Veggie Lasagna Recipe

Heavenly Veggie Lasagna Recipe: Layers of Garden-Fresh Goodness

Layers of vibrant veggie lasagna dance with colorful nutrients and rich Mediterranean flavors.

Crisp vegetables nestle between silky pasta sheets waiting to surprise you.

Comfort meets nutrition in this remarkable Italian-inspired masterpiece.

Seasonal produce becomes the star of a wholesome meal that promises satisfaction.

Delicate herbs and creamy cheese create a harmonious blend of textures.

Each forkful delivers a delightful experience that connects you with fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Fresh from the oven, this veggie lasagna will make you the culinary hero of your next gathering.

Veggie Lasagna That’s Packed And Satisfying

  • Customize with Colorful Vegetables: Pack this lasagna with a rainbow of bell peppers, zucchini, squash, and mushrooms, creating a nutritious and visually stunning dish that makes eating vegetables exciting and delicious.
  • Prep-Ahead Perfection: Prepare the vegetable sauce and cheese filling in advance, allowing busy home cooks to assemble and bake the lasagna quickly during hectic weeknights, saving time and reducing stress.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a hearty, satisfying meal that appeals to both vegetable lovers and those who typically avoid plant-based dishes, making it an ideal option for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
  • Simple Layering Technique: Follow an easy, foolproof assembly method that ensures each bite contains a perfect balance of tender noodles, rich cheese, and flavorful vegetable sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience for everyone.

Classic Veggie Lasagna Ingredients

Primary Vegetables:
  • Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base for the vegetable filling.
  • Bell Peppers: Adds color and crisp texture to the lasagna.
  • Zucchini: Brings moisture and mild flavor to the vegetable mix.
  • Yellow Squash: Offers additional vegetable depth and nutrition.
  • Mushrooms: Contributes earthy flavor and meaty texture.
Herb and Seasoning Blend:
  • Oregano: Offers classic Italian herb flavor.
  • Basil: Provides fresh, aromatic Mediterranean herb note.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
Cheese Components:
  • Ricotta Cheese: Creates creamy, smooth filling base.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty cheese flavor.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers classic stretchy, melting texture.
Liquid and Sauce Base:
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Provides rich, tangy sauce foundation.
  • Tomato Sauce: Enhances sauce depth and consistency.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and add subtle flavor.
Additional Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Help bind and stabilize cheese mixture.
  • Parsley: Adds fresh herbal garnish and color accent.
Pasta Component:
  • Lasagna Noodles: Serves as structural layer for the dish.

How to Make Veggie Lasagna

Step 1: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add and cook until softened:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic
Toss in a medley of fresh vegetables and cook until they’re tender-crisp:
  • Bell peppers
  • Zucchini
  • Yellow squash
  • Mushrooms
Stir in tomato goodness and herbs for an explosion of flavor:
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Oregano
  • Basil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavors for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine and blend smoothly:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley
  • Eggs
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Mix until everything is perfectly incorporated.

Step 3: Layer Your Lasagna Masterpiece

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Create delicious layers in a baking dish:
  • Spread a thin vegetable sauce layer on the bottom
  • Place lasagna noodles slightly overlapping
  • Add half the ricotta mixture
  • Sprinkle one-third of mozzarella
  • Repeat layering with remaining ingredients
  • Top with final layer of noodles, sauce, and mozzarella

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the lasagna rest 10-15 minutes to set.

This helps create clean, beautiful slices.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve up your veggie lasagna triumph!

Veggie Lasagna Assembly Advice

  • Roast vegetables before adding to sauce to intensify their natural sweetness and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
  • Drain excess moisture from zucchini and squash by salting and letting them sit for 10 minutes, then patting dry with paper towels to ensure a firmer texture.
  • Experiment with adding fresh herbs like thyme or adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta blend for an unexpected, rich flavor enhancement.
  • Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld. Bring to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
  • Substitute regular noodles with gluten-free alternatives or use zucchini slices as low-carb noodle replacements for a lighter version.

Veggie Lasagna Stored in Layers Ready to Heat

  • Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving its delicious flavors and texture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover lasagna with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated thoroughly, ensuring cheese melts and edges become crispy.
  • Cut desired portion and place on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving to ensure it's steaming hot throughout.

Light Matches For Veggie Lasagna

  • Create a Wine Harmony: Pair this veggie lasagna with a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti Classico, which cuts through the rich cheese and complements the tomato sauce's acidity.
  • Match Herbal Green Notes: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that echoes the fresh parsley and herb flavors in the lasagna, providing a light, refreshing counterpoint to the dish's hearty texture.
  • Elevate with Sparkling Contrast: Choose a dry prosecco to cleanse the palate between bites, its bubbles cutting through the creamy cheese and providing a bright, celebratory touch to the meal.
  • Craft a Craft Beer Experience: Select a Belgian-style wheat beer or a hoppy pale ale that balances the vegetable's earthiness and provides a subtle citrus undertone to complement the tomato sauce.

Veggie Lasagna Layer Variants

  • Gluten-Free Veggie Lasagna: Replace traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternative noodles made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Veggie Lasagna: Substitute ricotta with tofu or cashew cheese. Replace mozzarella and Parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives. Use nutritional yeast for additional cheesy flavor.
  • Low-Carb Veggie Lasagna: Swap pasta layers with thin-sliced zucchini or eggplant strips. Reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining rich vegetable and cheese flavors.
  • Protein-Packed Veggie Lasagna: Add cooked lentils or crumbled plant-based protein to vegetable sauce. Incorporate additional protein-rich ingredients like tofu or chickpeas for enhanced nutritional value.

FAQs

  • Can I use different vegetables in this lasagna?

Yes, you can customize the vegetable filling based on your preferences or what’s available. Some great alternatives include spinach, eggplant, carrots, or kale. Just make sure to chop them to similar sizes for even cooking.

  • Is it possible to make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

  • Can I make this lasagna vegetarian or vegan?

The recipe is already vegetarian. For a vegan version, replace ricotta with tofu, use vegan mozzarella, and substitute eggs with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer.

  • How can I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

To avoid excess moisture, make sure to cook vegetables until they release their water and drain any excess liquid. Also, don’t overload the lasagna with sauce, and let it rest after baking to help it set.

Print
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Veggie Lasagna Recipe

Veggie Lasagna Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mediterranean veggie lasagna celebrates layers of roasted zucchini, eggplant, and spinach nestled between creamy ricotta and marinara sauce. Herb-infused pasta sheets and melted mozzarella create a comforting Italian-inspired dish you’ll savor with every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 yellow squash, chopped
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Base:

  • 1 (28 ounces / 794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese and Additional Ingredients:

  • 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil recommended)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Craft a robust vegetable medley by sautéing onions in olive oil until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic flavors.
  2. Incorporate bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, and mushrooms into the skillet, allowing vegetables to become tender-crisp while developing complex flavor profiles.
  3. Enhance the vegetable mixture with crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a harmonious blend of oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat, stirring periodically to allow ingredients to meld and intensify.
  4. While sauce develops, prepare the creamy cheese mixture by combining ricotta, Parmesan, chopped parsley, eggs, and seasonings in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375°F and select a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a foundation layer of vegetable sauce to prevent noodle sticking.
  6. Strategically layer lasagna noodles across the sauce, ensuring slight overlap for complete coverage, then distribute half the ricotta blend evenly.
  7. Sprinkle a generous portion of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer, repeating the noodle, sauce, cheese sequence until all ingredients are utilized.
  8. Seal the lasagna with aluminum foil, baking for 30 minutes to allow flavors to marry and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
  9. Uncover the dish, continue baking until cheese becomes golden and bubbly, creating an enticing crisp texture.
  10. Allow the lasagna to rest 10-15 minutes post-baking, enabling it to set and making serving more manageable. Garnish with fresh parsley before presenting.

Notes

  • Enhance vegetable flavor by roasting bell peppers, zucchini, and squash before adding to sauce for deeper, caramelized taste profile.
  • Swap traditional lasagna noodles with zucchini ribbons or gluten-free alternatives to create low-carb and celiac-friendly version.
  • Control moisture by draining excess liquid from ricotta cheese and vegetables to prevent watery lasagna texture.
  • Boost protein content by incorporating plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils into vegetable filling for more nutritional density.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 560 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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