Easy Cheese And Veggie Lasagna
A hearty, cheesy veggie lasagna featuring tender noodles, rich tomato sauce, and a medley of fresh vegetables, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Spray an 11 x 7-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- Spread one-third of the spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange 3 lasagna noodles in a single layer over the sauce.
- Top with another one-third of the sauce, all the ricotta cheese, chopped vegetables, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add the remaining 3 noodles in a single layer over the toppings.
- Spread the remaining sauce evenly over the noodles, making sure to cover them completely.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake until the noodles are tender and the mixture is piping hot, about 1 hour.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, mix some grated Parmesan into the ricotta cheese. You can substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lower-fat option. Feel free to use any combination of vegetables you prefer; spinach and bell peppers work particularly well. If you're looking for a heartier dish, consider adding cooked ground meat or sausage. This dish also freezes well for easy future meals.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Cheese And Veggie Lasagna is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. Serve it with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine. For a delightful twist, consider serving alongside a light Italian recipe like a Pasta Buffet With Alfredo Sauce for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For quicker reheating, individual portions can be microwaved on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking for doneness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Cheese And Veggie Lasagna contains roughly 496 calories, with 37g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (82% of the Daily Value), calcium (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1138mg per serving (49% 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 use no-boil lasagna noodles in this recipe?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just layer them as directed, but be sure to increase the sauce quantity slightly to ensure the noodles cook properly during baking.
What vegetables work best in this lasagna?
You can use a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Aim for about 1 to 2 cups, chopped or sliced, to add flavor and texture. The more colorful, the better for both appearance and nutrition.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
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).