Award Winning Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe for Every Occasion

If you’re searching for a vegetarian lasagna recipe that will impress family, friends, and even the toughest critics, you’ve landed in the right place. This award-winning vegetarian lasagna combines layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, an assortment of fresh vegetables, and creamy cheeses to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more meatless meals to your repertoire, this lasagna promises satisfaction in every bite.

Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is easy to make ahead and reheats beautifully. The balance of hearty vegetables and luscious cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser, while the aromatic herbs elevate it to a restaurant-quality level.

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in nutritious veggies without compromising on taste. Ready to wow your taste buds?

Let’s dive into this deliciously layered masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian lasagna stands out for its vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and comforting textures. Unlike many lasagnas, this recipe is packed with a variety of vegetables that provide both nutrition and a satisfying bite.

It’s adaptable: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or use gluten-free noodles if needed. The homemade tomato sauce is rich but not overpowering, allowing the freshness of the veggies to shine through.

The cheese blend – a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan – adds creaminess and depth, making each layer irresistibly gooey.

Plus, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make it ahead, freeze it, or enjoy leftovers for days.

It’s truly a winner in every category.

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles – 12 sheets (regular or no-boil)
• Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
• Yellow onion – 1 large, finely chopped
• Garlic cloves – 4, minced
• Zucchini – 2 medium, diced
• Baby spinach – 4 cups fresh
• Mushrooms – 2 cups, sliced (button or cremini)
• Red bell pepper – 1 large, diced
• Carrot – 1 large, grated
• Crushed tomatoes – 28 oz can
• Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons
• Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
• Dried basil – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – 1 teaspoon, divided
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon, divided
• Red pepper flakes – ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a hint of heat)
• Ricotta cheese – 1 ½ cups
• Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups shredded, divided
• Parmesan cheese – ½ cup grated, divided
• Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Egg – 1 large (optional, for ricotta mixture binding)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling noodles
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Prepare the noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Make the vegetable sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables: Stir in zucchini, mushrooms, red bell pepper, and grated carrot. Cook for 7-8 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their moisture.
4. Simmer the sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add dried oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and egg if using. Mix until well blended and set aside.
6. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you assemble the lasagna.
7. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of vegetable tomato sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Lay 3-4 noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by one-third of the fresh spinach leaves, and then a generous layer of sauce.
8. Repeat the layers two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, spinach, sauce. For the final layer, top with noodles, remaining sauce, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
9. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent cheese from burning) and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Rest and serve: Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: To prevent watery lasagna, make sure to sauté your vegetables well to remove excess moisture before adding the tomatoes.

You can easily customize this lasagna by adding other vegetables such as eggplant, kale, or roasted butternut squash. For a vegan version, substitute ricotta and mozzarella with plant-based cheese alternatives and omit the egg.

Want to add more protein? Toss in cooked lentils or crumbled tempeh into the sauce.

For a creamier tomato sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk right before assembling.

Try using fresh herbs like basil and thyme for a more vibrant flavor. And don’t forget to check out our Lasagna Recipe Kosher for another fantastic twist on this classic dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or our Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe are excellent accompaniments for soaking up extra sauce.

For a refreshing beverage, try a chilled glass of sparkling water with lemon or a light red wine such as Pinot Noir. To finish off the meal, treat yourself to a sweet dessert like the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe for a comforting finale.

Conclusion

This award-winning vegetarian lasagna is a delicious celebration of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and creamy cheeses layered between tender pasta sheets. It’s a dish that satisfies both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.

With its adaptable nature, you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs, ensuring it becomes a staple in your recipe collection. The balance of flavors and textures makes each bite memorable, while the wholesome ingredients provide nourishment and comfort.

Don’t forget to explore other recipes like our Half Runner Beans Recipe or the delightful Goat Milk Ice Cream Recipe No Eggs to complement your culinary adventures. Happy cooking and buon appetito!

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