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Hearty Baked Italian Vegetable Lasagna

Hearty Baked Italian Vegetable Lasagna for Cozy Family Nights

Hearty Baked Italian Vegetable Lasagna is a wholesome vegetarian recipe loaded with fresh vegetables, making it perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Lasagna
  • 12 oz Lasagna Noodles Substitute with gluten-free lasagna noodles if necessary.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can be replaced with any cooking oil.
  • 1 Onion Use shallots for a milder flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Use garlic powder in a pinch (1/2 teaspoon).
For the Vegetable Filling
  • 1 Zucchini Eggplant can be substituted for a different texture.
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper Yellow bell pepper works as a substitute.
  • 1 Yellow Bell Pepper Green bell pepper is an option, though slightly more bitter.
  • 1 cup Sliced Mushrooms Can replace with chopped spinach or other veggies.
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Kale can be used as an alternative.
  • 24 oz Marinara Sauce Homemade sauce works as well.
  • 1 tbsp Dried Basil Oregano can also be used.
  • 1 tbsp Dried Oregano Thyme is a suitable substitute.
For the Cheese Layer
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese or blended tofu works as a substitute.
  • 1 Egg Omit for a dairy-free option.
  • 3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Any melting cheese can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano is a good alternative.
For Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • large skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles until al dente, drain, and set aside in olive oil.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
  3. Toss in zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, and mushrooms into the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly browned.
  4. Add fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted (about 2 minutes). Pour in marinara sauce, sprinkle basil and oregano, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  6. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of vegetable sauce on the bottom. Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles on top.
  7. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the vegetable sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
  8. Repeat layering with another 3 noodles, the rest of the ricotta mixture, the remaining vegetable sauce, and another cup of mozzarella.
  9. Finish with the final 3 noodles, cover with the last of the marinara sauce, and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  11. Allow lasagna to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing to ensure neat servings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before serving for better presentation. Use fresh vegetables for best results.

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