Black Bean Lasagna(Vegetarian)
A hearty vegetarian lasagna featuring black beans, tomatoes, and cheese, layered with flavorful spices. Perfect for a comforting, meat-free family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 15 oz. can of black beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup salsa ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 1 cup light ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 10 uncooked lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 6 oz. shredded Cheddar or Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 13x9 inch pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mash the black beans slightly.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, salsa, chili powder, and cumin.
- Mix well. In a separate bowl, combine the light ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and egg.
- Layer the ingredients in the prepared pan: spread a layer of the bean mixture, then a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers as needed.
- Top with shredded Cheddar or Mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating corn or zucchini into the bean mixture. If you don't have light ricotta, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a bit of spice. To save time, use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of uncooked ones.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Black Bean Lasagna with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Party Fiesta for Round Platter, making it perfect for gatherings. You can also offer a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for extra creaminess. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it with iced tea or a light beer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for a few minutes until heated through. Alternatively, reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Bean Lasagna(Vegetarian) contains roughly 1153 calories, with 62g protein, 195g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (124% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (117% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 504mg per serving (22% 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. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's going in the oven straight from the fridge. This makes it a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. This is a great way to enjoy a homemade meal later on.
What can I serve as a side dish?
A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the lasagna nicely. You might also consider serving South-Of-The-Border Chips or a side of guacamole for a fun Mexican-inspired meal. These options enhance the flavors and make for a complete dining experience.
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).