If you’re searching for a hearty, crowd-pleasing, and utterly delicious vegetarian dish that even the most devoted meat-lovers will swoon over, look no further than the BBC Good Food Veggie Lasagna recipe.
This comforting classic gets a plant-based makeover, bursting with vibrant layers of roasted vegetables, creamy béchamel sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a nourishing meal, this veggie lasagna is guaranteed to satisfy.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can customize the vegetable medley based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge.
It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your five-a-day in the most flavorful way possible! Plus, it’s a wonderful introduction to vegetarian cooking for anyone looking to reduce their meat intake or explore new culinary horizons.
Let’s dive into why this lasagna deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: Roasted vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and creamy béchamel come together for a symphony of taste in every bite.
- Family-Friendly: This lasagna is a proven hit with kids and adults alike—no one misses the meat!
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble it in advance for easy weeknight dinners or freeze portions for a future treat.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or add plant-based cheese for a vegan twist.
- Nutritious & Hearty: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein, it keeps you full and energized.
- Perfect for Entertaining: It’s an impressive dish to bring to potlucks or serve at gatherings.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
Red onion (finely chopped) | 1 large |
Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 |
Carrots (diced) | 2 medium |
Red bell pepper (chopped) | 1 |
Yellow bell pepper (chopped) | 1 |
Courgettes (zucchini, diced) | 2 small |
Aubergine (eggplant, diced) | 1 medium |
Chopped tomatoes (canned) | 2 x 400g cans |
Tomato purée | 2 tbsp |
Dried oregano | 1½ tsp |
Dried basil | 1 tsp |
Spinach (fresh or frozen, chopped) | 200g |
Lasagna sheets (fresh or dried) | 250g |
Ricotta cheese | 250g |
Mozzarella cheese (grated or torn) | 125g |
Parmesan cheese (grated, optional) | 50g |
Milk (for béchamel sauce) | 500ml |
Butter | 50g |
Plain flour | 50g |
Nutmeg (freshly grated) | ¼ tsp |
Salt & black pepper | To taste |
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chopping board and sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Deep ovenproof baking dish (about 30cm x 20cm)
- Medium whisk
- Small saucepan (for béchamel)
- Grater (for cheese and nutmeg)
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic, carrots, red and yellow peppers, courgettes, and aubergine. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring regularly, until the vegetables are soft and beginning to caramelize.
-
Add Tomatoes & Simmer:
Pour in the chopped tomatoes and tomato purée. Sprinkle with dried oregano and basil.
Season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are tender.
-
Stir in Spinach:
Add the spinach to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted (if using fresh) or heated through (if using frozen). Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary.
Remove from heat.
-
Make the Béchamel Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Tip: For a vegan béchamel, use plant-based butter and unsweetened soy or oat milk. Or try this Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes!
-
Assemble the Lasagna:
Lightly grease your baking dish and spread a thin layer of vegetable sauce on the bottom. Layer some lasagna sheets on top, followed by more vegetable sauce, a few dollops of ricotta cheese, a drizzle of béchamel sauce, and a scattering of mozzarella.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese (if using).
-
Bake:
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6 for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 15-20 minutes more until the top is golden and bubbling.
-
Rest and Serve:
Let the lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Make It Vegan: Use a vegan béchamel (try this recipe), plant-based ricotta, and vegan mozzarella.
- Gluten-Free Option: Opt for gluten-free lasagna sheets and all-purpose gluten-free flour for the béchamel.
- Mix Up the Veggies: Try adding mushrooms, butternut squash, or even roasted broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. Bake just before serving.
- Leftovers: Lasagna tastes even better the next day! Store in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze portions for up to three months.
-
“Don’t skip the resting time after baking. It makes slicing clean portions so much easier!”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 of lasagna) |
---|---|
Calories | 360 kcal |
Protein | 15g |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Fiber | 7g |
Sugars | 10g |
Fat | 13g |
Saturated Fat | 6g |
Sodium | 530mg |
Calcium | 320mg |
Note: Nutrition facts will vary depending on specific brands and ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon juice and olive oil for a refreshing contrast.
- Homemade Garlic Bread: Mop up all that delicious sauce with warm, crusty garlic bread.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside extra roasted veggies for a color-packed plate.
- Soup Starter: Begin your meal with a light vegetable soup, like this Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
- Sweet Finish: End with a simple dessert such as this Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Conclusion
There’s a reason why the BBC Good Food Veggie Lasagna recipe remains a staple in so many kitchens. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table, offering comfort, nutrition, and flavor in every layer.
Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your week, this lasagna is sure to become a new favorite.
What I love most about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily swap out vegetables for what’s in season or adjust the cheeses to suit your taste.
Plus, with make-ahead and freezing options, it’s a lifesaver for busy families and meal preppers. For more vibrant vegetarian inspiration, be sure to check out these Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or explore the world of vegan pasta with a rich Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Veggie Lasagna
Description: A hearty and delicious vegetarian lasagna packed with roasted vegetables and creamy cheese sauce. 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 aubergine, diced
- 2 courgettes, sliced
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
- 300g fresh spinach
- 9 dried lasagna sheets
- 250g ricotta cheese
- 125g mozzarella, sliced
- 50g grated parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and fry aubergine, courgettes, and red pepper until soft.
- Add onion and garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Spread a little sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer lasagna sheets, vegetable sauce, and ricotta; repeat layers.
- Finish with mozzarella and parmesan on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 17 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 38 g
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