Black Bean Lasagna
Black Bean Lasagna is a hearty, flavorful vegetarian dish featuring layers of beans, tomatoes, and cheese, seasoned with chili powder and cumin. Its comforting, cheesy layers make it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy bold flavors and a satisfying vegetarian option.
Ingredients
- 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 10 lasagna noodles, uncooked ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green, red, or yellow pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup salsa ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 8 oz. shredded Mexican cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mash the black beans in a bowl and stir in the crushed tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped peppers, salsa, chili powder, and ground cumin.
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and egg until well combined.
- Spread 1 cup of the tomato-bean mixture over the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Layer half of the uncooked lasagna noodles over the tomato mixture, overlapping slightly.
- Top with half of the remaining tomato-bean mixture.
- Spoon the ricotta cheese mixture over the tomato layer and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the ricotta layer.
- Add the remaining lasagna noodles on top, overlapping as needed.
- Spread the remaining tomato-bean mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil coated with cooking spray.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, until bubbling and heated through.
- Let stand for about 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using cottage cheese instead of ricotta. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, incorporate jalapeños or use a spicier salsa. Make sure to keep the noodles slightly overlapped to ensure even cooking throughout the layers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the black bean lasagna with a side salad or some tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. It pairs beautifully with Mexican Taco Salad for a complete meal. For a fresh finish, top each serving with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream. This dish is also great for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Bean Lasagna contains roughly 1645 calories, with 65g protein, 266g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and protein (131% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1093mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Is there a gluten-free option for the noodles?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free versions, which are widely available at grocery stores. Just ensure they are uncooked before layering in the lasagna.
Can I freeze black bean lasagna?
Yes, this lasagna freezes well. Assemble it without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).