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Best Vegetarian Lasagna

Best Vegetarian Lasagna
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The Best Vegetarian Lasagna is a comforting and vibrant recipe featuring layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, combined with sautéed zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. This hearty, cheesy dish is perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, ideal for family dinners, make-ahead meals, and customizable to various dietary needs including gluten-free and vegan options.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped

Cheeses

  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)

Other Ingredients

  • 9–12 no-boil lasagna noodles (or traditional boiled noodles)
  • 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste (about 1 tsp)
  • Black pepper, to taste (about ½ tsp)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and slice all vegetables. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini, cooking until just tender, about 5-6 minutes. Finally, add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs; set aside.
  2. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese with ½ cup shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup parmesan, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil. Stir until well blended to form a creamy mixture.
  3. Assemble the Layers: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay down a layer of noodles over the sauce. Spread a portion of the sautéed vegetables evenly over the noodles, then spoon some cheese mixture on top. Repeat layering with sauce, noodles, vegetables, and cheese mixture until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous topping of the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese on top to brown and bubble, forming a golden crust.
  5. Let It Rest: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This step helps the layers set and makes for easier, cleaner servings.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil and oregano for the best flavor; dried herbs won’t provide the same brightness.
  • Do not overcook vegetables; a slight crunch preserves texture and prevents soggy layers.
  • Layer marinara sauce generously to keep noodles moist and enhance flavor.
  • Choose whole-milk cheeses for creamier melts and richer taste.
  • Allow the lasagna to cool before slicing to improve presentation and ease of serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetarian lasagna, meatless lasagna, comfort food, cheesy lasagna, healthy lasagna, vegetable lasagna, gluten-free lasagna option, make-ahead meal

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/best-vegetarian-lasagna/