Name: Vegetable Lasagna
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound mushrooms, sliced; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Why Make This Recipe

Vegetable lasagna is a delightful and wholesome dish that appeals to everyone. Packed with fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and delicious marinara sauce, it makes for a hearty meal. It’s an excellent way to use up extra veggies you have on hand while providing a comforting and filling option for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends!

How to Make Vegetable Lasagna

Ingredients:

9 lasagna noodles
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound mushrooms, sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the sliced mushrooms, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and the liquid evaporates. Add the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Layer a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Add 3 lasagna noodles on top. Top this with half of the ricotta cheese, half of the cooked mushroom mixture, and a third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, ricotta, mushrooms, and cheeses. Finish with the remaining marinara sauce on top.
Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

How to Serve Vegetable Lasagna

Serve the vegetable lasagna hot from the oven. Cut it into squares and plate it up for your guests or family. You can serve it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Don’t forget to add extra fresh basil on top for a lovely touch!

How to Store Vegetable Lasagna

If you have leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-5 days. If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing it after it has cooled. Wrap the lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Vegetable Lasagna

Make sure to cook the noodles just until they are al dente, as they will cook more in the oven.
Feel free to mix and match your vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant can be excellent additions!
For a richer sauce, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the marinara or mixing in some pesto with the ricotta.

Variation

You can make a creamy version of this lasagna by adding a layer of béchamel sauce or swapping out the ricotta for cottage cheese for a lower-fat option. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or thinly sliced vegetables as layers instead.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna a day in advance. Assemble it, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.

2. Can I add meat to this lasagna?
Absolutely! If you want a meatier version, add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the vegetable mixture.

3. How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, simply place a piece of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.