Marilyn'S Vegetable Lasagna
A hearty vegetarian lasagna with fresh vegetables, spinach, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and veggie lovers seeking comfort food.
Ingredients
- 6 lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 2 qt. water
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 4 medium carrots ⓘ
- 2 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1-3/4 c. spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen spinach ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 c. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 c. quartered zucchini ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water until tender, then drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic; sauté until carrots are tender.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce, water, basil, and oregano; bring to a simmer.
- In a bowl, beat eggs and blend in cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and cooked vegetables.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Cover with half of the remaining sauce.
- Repeat layers: noodles, cheese mixture, sauce.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the cheese mixture. You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese for a creamier texture. If you prefer a lighter version, use whole wheat lasagna noodles or swap out the cottage cheese for Greek yogurt. This dish is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables; feel free to add bell peppers or broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your vegetable lasagna with a side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or Italian Parmesan Twists would complement this dish beautifully. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with a warm bowl of minestrone soup. This recipe is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marilyn'S Vegetable Lasagna contains roughly 1015 calories, with 28g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (239% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (205% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1076mg per serving (47% 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. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it is heated through.
Can I freeze leftover lasagna?
Absolutely! Allow the lasagna to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, or bake directly from frozen, adding additional time.
What can I use instead of spinach?
If you're not a fan of spinach, you can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard. Both options will add a lovely flavor and texture to the lasagna. Alternatively, you can use a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for a different twist.
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).