Lasagne is a beloved classic that warms the heart and fills the belly. But what if you want to enjoy this comforting dish without the meat?
Enter the vegetable lasagne recipe — a vibrant, wholesome, and delicious twist on the traditional favorite. Packed with layers of fresh, colorful veggies, rich tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta sheets, this dish is perfect for vegetarians, vegans (with a few tweaks), or anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their repertoire.
This recipe balances textures and flavors beautifully, from the sweetness of roasted bell peppers and zucchini to the earthiness of mushrooms and spinach. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that can be made ahead for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Plus, it’s a great way to get kids excited about eating their greens! Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s as nourishing as it is comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable lasagne recipe is more than just a meatless alternative — it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce layered with care and flavor. Here’s why it stands out:
- Hearty and satisfying: The combination of vegetables and cheese makes it filling without feeling heavy.
- Customizable: You can swap in your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand.
- Perfectly balanced flavors: A rich tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and savory cheese create layers of depth.
- Great for meal prep: It reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day.
- Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Lasagne sheets: 12 sheets (fresh or dried)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced
- Red bell pepper: 1 large, diced
- Zucchini: 1 medium, sliced
- Mushrooms: 200g, sliced
- Spinach: 150g fresh leaves
- Carrot: 1 large, grated
- Crushed tomatoes: 400g can
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh basil: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Ricotta cheese: 250g (or vegan ricotta alternative)
- Mozzarella cheese: 200g shredded (or vegan cheese)
- Parmesan cheese: 50g grated (optional)
- Milk: 500ml (dairy or plant-based)
- Butter: 3 tablespoons (or vegan margarine)
- All-purpose flour: 3 tablespoons
- Nutmeg: a pinch
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13 inch lasagne dish (or similar size)
- Grater
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and chopping board
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetable sauce: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced red bell pepper, sliced zucchini, and mushrooms: Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften. Add the grated carrot and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and fresh basil: Stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the béchamel sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Add a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease the lasagne dish with olive oil or butter.
- Assemble the lasagne: Start with a thin layer of the vegetable tomato sauce at the bottom of the dish. Place a layer of lasagne sheets over it, followed by a spread of ricotta cheese, then a layer of béchamel sauce. Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella on top.
- Repeat the layering process: Add another layer of vegetable sauce, lasagne sheets, ricotta, béchamel, and mozzarella. Continue until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous sprinkling of mozzarella and optional parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the lasagne dish with foil: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagne rest for 10 minutes before serving: This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra burst of flavor, roast your vegetables before adding them to the sauce — it intensifies their sweetness and adds a lovely smoky touch.”
- Make it vegan: Use vegan ricotta and mozzarella substitutes, and plant-based milk and butter for the béchamel sauce. For a creamy béchamel, try our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
- Add different veggies: Try eggplant, kale, or butternut squash for variety and seasonal flair.
- Spice it up: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika to the sauce for a little heat.
- Use no-boil lasagne sheets: This saves prep time and works well with this saucy recipe.
- Make ahead: Prepare the lasagne up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving (1/8th of lasagne) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sugar | 8 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable lasagne pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, such as mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette or arugula with shaved fennel and orange segments. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside garlic bread or roasted potatoes.
To keep the meal balanced, consider a light soup starter like our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating. For dessert, try something sweet yet wholesome like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Conclusion
Vegetable lasagne is a fantastic dish that showcases the best of seasonal vegetables while providing the comfort of a traditional baked pasta meal. This recipe is approachable, adaptable, and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a meat-free yet fulfilling dinner.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it offers a delicious way to boost your vegetable intake.
By layering fresh veggies with creamy sauces and tender pasta, you create a meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or try vegan substitutions to make it your own.
For more plant-based inspiration, check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.
Enjoy your homemade vegetable lasagne and happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Lasagne Veg Recipe
Description: A delicious vegetable lasagne layered with fresh vegetables and creamy béchamel sauce. Perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Prep Time: PT25M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H10M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagne sheets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 200g spinach
- 500ml béchamel sauce
- 150g shredded mozzarella
- 50g grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add zucchini, bell pepper, and carrot; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, simmer for 10 minutes.
- Wilt spinach in a separate pan, then mix into vegetable sauce.
- In a baking dish, layer lasagne sheets, vegetable sauce, béchamel, and mozzarella.
- Repeat layers, finishing with béchamel and Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 35 g
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