Lasagna is a timeless comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. But what if you want to enjoy this classic without the heaviness of meat?
Enter the easy veggie lasagna recipe – a delightful, colorful, and wholesome meal packed with fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and layers of tender pasta. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prepping.
It’s straightforward enough for beginners yet flavorful enough to impress seasoned cooks. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in more vegetables without sacrificing taste.
Whether you’re a vegetarian, trying to eat more plant-forward meals, or just looking to add variety to your dinner table, this dish offers the best of all worlds – hearty, nutritious, and downright delicious.
Ready to discover the secret to a luscious, cheesy, and veggie-packed lasagna? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This veggie lasagna stands out because it combines simplicity with taste. Unlike traditional lasagnas that rely on meat sauces, this recipe uses a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and herbs, making each bite fresh and satisfying.
Easy to customize: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or cheese alternatives to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Minimal prep time: With pre-chopped veggies or frozen mixed vegetables, you can have dinner ready in under an hour.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy layers and rich tomato sauce.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine without feeling like you’re missing out.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Lasagna noodles | 12 sheets | Regular or no-boil |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing vegetables |
Onion | 1 medium | Chopped |
Garlic cloves | 3 cloves | Minced |
Zucchini | 1 medium | Diced |
Bell peppers | 2 (any color) | Diced |
Mushrooms | 1 cup | Sliced |
Spinach | 4 cups fresh | Roughly chopped |
Ricotta cheese | 1 ½ cups | Can substitute with vegan ricotta |
Mozzarella cheese | 2 cups shredded | Use vegan mozzarella for dairy-free |
Parmesan cheese | ½ cup grated | Optional |
Marinara sauce | 4 cups | Store-bought or homemade |
Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | Or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Equipment
- Large sauté pan or skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles (if using regular noodles)
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if grating fresh cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a towel to prevent sticking. Skip this step if using no-boil noodles.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften.
- Stir in spinach and Italian seasoning, cooking until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix the ricotta cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta with half of the shredded mozzarella and half the Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer noodles: Place 3-4 noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping.
- Add a third of the vegetable mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Spread a third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the veggies.
- Top with a cup of marinara sauce and sprinkle with a little shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat layers two more times, finishing with a top layer of noodles covered in sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Tips & Variations
For a creamier texture, add a layer of béchamel sauce or a dollop of cream cheese mixed with herbs.
Feel free to swap out veggies based on what’s in season or your personal preference. Eggplant, kale, or roasted butternut squash make excellent additions.
For a vegan version, use vegan cheese substitutes and skip the ricotta or try cashew-based ricotta alternatives.
If you’re short on time, prepare the vegetable sauté a day ahead and assemble the lasagna just before baking. Leftovers reheat beautifully and often taste even better the next day.
Want to explore more plant-based recipes? Check out this Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or try a flavorful Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor.
For a quick snack, the Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious is a must-try.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 18 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
Fat | 14 g |
Saturated Fat | 6 g |
Sodium | 550 mg |
Calcium | 350 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This veggie lasagna pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a crisp Caesar salad for some contrast. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also complements the meal perfectly, soaking up any extra sauce.
For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed or roasted green beans or asparagus. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with fresh lime elevates the dining experience.
Conclusion
There you have it – a delicious, easy veggie lasagna recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. This vibrant dish brings together wholesome vegetables, creamy cheeses, and flavorful marinara in layers of pure comfort.
It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal while keeping things light and nutritious.
Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or simply craving a cozy dinner, this lasagna will quickly become a favorite. Don’t forget to experiment with different veggies and cheeses based on your preferences.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore more plant-based delights on the blog, such as the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade or the Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves.
Happy cooking and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Veggie Lasagna
Description: A simple and delicious vegetable-packed lasagna perfect for weeknight dinners. Ready in under an hour with fresh ingredients and classic flavors.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach until soft.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer 3 noodles, half the ricotta, half the veggies, 1 cup marinara, and 1 cup mozzarella.
- Repeat layers, ending with noodles topped with remaining marinara and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 30 g
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