reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. I love using oven-ready noodles; it makes life so much easier!
Layering Technique: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your layers. Add extra cheese, vegetables, or sauce as you see fit. Just make sure to spread everything evenly so that each layer is well-distributed. One trick I learned is to add a thin layer of pesto between the cheese and vegetables for a burst of flavor!
Resting Time: Let the lasagna rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and prevents it from falling apart when you cut into it. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Sauce Selection: Don’t settle for just any marinara. Find a jarred sauce you truly enjoy or, even better, make your own from scratch! The sauce is the backbone of the dish, so its quality matters. I often add a pinch of sugar to my sauce to cut down on acidity.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This veggie lasagna is great for meal prepping because it stores and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to do it:
Refrigerator Storage: Let the lasagna cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual slices to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the lasagna. Cut it into individual slices and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat lasagna, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few minutes.
A Word of Caution: Be careful when reheating frozen lasagna, as it can sometimes become watery. To prevent this, add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to the baking dish before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for veggie lasagna. It’s a recipe I’ve tweaked and perfected over the years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with good-for-you ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids (or picky adults!) to eat their vegetables. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my recipes for baked ziti or stuffed shells. They’re all equally comforting and delicious. I really hope you give this veggie lasagna a try. Once you do, I’m confident it will become a regular on your dinner table, too. Happy baking, and please let me know how yours turns out! I’d love to hear about your own variations and additions.
Veggie lasagna
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup Sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup Zucchini diced
- 1 cup Bell pepper diced
- 28 ounce Crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 15 ounce Ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Egg lightly beaten
- 9 Lasagna noodles
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms, zucchini, and bell pepper and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with 3 lasagna noodles, 0.5 of the ricotta mixture, 0.33 of the mozzarella cheese, and 0.33 of the remaining tomato sauce. Repeat layers twice. Finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
