Introduction
Looking for a delicious way to pack more vegetables into your meals? This Loaded Veggie Lasagna is your answer. I’ve perfected this recipe to create layers of perfectly cooked pasta, rich tomato sauce, and an abundance of fresh vegetables that will make your taste buds sing. What sets this lasagna apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or whole wheat)
- 2 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 2 yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 1 large eggplant, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the noodles cook, toss sliced zucchini, squash, and eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, one egg, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, basil, and oregano. Mix well.
- Start layering: spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping.
- Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then layer 1/3 of the roasted vegetables. Add a layer of fresh spinach and bell peppers.
- Repeat layers twice more, ending with vegetables and sauce on top.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Cook Time and Serving Size
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8-10 portions
Recipe Notes
- To save time, use no-boil lasagna noodles and pre-roasted vegetables.
- Drain or pat dry any watery vegetables to prevent a soggy lasagna.
- For make-ahead, assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
- This Loaded Veggie Lasagna freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- For a vegan version, substitute the cheese mixture with dairy-free alternatives and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
- Don’t skip the resting time – it helps the lasagna set and makes it easier to serve clean portions.
Loaded Veggie Lasagna
Looking for a delicious way to pack more vegetables into your meals? This Loaded Veggie Lasagna is your answer. I've perfected this recipe to create layers of perfectly cooked pasta, rich tomato sauce, and an abundance of fresh vegetables that will make your taste buds sing. What sets this lasagna apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles regular or whole wheat
- 2 zucchini thinly sliced
- 2 yellow squash thinly sliced
- 1 large eggplant sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 container 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the noodles cook, toss sliced zucchini, squash, and eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, one egg, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, basil, and oregano. Mix well.
- Start layering: spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping.
- Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then layer 1/3 of the roasted vegetables. Add a layer of fresh spinach and bell peppers.
- Repeat layers twice more, ending with vegetables and sauce on top.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
