Meatless Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is a beloved comfort food that can easily be made meatless without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. This meatless lasagna recipe combines layers of rich ricotta cheese, flavorful marinara sauce, and a medley of vegetables for a hearty dish that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced zucchini and bell pepper, and sauté until they are tender, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.

1. Mix the Cheese Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, half of the mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth.

1. Layer the Lasagna:

• Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
• Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the sautéed vegetables and another layer of marinara sauce.
• Repeat this layering process: add another layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, the remaining vegetables, and more marinara sauce.
• Finish with a final layer of noodles topped with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

1. Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

1. Rest and Serve:

• Once baked, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Tips for Success

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or eggplant based on your preference.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freezing Instructions: This lasagna freezes well! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour.

This meatless lasagna is not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a classic dish. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to please both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike!