Description
This Fresh Vegetable Lasagna is a deliciously comforting, meatless dish that features layers of roasted vegetables, creamy ricotta, and a rich homemade tomato sauce. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or serving at your next event, this vegetable-packed lasagna is a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
- Lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 4-5 cups chopped vegetables (zucchini, summer squash, roasted red peppers, or your choice)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (for homemade sauce)
- Ricotta cheese (whole milk or fresh ricotta, or cottage cheese as a substitute)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 eggs (to firm up the ricotta layer)
- Olive oil
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the tomato sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then cook onions until soft. Add garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped vegetables. Cook until the vegetables are tender, then add crushed tomatoes and roasted red peppers. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring in fresh basil.
- Prepare the ricotta layer: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, eggs, and a pinch of salt.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread a layer of vegetable sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with a layer of sauce and shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use Different Veggies: Swap in mushrooms, spinach, kale, carrots, or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
- Add Meat: If desired, add cooked ground beef or turkey between the layers for a non-vegetarian version.
- Cheese Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, use vegan ricotta or mozzarella cheese.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
