🛒 Ingredients
For the Vegetable Filling:
- 🫑 1 tbsp olive oil
- 🧅 1 medium onion, diced
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥕 1 cup carrots, grated
- 🥒 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 🍆 1 cup eggplant, diced (optional)
- 🍄 1 1/2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 🍅 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
- 🌿 1 tsp dried basil
- 🌿 1 tsp dried oregano
- 🧂 Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 🍅 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 🌿 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 🧀 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🌿 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 🍜 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 🧀 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Vegetable Filling
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the carrots, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms. Cook for 5–7 minutes until tender.
- Add Spinach and Seasoning:
- Stir in the spinach (or kale), basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until the greens wilt. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
- Mix the Ricotta:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Assemble the Lasagna
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place 3–4 lasagna noodles on top. Spread half the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Add half the sautéed vegetables, then 1 cup marinara sauce. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat for another layer: noodles, ricotta, vegetables, sauce, and mozzarella.
- Top Layer:
- Finish with a layer of noodles, the remaining marinara sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Lasagna
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest:
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🌱 Vegan Option: Replace ricotta and mozzarella with vegan cheese and tofu ricotta.
- 🍆 Roasted Veggies: Roast the vegetables for deeper flavor before assembling.
- 🌿 Extra Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a bright finish.
- 🧊 Make Ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve this vegetable lasagna with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, and a glass of red wine like Pinot Noir for a complete and satisfying meal.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Vegetable Lasagna combines layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, vibrant vegetables, and bubbling cheese. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or vegetarian-friendly gatherings.
