There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy lasagna, but when packed with fresh vegetables, it becomes a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Our best veggie lasagna recipe transforms simple ingredients like zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers into layers of deliciousness that even meat lovers will adore.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests at a potluck, this dish checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and wholesome goodness.
What sets this veggie lasagna apart is the balance of fresh produce with rich tomato sauce and creamy cheeses, creating a harmonious blend that’s both hearty and light. Plus, it’s easy to customize — swap or add your favorite vegetables or try different cheese blends.
Ready to dive into a luscious, veggie-packed lasagna that’s sure to become a household favorite?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This veggie lasagna recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s packed with a variety of colorful vegetables, making it not only healthy but visually appealing.
The combination of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini ribbons, fresh spinach, and red bell peppers delivers layers of flavor and nutrients.
Secondly, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer to make your own tomato sauce or use a store-bought option, or if you want to add vegan cheese alternatives, this recipe adapts well to your preferences.
It’s also perfect for meal prepping since it reheats beautifully, maintaining its texture and taste.
Finally, this recipe incorporates simple, fresh ingredients that come together in just the right way to create that classic lasagna experience without the heaviness of meat-based versions. For a creative twist on creamy pasta sauces, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Olive oil | 3 tablespoons | For sautéing vegetables |
Yellow onion | 1 medium, diced | |
Garlic cloves | 4 cloves, minced | |
Mushrooms | 10 oz, sliced | Cremini or button mushrooms |
Zucchini | 2 medium, sliced thinly | Use a mandoline or knife |
Red bell pepper | 1 large, diced | |
Fresh spinach | 5 cups, roughly chopped | |
Canned crushed tomatoes | 28 oz (1 can) | Or use fresh pureed tomatoes |
Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | For richness |
Dried Italian seasoning | 2 teaspoons | Or use fresh herbs if available |
Salt | To taste | |
Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground preferred |
Lasagna noodles | 12 sheets | Regular or no-boil noodles |
Ricotta cheese | 1 ½ cups | Or use vegan ricotta for dairy-free |
Mozzarella cheese | 2 cups shredded | Use part-skim or vegan mozzarella |
Parmesan cheese | ½ cup grated | Optional, for garnish |
Fresh basil leaves | ¼ cup chopped | For layering and garnish |
Equipment
- Large sauté pan or skillet
- Large pot for boiling noodles (if using regular noodles)
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Grater (for cheese)
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sauté mushrooms and peppers: Add sliced mushrooms and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened and mushrooms have released their moisture, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add zucchini and spinach: Stir in zucchini slices and chopped spinach. Cook until spinach wilts and zucchini is just tender, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and dried Italian seasoning. Stir to combine all ingredients and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, boil them in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.
- Mix ricotta filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the chopped fresh basil. Stir well to create a creamy filling.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of tomato-vegetable sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Layer 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the vegetable sauce. Sprinkle with a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers once more, finishing with a final layer of noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and remaining fresh basil.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step helps the layers set for cleaner servings.
Tips & Variations
Tip: To save time, you can prep the sauce and sautéed veggies a day ahead and refrigerate them. This intensifies the flavors and makes assembly quicker on cooking day.
Variation: For a vegan lasagna, substitute ricotta and mozzarella with plant-based cheeses and use a vegan béchamel sauce instead of ricotta. Our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes is a perfect guide.
Tip: Feel free to add other vegetables like eggplant, butternut squash, or kale to customize the nutrient profile and flavors.
For inspiration on incorporating diverse vegetables into your meals, consider exploring Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.
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 |
Vitamin A | 40% DV |
Vitamin C | 45% DV |
Calcium | 30% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This veggie lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or balsamic glaze. Roasted garlic bread or a simple bruschetta also complement the rich layers of cheese and vegetables perfectly.
For a lighter side, try steamed green beans or a bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating. If you want to add a touch of indulgence, a creamy avocado or cashew-based dip served alongside works wonders.
Conclusion
Our best veggie lasagna recipe is a delicious celebration of fresh vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese layers that come together for a classic Italian dish with a healthy twist. It’s perfect for vegetarians, flexitarians, and anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Plus, its versatility means you can easily adapt it to fit dietary preferences or seasonal vegetables.
Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this veggie lasagna is sure to delight and satisfy.
Looking for other delicious vegetarian dishes? Don’t miss our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet treat, or whip up some fresh loaves with our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Veggie Lasagna Recipe
Description: A delicious and hearty veggie lasagna packed with fresh vegetables and creamy cheese. Perfect for a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups zucchini, diced
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 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 onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and zucchini; cook until tender, then stir in spinach until wilted.
- Mix cooked vegetables with marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce mixture in a baking dish.
- Layer 3 noodles, half the ricotta, half the sauce mixture, and a third of the mozzarella.
- Repeat layers once more, then top with remaining noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 35 g
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