Cheese Veggie Lasagna
Creamy cheese and veggie lasagna layered with fresh spinach, carrots, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for family dinners or vegetarians craving hearty comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic until lightly brown and tender.
- Add spinach and carrots, season with salt and pepper, and cook for several minutes.
- Combine cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Swiss cheese in a bowl and mix well.
- Add the spinach mixture to the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
- Place one-third of the spinach-cheese mixture at the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch sprayed baking dish.
- Layer 4 or 5 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the mixture.
- Repeat with another third of the mixture and another layer of noodles.
- Spread the remaining cheese mixture on top and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 45 minutes.
- Let stand for 15 to 20 minutes before cutting and serving.
- Optional: Layer cooked ground beef or sausage between the cheese mixture and noodles for meat lovers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese. If you're short on time, no-boil lasagna noodles work well. Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition. Always taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, especially when using frozen spinach.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious Cheese Veggie Lasagna with a side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or Italian sour cream cookies make great accompaniments to round out the meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Spaghetti With Tomato Sauce for a hearty Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat, as it can dry out the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Veggie Lasagna contains roughly 826 calories, with 22g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (256% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1004mg per serving (44% 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 in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Is it possible to freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely! After assembling, wrap the lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. This is a great option for meal prep.
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
If you prefer a different flavor, Gruyère or even mozzarella can be used as a substitute for Swiss cheese. Each will provide a unique taste while maintaining the creamy texture of the dish.
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).