Lasagna is a timeless classic that never fails to bring comfort and joy to the dinner table. If you’re looking to enjoy a hearty, healthy, and flavorful meal without meat, the vegetable lasagna from BBC Food is an absolute winner.
Packed with layers of fresh vegetables, creamy béchamel sauce, and tender pasta sheets, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply want to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this recipe is both accessible and impressive.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this delicious vegetable lasagna, including why it’s such a crowd-pleaser, the ingredients and equipment required, step-by-step instructions, and some handy tips and variations to customize it to your liking.
Plus, I’ll share some nutritious benefits and tasty serving suggestions to make your meal complete. Ready to dive into this delightful dish?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable lasagna recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a rich and satisfying meal without meat. The layers of roasted and sautéed vegetables add a wonderful depth of flavor and nutrition, while the creamy sauce brings everything together in a luscious harmony.
It’s perfect for family meals, potlucks, or when you want to impress guests with a wholesome, homemade dish.
Another great aspect of this recipe is its flexibility—you can tailor the vegetables to whatever is in season or what you prefer. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in advance and bake later, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
If you love creamy pasta dishes, be sure to check out my Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to learn how to make a dairy-free version of the sauce used here.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Lasagna sheets (no-boil or fresh) | 12 sheets |
Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
Onion, finely chopped | 1 large |
Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
Carrots, diced | 2 medium |
Zucchini, diced | 1 medium |
Red bell pepper, diced | 1 large |
Mushrooms, sliced | 200g (7 oz) |
Spinach, fresh or frozen | 150g (5 oz) |
Chopped tomatoes (canned) | 400g (14 oz) |
Tomato purée | 2 tablespoons |
Vegetable stock | 200ml (¾ cup) |
Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Grated mozzarella cheese (optional, or vegan alternative) | 150g (5 oz) |
Parmesan cheese (optional, or vegan alternative) | 50g (1.75 oz) |
Béchamel sauce (prepared or homemade) | 500ml (2 cups) |
Equipment
- Large frying pan or sauté pan
- Medium saucepan (for béchamel sauce if homemade)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Grater (if grating cheese)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and diced vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, carrots, zucchini, red bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add spinach and tomatoes: Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted if fresh, or heated through if frozen. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, and vegetable stock. Season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce: Let the vegetable mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the liquid reduces and thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prepare the béchamel sauce: If using homemade, make your béchamel sauce now, or warm the prepared sauce. This creamy layer is essential for the rich texture of the lasagna. For a great vegan version, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) or gas mark 4.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the vegetable sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna sheets, then cover with more vegetable sauce, a layer of béchamel, and a sprinkle of grated mozzarella and Parmesan if using. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of béchamel and cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra flavor boost, try roasting your vegetables before layering. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars and adds a smoky depth to the dish.”
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s fresh or your personal preference. Eggplant, butternut squash, or even kale make wonderful additions.
For a vegan twist, use plant-based cheeses or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
If you’re short on time, consider making the vegetable sauce a day ahead—it keeps beautifully in the fridge and allows the flavors to deepen overnight. This is also a great recipe to freeze in portions for quick meals later.
Looking for more vegetable-packed meals? Explore our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for exciting ideas from around the world.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/6 of lasagna) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Fiber | 7 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
This vegetable lasagna is a nutrient-dense dish, providing a healthy mix of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins from the variety of vegetables. Using whole-wheat or gluten-free lasagna sheets can further enhance its nutritional profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your vegetable lasagna with a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
For a light wine pairing, try a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a splash of citrus complements the rich flavors beautifully.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or the comforting Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Conclusion
Vegetable lasagna is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a wholesome meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. This recipe combines the best of fresh vegetables, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta to create a dish that everyone will love, whether vegetarian or not.
It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for making ahead.
By layering vibrant veggies and rich sauces, you not only get wonderful flavors but also a nutrient-packed meal that supports healthy eating. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or cheeses to make it your own.
For more tasty vegetarian recipes, be sure to explore the wide range of options available on this site. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetable Lasagna
Description: A delicious and hearty vegetable lasagna packed with layers of roasted vegetables, tomato sauce, and creamy béchamel. Perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal.
Prep Time: PT25M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT70M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna sheets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 courgette, sliced
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 500ml béchamel sauce
- 150g grated mozzarella
- 50g grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add bell pepper, courgette, and mushrooms; cook until tender.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato vegetable sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer lasagna sheets over the sauce, then add more sauce and béchamel.
- Repeat layering until ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 35 g
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