Beef and Veggie Lasagna Recipe for Easy Family Dinners

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, and when you combine hearty beef with fresh vegetables, it transforms into a wholesome, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this beef and veggie lasagna recipe promises layers of rich flavors, creamy cheese, and a delightful medley of textures.

The blend of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and gooey melted cheese nestled between sheets of pasta makes every bite a delicious experience.

This recipe is not only flavorful but also versatile, allowing you to incorporate your favorite veggies and tweak the seasoning to your liking. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrition without compromising on taste.

Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully, making your weeknight dinners easier and more enjoyable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef and veggie lasagna recipe stands out because it balances indulgence with nutrition. The combination of lean ground beef and a variety of garden-fresh vegetables creates a hearty and well-rounded dish.

Each layer is packed with flavor thanks to a robust tomato sauce infused with herbs and spices.

Another highlight is the creamy cheese mixture made from ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, which adds a luscious texture that ties everything together. Plus, this lasagna is perfect for making ahead and freezing, so you can enjoy homemade comfort food anytime.

If you’re looking to explore more vegetable-packed recipes, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for tasty inspiration!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 28 oz (800g) canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 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
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add vegetables: Stir in the diced zucchini, mushrooms, red bell pepper, and spinach. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Make the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes to develop the flavors.
5. Cook the noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
6. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and set aside.
7. Assemble the lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the baking dish with olive oil. Spread a thin layer of the meat and veggie sauce on the bottom. Layer 3 noodles over the sauce, then spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, followed by 1/3 of the sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan on top.
8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes to set before slicing. This helps the layers hold together for perfect servings.

Tips & Variations

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

Try adding other vegetables like eggplant or carrots for extra color and flavor.

Make it vegetarian: Omit the beef and add more vegetables or a plant-based meat substitute. For more vegetarian ideas, check out our Amazing Vegetarian Lasagna Recipes for Every Occasion.

If you prefer no-boil noodles, adjust the sauce to be a bit more watery to ensure the noodles cook properly in the oven.

Freezing tip: Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This beef and veggie lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.

For a refreshing contrast, a chilled glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon works well. To keep things light, steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans complement the richness of the lasagna perfectly.

Conclusion

This beef and veggie lasagna recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that delivers hearty flavors and wholesome nutrition in every bite. Its delicious layers of seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese make it an ideal meal for family dinners, special occasions, or batch cooking for busy weeks.

The recipe’s flexibility means you can customize it to suit your preferences, whether by adding different vegetables, swapping meats, or making a vegetarian version. Plus, its make-ahead and freezing options make it a practical choice for home cooks seeking comfort food without the fuss.

We hope you enjoy making and sharing this lasagna as much as we do. For more delicious ideas to complement your cooking, explore our collection of Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals and the Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals.

Happy cooking!

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