Vegetarian Lasagna
Ingredients
For the Vegetable Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg (or 1/4 cup plant-based alternative)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 9-12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular, cooked according to package instructions)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or dairy-free cheese)
- Additional Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
Make the Vegetable Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms; cook until tender (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add spinach, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of vegetable filling in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer 3-4 lasagna noodles over the filling.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add half of the remaining vegetable filling and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, vegetable filling, and mozzarella.
- Top with a final layer of noodles, remaining vegetable filling, and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
- Cover with aluminum foil (spray the foil with cooking spray).
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!