Lasagna is a timeless comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table. This beef and vegetable lasagna recipe combines hearty ground beef with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, creating layers of rich, savory flavors balanced by creamy cheese and tangy tomato sauce.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight meal or preparing a dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. The best part?
It’s easier than you think and offers plenty of room for customization to suit your taste.
Using fresh vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach not only adds a burst of color but also boosts the nutritional value of this classic dish. The combination of meat and veggies creates a wonderful harmony that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
Plus, you can prepare it in advance and bake it just before serving, making it an ideal recipe for busy households. Ready to dive into a delicious lasagna adventure?
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lasagna recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful meal with a wholesome twist. By incorporating fresh vegetables alongside the ground beef, it adds a nutritious boost without sacrificing the rich taste you expect from traditional lasagna.
The layers of melted cheese, savory tomato sauce, and tender pasta sheets create a mouthwatering texture that’s simply irresistible.
Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or use a different blend of cheeses.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that works great for meal prep, leftovers, or even freezing for later. Plus, making lasagna from scratch is deeply satisfying and lets you control every ingredient for a fresher, tastier outcome.
You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Ground beef | 1 lb (450g) |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
Carrot, diced | 1 medium |
Zucchini, diced | 1 medium |
Red bell pepper, diced | 1 medium |
Fresh spinach, chopped | 2 cups |
Tomato sauce | 24 oz (680g) |
Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Ricotta cheese | 1 ½ cups |
Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
Lasagna noodles, cooked | 12 sheets |
Fresh basil, chopped (optional) | 2 tbsp |
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Colander
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, laying them flat to prevent sticking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic, carrot, zucchini, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and chopped basil if using. Mix well.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat and vegetable sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 4 noodles on top, then spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add one-third of the sauce mixture over the ricotta, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layers two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, sauce, and cheeses, ending with a final layer of noodles topped with sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Tips & Variations
“For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers.”
If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the beef and increase the vegetables or try adding mushrooms for a meaty texture. For a lighter version, use part-skim cheeses and whole wheat noodles.
To save time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just be sure your sauce is a bit more saucy to help them cook properly in the oven.
Additionally, layering in some fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with other vegetables such as eggplant, mushrooms, or kale. And if you’re interested in other vegetable-packed dishes, check out our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious or this delightful Shrimp and Veggie Pasta Recipe for a Quick Healthy Meal for more inspiration.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 420 kcal |
Protein | 30 g |
Fat | 22 g |
Carbohydrates | 25 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sugar | 6 g |
Sodium | 680 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This beef and vegetable lasagna pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad for a classic touch. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls make excellent accompaniments, perfect for soaking up the savory sauce.
For a lighter side, try steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus with a squeeze of fresh lemon. If you’re entertaining, consider serving a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio, which complements the richness of the cheese and beef without overpowering the dish.
Looking for more delicious dinner ideas? Explore our collection of healthy and easy recipes like the Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals for effortless meal prep options.
Conclusion
This beef and vegetable lasagna recipe is a delicious way to combine classic comfort food with a healthy twist. The layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheeses come together to create a meal that’s satisfying and full of flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a dish for guests, this lasagna is sure to be a hit.
Its versatility means you can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking, making it a perfect recipe to have in your culinary repertoire. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to sneak in more vegetables without compromising on richness or taste.
We hope you enjoy making and eating this lasagna as much as we do!
For more inspiring recipes featuring hearty vegetables and comforting flavors, check out our Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Lasagna Recipe Beef and Vegetable
Description: A hearty lasagna layered with seasoned ground beef and mixed vegetables in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT1H
Total Time: PT1H30M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in carrots, zucchini, marinara sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper; simmer 10 minutes.
- In a baking dish, layer noodles, beef-vegetable sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.
- Repeat layers ending with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 30 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 35 g
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