Garden Lasagna
A hearty vegetable lasagna layered with fresh zucchini, carrots, and tomatoes, topped with cheeses, perfect for family dinners and veggie lovers seeking comfort and flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. peanut or olive oil ⓘ
- 4 zucchini, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 or 2 carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 (1 lb.) cans stewed tomatoes with juice ⓘ
- 1 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground pepper ⓘ
- 9 lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups ricotta or cottage cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot.
- Add zucchini, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and stewed tomatoes.
- Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, parsley, Italian seasoning, basil, seasoned salt, and ground pepper.
- Bring to a boil, stirring to break up tomatoes into pieces.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until liquid is reduced to approximately 5 cups.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread 1/4 of the cooked sauce in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Layer with lasagna noodles.
- Spread 1/3 ricotta or cottage cheese, then sprinkle with 1/4 Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layering twice, ending with sauce and remaining cheeses on top.
- Spread remaining sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with remaining shredded Swiss cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Allow to set for 5 minutes before cutting.
- Optional: freeze for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cheese or adding more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to substitute them for dried ones; they can enhance the flavor significantly. You can also use whole wheat lasagna noodles for added nutrition. This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the garden lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine or a light Italian white pairs beautifully with this dish. For a unique twist, try it alongside Cheesy Crostini as an appetizer or side. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, as it can easily feed a crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover garden lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Lasagna contains roughly 1079 calories, with 46g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (91% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1893mg per serving (82% 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 the lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if it's coming directly from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese is a great alternative and will give you a similar texture. You can also blend cream cheese with a bit of milk to achieve a similar consistency. For a dairy-free option, try using silken tofu blended until smooth.
Can I add meat to this lasagna?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or even Italian sausage can be added for extra protein. Simply brown the meat before adding it to the vegetable mixture. This will create a heartier dish and is a great way to adapt the recipe for meat lovers.
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).