Lasagna is a beloved classic Italian dish that warms hearts and fills stomachs, and the Betty Crocker Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe brings this timeless comfort food to the table without any meat. Whether you’re a vegetarian, looking to reduce your meat intake, or simply craving a wholesome meal packed with fresh vegetables and rich cheeses, this recipe is perfect for you.
Layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory tomato sauce, sautéed vegetables, and creamy cheese create a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight family and friends alike. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Dive into this delicious vegetarian lasagna that perfectly balances taste and nutrition, warming you from the inside out!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian lasagna recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the hearty, satisfying taste of traditional lasagna without any meat. It’s loaded with fresh vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach, which bring vibrant colors and healthful nutrients to every bite.
The use of classic Italian herbs and spices enhances the overall flavor, while ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses add a creamy, melty texture that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap or add vegetables based on what you have in your kitchen. The recipe is straightforward, uses readily available ingredients, and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just trying out meatless meals, this lasagna will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce or your favorite tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a sheet of parchment or foil to prevent sticking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Toss in the mushrooms and zucchini, sauté for about 6-7 minutes until tender and slightly golden. Stir occasionally.
- Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season the vegetable mixture with dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Begin assembling the lasagna: Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then add half of the sautéed vegetable mixture on top.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the vegetables.
- Repeat the layers: Add another 3 noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, the rest of the vegetables, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the final 3 noodles and pour the remaining marinara sauce over them.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top to finish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil, tenting it slightly so the cheese doesn’t stick to it.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
For best results, use fresh vegetables and avoid overcooking them in the skillet to keep a nice texture.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free noodles or thinly sliced zucchini strips for a low-carb option.
- Extra veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, eggplant, or kale to the vegetable mix for more flavor and nutrients.
- Vegan twist: Replace ricotta with tofu ricotta or cashew cheese, and use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives.
- Make ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a little heat.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/8 of lasagna) |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 18 g |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Fat | 14 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sodium | 600 mg |
Calcium | 350 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian lasagna pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or a light lemon-herb dressing. Garlic bread or warm focaccia are excellent choices to soak up the flavorful marinara sauce.
For a refreshing finish, try a light dessert such as a fruit sorbet or a slice of Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream for a sweet contrast.
To complement the Italian flavors, serve with a glass of chilled sparkling water with a twist of lemon or your favorite Italian red wine.
Conclusion
The Betty Crocker Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthy, meatless twist. Its layers of tender noodles, fresh vegetables, creamy cheeses, and robust tomato sauce come together to create a comfort food masterpiece that satisfies both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners with friends, or special occasions where you want to impress without too much fuss.
With its easy-to-follow instructions and adaptable ingredients, this lasagna is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. For more delicious dishes that pair well with this vegetarian lasagna, check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or indulge in a decadent treat like the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.
Happy cooking and buon appetito!
📖 Recipe Card: Betty Crocker Vegetarian Lasagna
Description: A hearty and delicious vegetarian lasagna packed with vegetables and rich cheese layers. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT65M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups chopped zucchini
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add mushrooms and zucchini; cook until tender.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and spinach.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer noodles, vegetable mixture, ricotta mix, marinara, and mozzarella; repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 20 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 35 g
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