Looking for a delicious and wholesome vegetarian meal that will satisfy your comfort food cravings? This broccoli vegetarian lasagna recipe is the perfect dish to add to your repertoire.
Layers of tender lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta cheese, vibrant steamed broccoli, and a rich tomato sauce come together to create a hearty meal that even meat lovers will adore. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a cozy night in, this lasagna is both nourishing and flavorful.
What sets this recipe apart is its balance of textures and fresh ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to traditional meat lasagna without sacrificing any of the indulgent satisfaction. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
This is the kind of recipe that warms your soul and leaves your kitchen smelling incredible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This broccoli vegetarian lasagna is a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. Here’s why it’s special:
- Nutritious & hearty: Packed with fiber-rich broccoli and protein from cheese, it’s a balanced vegetarian option.
- Comforting flavors: The combination of creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and tangy tomato sauce creates that classic lasagna appeal.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when needed, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Vegetarian & adaptable: Easily customize with your favorite veggies or swap cheeses to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling noodles and steaming broccoli
- Skillet or saucepan for sautéing
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
- Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until just tender, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the lasagna noodles: Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a sheet of parchment or foil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
- Mix ricotta filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan, dried oregano, sautéed onions and garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while you assemble.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top.
- Add ricotta mixture: Spread about one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Layer broccoli & mozzarella: Scatter one-third of the steamed broccoli on top of the ricotta, then sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella.
- Add marinara sauce: Spoon 3/4 cup of marinara sauce over the cheese and broccoli layer.
- Repeat layers: Repeat noodles, ricotta mixture, broccoli, mozzarella, and marinara sauce two more times, finishing with a final layer of noodles topped with sauce, mozzarella, and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest before serving: Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Tips & Variations
For a creamier texture, add a layer of béchamel sauce between the layers or mix some shredded mozzarella into the ricotta filling.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based ricotta and mozzarella alternatives and check your marinara sauce for vegan compliance.
- Add more veggies: Incorporate sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for an extra nutrient boost.
- Gluten-free option: Swap lasagna noodles for gluten-free varieties or use thinly sliced eggplant or zucchini as noodle substitutes.
- Use no-boil noodles: Save time by using no-boil lasagna noodles, but adjust sauce quantity to keep layers moist.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Calcium | 350 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This broccoli vegetarian lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or balsamic glaze. For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic bread or roasted vegetables like carrots and bell peppers.
If you love pairing flavors, try serving it with a simple Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula as a side dish, or finish with a sweet treat like the Kentucky Bourbon Carrot Cake for dessert.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this broccoli vegetarian lasagna recipe is a fantastic choice. Its rich layers, wholesome ingredients, and comforting flavors make it a satisfying centerpiece for any dinner table.
Plus, it’s flexible enough to adapt to your favorite veggies or dietary preferences.
Easy to prepare and perfect for leftovers, this lasagna is sure to become a beloved staple in your home cooking. For more delicious recipes that can complement your vegetarian meals, check out our Horse Cough Syrup Recipe and Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe.
Happy cooking and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Broccoli Vegetarian Lasagna
Description: A delicious and healthy vegetarian lasagna packed with tender broccoli and creamy cheese layers. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT65M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add steamed broccoli, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook for 3 minutes.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer 3 noodles, half the broccoli mixture, half the ricotta, and mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers once more, then top with remaining noodles, sauce, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 30 g
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