Italian Vegetable Lasagna
A delightful blend of flavors with layers of fresh veggies, creamy cheeses, and rich tomato sauce, making this lasagna a comfort food masterpiece.
Ingredients
Lasagna Components
- 9-12 pieces lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce make it yourself or store-bought
Vegetable Filling
- 1 large zucchini, sliced thinly
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 piece bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until tender. Add spinach at the end until just wilted.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked vegetables, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
Layering and Baking
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer 3 noodles, followed by half of the vegetable and ricotta mixture, then a layer of marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles on top, marinara sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the lasagna with foil (avoid touching the cheese) and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil, then bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to swap in other veggies like mushrooms or eggplant for a personal touch. Allow the casserole to cool after baking to make slicing easier. Avoid overcooking the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy.