Lasagna is a timeless comfort food, and when it comes to convenience and taste, Stouffer’s Vegetable Lasagna stands out as a delightful choice.
This recipe combines the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables with the creamy richness of melted cheese and savory tomato sauce, layered perfectly between tender lasagna noodles.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone craving a hearty meal, this dish offers the perfect balance of flavor and convenience.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through a homemade version inspired by Stouffer’s classic vegetable lasagna. You’ll learn how to build layers of deliciousness using fresh ingredients, plus tips to customize it to your taste.
This recipe is ideal for vegetarians and anyone looking to sneak in more vegetables without sacrificing that indulgent, cheesy goodness. Ready to impress your family or guests?
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable lasagna recipe is a celebration of vibrant, fresh ingredients paired with rich, creamy textures that mimic the beloved Stouffer’s classic. It’s:
- Easy to customize – swap in your favorite veggies or cheeses.
- Hearty and filling – perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
- Vegetarian-friendly – packed with garden-fresh vegetables and no meat.
- Comfort food at its best – creamy ricotta, savory tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella layered between pasta sheets.
- Great make-ahead meal – assemble in advance and bake when ready.
Plus, it brings the nostalgic flavors of Stouffer’s right to your kitchen, with the added satisfaction of homemade quality.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Lasagna noodles (uncooked) | 12 sheets |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves |
Yellow onion, diced | 1 medium |
Zucchini, sliced | 1 medium |
Yellow squash, sliced | 1 medium |
Fresh spinach, chopped | 4 cups |
Mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini) | 8 ounces |
Marinara sauce | 4 cups |
Ricotta cheese | 15 ounces |
Shredded mozzarella cheese | 3 cups |
Grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
Egg (for binding ricotta) | 1 large |
Fresh basil, chopped | ¼ cup |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Dried Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add zucchini, yellow squash, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes until tender. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, and chopped basil. Mix well and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 4 noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the sautéed vegetables.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the vegetables, then spoon 1 cup of marinara sauce on top. Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Tips & Variations
“For a heartier lasagna, add a layer of sautéed lentils or your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute for extra protein.”
- Use no-boil noodles if you want to skip the pre-cooking step. Just add a little extra sauce to keep the noodles moist.
- Swap vegetables based on seasonality or preference: bell peppers, eggplant, kale, or broccoli all work wonderfully.
- Add fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to the marinara sauce to boost flavor depth.
- For a vegan version, replace ricotta with cashew cheese and use vegan mozzarella alternatives.
- Try layering in sliced roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy twist.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/8 of lasagna) |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 18 g |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Fat | 14 g |
Saturated Fat | 6 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 600 mg |
Sugar | 8 g |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable lasagna pairs beautifully with a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette or a crisp Caesar salad to add a refreshing crunch. Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
For a complete meal, serve with steamed green beans or roasted asparagus.
Looking for dessert ideas to complement your meal? Try the Baileys Whipped Cream Recipe: A Delicious Topping to add a boozy, creamy touch to your favorite desserts.
For more comforting baked dishes, check out the Bahamian Macaroni And Cheese Recipe: A Tasty Delight, or explore hearty grain-based meals like the Baiao De Dois Recipe: A Taste of Brazilian Comfort.
Conclusion
Vegetable lasagna inspired by Stouffer’s recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a homemade twist. It’s deliciously cheesy, packed with fresh veggies, and easy to make for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers satisfying layers of flavor and texture.
By following the simple steps outlined above, you can create a dish that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Plus, with endless variations, you can tailor it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of homemade vegetable lasagna that rivals your favorite frozen meal. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetable Lasagna Stouffer’s Recipe
Description: A hearty and delicious vegetable lasagna with layers of roasted vegetables, ricotta, and marinara sauce. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT65M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain.
- Sauté garlic and vegetables in olive oil until tender.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the baking dish.
- Layer noodles, ricotta, vegetables, mozzarella, and marinara sauce; 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.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 20 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 35 g