Cheese And Vegetable Lasagne
A hearty lasagne layered with ricotta, mozzarella, and vegetables, offering a flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 2 c. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 large chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 c. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 2 (26 oz.) jars tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 c. Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 c. chopped zucchini ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) pkg. lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Cheddar ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, chopped green onions, Parmesan cheese, and egg in a bowl.
- Saute garlic and onions in vegetable oil until tender.
- Add chopped zucchini, sliced mushrooms, dried basil, dried oregano, and pepper; cook and stir until tender-crisp.
- Add 2 cups of tomato sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook 16 lasagne noodles until almost fully cooked. Drain, rinse in cold water, and drain again.
- Pour 1 1/2 cups of tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Lay a flat layer of 4 noodles over the sauce.
- Top with half of the vegetable mixture and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat noodles, then spread with ricotta mixture, followed by another layer of noodles.
- Top with remaining vegetable mixture, then layer noodles again.
- Spread the remaining ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add a final layer of noodles, then pour 1 1/2 cups of tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a layer of ricotta mixed with spinach or other greens. If you want to reduce calories, substitute part of the cheese with cottage cheese. You can also use whole wheat lasagne noodles for added fiber. If you have leftover vegetables, feel free to toss them in the filling. This recipe is versatile and can adapt to your pantry ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagne with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a slice of crusty baguette pairs beautifully with this dish. For a complete meal, consider serving with a bowl of Quick Italian Vegetable Soup. This lasagne is perfect for gathering friends and family around the table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the top. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method ensures even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese And Vegetable Lasagne contains roughly 614 calories, with 32g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (243% of the Daily Value), calcium (72% of the Daily Value), and protein (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 695mg per serving (30% 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 lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge for about 30 minutes to bring it to room temperature before baking as directed.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this lasagne gluten-free, substitute regular lasagne noodles with gluten-free lasagne sheets. You can also use spiralized zucchini or eggplant slices as a noodle alternative, layering them in the same way. Be sure to check your sauces for gluten-containing ingredients.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream. Tofu blended until smooth can also serve as a dairy-free alternative for a similar texture. Adjust seasoning if you choose a different cheese to keep flavor balanced.
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).