If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s packed with flavor and loaded with healthy vegetables, the BBC Good Food vegetable lasagne is a must-try. Lasagne has long been celebrated for its layers of rich sauce, tender pasta, and creamy cheese, but this vegetarian version brings a fresh and vibrant twist to the classic.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or seeking a satisfying meatless Monday dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
What sets this lasagne apart is its combination of roasted vegetables, velvety béchamel, and just the right touch of Italian herbs. Not only is it a feast for the eyes with its rainbow of colors, but it’s also a nourishing meal that works beautifully for vegetarians and even meat-eaters looking to lighten things up.
Let’s dive into how to make this show-stopping dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of Flavor: The roasted vegetables, aromatic herbs, and creamy sauces create layers of deliciousness in every bite.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Perfect for a main meal, this lasagne is filling enough to please even the hungriest guests.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or cheese, or make it vegan-friendly using plant-based alternatives.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day. Great for leftovers!
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the cheesy, saucy goodness of this vegetable lasagne.
- Nutritious: Packed with a variety of vegetables, it’s a wholesome way to enjoy more plant-based meals.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
Red onion (sliced) | 1 large |
Red pepper (deseeded, cut into chunks) | 1 large |
Yellow pepper (deseeded, cut into chunks) | 1 large |
Courgette/Zucchini (sliced) | 2 medium |
Aubergine/Eggplant (cut into chunks) | 1 medium |
Garlic cloves (crushed) | 3 |
Chopped tomatoes (canned) | 2 x 400g cans |
Tomato purée | 2 tbsp |
Dried oregano | 2 tsp |
Dried basil | 1 tsp |
Spinach (fresh or frozen) | 200g |
Lasagne sheets (dried or fresh) | 9–12 |
Ricotta cheese | 250g |
Milk | 400ml |
Butter | 40g |
Plain flour | 40g |
Grated mozzarella | 125g |
Grated parmesan | 50g |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Equipment
- Large roasting tray
- Large saucepan
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Ovenproof lasagne dish (about 22 x 30cm)
- Aluminum foil
- Grater
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6 (400°F). Place the red onion, peppers, courgette, and aubergine on a large roasting tray. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast for 25-30 minutes until softened and lightly browned, stirring halfway through.
- While the vegetables roast, make the tomato sauce. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, oregano, and basil. Bring to a simmer, season, and cook gently for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Add the spinach to the tomato sauce and stir until wilted (or heated through, if using frozen). Remove from heat.
- Prepare the béchamel sauce: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook gently for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, and then whisk in the ricotta cheese until smooth.
- Assemble the lasagne: Spread a spoonful of tomato sauce on the bottom of your ovenproof dish. Layer with lasagne sheets, then half the roasted vegetables, followed by a layer of béchamel. Repeat with more lasagne sheets, the remaining vegetables, and more sauce. Finish with a final layer of lasagne sheets, the last of the béchamel, and top with mozzarella and parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
- Let the lasagne rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra basil or oregano if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Make it vegan: Swap out ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan for your favorite dairy-free versions, and use plant-based milk and butter in the béchamel. Or try this Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
- Switch up the veggies: Substitute or add mushrooms, butternut squash, or sweet potato for a different twist.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free lasagne sheets and flour in the béchamel.
- Prep ahead: Assemble the lasagne up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Extra protein: Add a layer of cooked lentils or white beans to boost protein content.
- Freezing: Lasagne freezes beautifully. Cool completely, portion, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
“Lasagne is the perfect dish to make ahead for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!”
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (1/6th) | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 410 |
Protein | 19g |
Fat | 18g |
Saturated Fat | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 41g |
Fiber | 7g |
Sugars | 12g |
Sodium | 730mg |
Calcium | 32% RDI |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with garlic bread or Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for a heartier meal.
- Add a side of roasted seasonal vegetables or steamed green beans for extra nutrition.
- Top with a sprinkle of fresh basil or arugula just before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
- Finish the meal with a light dessert such as Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet treat.
Conclusion
Vegetable lasagne is a celebration of wholesome, comforting, and vibrant flavors. This BBC Good Food-inspired recipe brings together layers of silky béchamel, tangy tomato sauce, and a rainbow of roasted vegetables in a way that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
It’s a dish that truly satisfies, whether you’re serving vegetarians or meat-lovers, and it adapts easily for dairy-free or gluten-free diets.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different veggies or flavors to make it your own. Make a big batch for Sunday dinner and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, or freeze portions for a quick, homemade meal anytime.
For more inspiration on plant-based cooking, check out our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or explore Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals. Happy cooking, and buon appetito!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetable Lasagne
Description: A hearty and delicious vegetable lasagne packed with layers of roasted vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT1H
Total Time: PT1H30M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 courgette, diced
- 1 aubergine, diced
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 250g ricotta cheese
- 200g fresh spinach
- 9 lasagne sheets
- 75g grated mozzarella
- 40g grated parmesan
Instructions
- Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
- Heat olive oil in a pan, add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
- Add red pepper, courgette, and aubergine; cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, and oregano; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Wilt spinach in a pan, then mix with ricotta cheese.
- Spread a layer of vegetable sauce in a baking dish.
- Top with lasagne sheets, then a layer of spinach-ricotta mix.
- Repeat layers, finishing with vegetables and cheeses on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan over the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 370 kcal | Protein: 17g | Fat: 16g | Carbs: 39g
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