Hearty Baked Italian Vegetable Lasagna
A comforting and delicious lasagna layered with fresh vegetables, creamy cheeses, and tangy marinara sauce, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
For the lasagna
- 9 pieces lasagna noodles Make sure to boil according to package instructions.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing vegetables.
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 24 oz marinara sauce, 1 jar
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced zucchini, chopped bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, seasoning with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the egg until smooth. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Assembly and Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
- Begin layering with 3 lasagna noodles, half of the sautéed vegetable mixture, half of the ricotta mixture, and 1 cup of mozzarella along with some Parmesan. Repeat the layers.
- Finish with the remaining 3 noodles, covering them with marinara sauce and topping with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with ingredient substitutions. You can add layers of cooked ground beef or sausage, or introduce layers of sliced eggplant. For a different flavor, try using smoked mozzarella or plant-based cheeses for a dairy-free version.