Easy Vegetable Lasagna
Easy Vegetable Lasagna is a hearty baked pasta casserole featuring layers of lasagna noodles, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Baked until bubbling and golden, this comforting vegetarian dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and special occasions. Ready in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, it delivers classic Italian flavors with a healthy twist.
Ingredients
For the Vegetable Filling
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Filling
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion for about 4 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the zucchini, mushrooms, bell pepper, and carrot. Cook for 8–10 minutes until tender.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Season with Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper. Remove from the heat.
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Fresh vegetables provide the best flavor and texture.
- Drain excess moisture from cooked vegetables to prevent a watery lasagna.
- Whole milk ricotta creates a richer filling.
- Oven-ready noodles save preparation time.
- Homemade marinara enhances the overall taste.
- Let the lasagna rest before slicing for clean portions.
- Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.