Beef and Veg Lasagna Recipe for Easy Family Dinners

Lasagna is a timeless Italian classic that brings comfort and joy to any dinner table. Combining layers of rich, savory beef, fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and tender pasta sheets, this beef and veg lasagna recipe is perfect for family meals or special occasions.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies without sacrificing taste.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through each step to create a hearty, delicious lasagna that’s packed with wholesome ingredients. Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of simmering tomato sauce and melted cheese!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef and veg lasagna delivers a perfect harmony of rich meatiness and fresh vegetable goodness. It’s versatile, easy to prepare ahead of time, and freezes beautifully for future meals.

The layers of tender pasta sheets interspersed with a savory beef and vegetable sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese create an indulgent yet balanced dish.

Unlike many traditional lasagnas, this version incorporates a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach, adding nutrients and vibrant color. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort food to a new level of deliciousness.

Plus, if you love recipes that marry wholesome ingredients with bold flavors, you’re going to return to this one time and time again.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Medium saucepan
• Large pot for boiling noodles
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dice the zucchini and red bell pepper. Chop the spinach and finely chop the onion and garlic.
2. Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a bowl.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the zucchini and bell pepper, cook for another 5 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Make the sauce: Return the browned beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Cook the noodles: While the sauce simmers, boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
6. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat and vegetable sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top. Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese over the noodles, then add a layer of sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
8. Bake the lasagna: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers to set and makes serving easier.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken.

If you want to add more veggies, mushrooms, carrots, or eggplant work beautifully in this dish.

Try using no-boil lasagna noodles to save time on prep.

For a vegetarian twist, omit the beef and increase the quantity of vegetables, or add lentils for extra protein. You can also experiment with different cheeses like fontina or provolone for a creamier texture.

Adding fresh herbs such as basil or parsley on top before serving gives a fresh burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This beef and veg lasagna pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or steamed green beans.

To complement the Italian flavors, a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Merlot enhances the richness of the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon is refreshing and palate-cleansing.

Looking for more hearty dishes? Check out this Meatballs And Alfredo Sauce Recipe or a flavorful Jamaican Recipes With Ground Beef for some spicy inspiration.

And if you want a great bread to serve alongside, try the Marzipan Challah Recipe for a slightly sweet, soft bread perfect with meals.

Conclusion

This beef and veg lasagna recipe is the perfect balance of comfort, nutrition, and flavor. It’s an ideal meal to bring family and friends together, impress guests, or simply enjoy a delicious dinner after a busy day.

The combination of savory beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese layers creates a dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

With easy-to-follow steps and flexible options for customization, you can make this recipe your own. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight, lasagna never fails to deliver warmth and happiness to the table.

So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy one of the best homemade lasagnas you’ve ever tasted!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Beef and Veg Lasagna”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty lasagna layered with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT30M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H15M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb ground beef”, “1 medium onion, chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 medium zucchini, diced”, “1 cup mushrooms, sliced”, “1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes”, “1 can (6 oz) tomato paste”, “9 lasagna noodles, cooked”, “2 cups ricotta cheese”, “2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese”, “1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “2 tbsp olive oil”, “1 tsp dried oregano”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan, saut\u00e9 onion and garlic until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ground beef and cook until browned.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in zucchini, mushrooms, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Layer 3 noodles over sauce, then ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella; repeat layers twice.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove foil and bake 15 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let stand 10 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “450 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “35 g”, “fatContent”: “20 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “30 g”}}