Mary'S Meatless Lasagna
Mary's Meatless Lasagna is a hearty, flavorful vegetarian dish featuring layers of tender noodles, savory tomato sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and a blend of cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers a wholesome, satisfying meal with rich, aromatic flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 2 medium onions ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 cups tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 lb. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 3/4 cup cooked small red beans ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. light mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups skim cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup light Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse the cooked lasagna noodles in cold water and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet sprayed with Pam until translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, chopped parsley, and salt.
- Cook the sauce for about 30 minutes, simmering and stirring often until thickened.
- Stir in the sautéed mushrooms and cooked red beans.
- In a 9 x 13-inch pan, place a layer of noodles on the bottom.
- Spread half of the tomato sauce mixture over the noodles.
- Layer half of the sliced mozzarella and cottage cheeses, then sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, sauce, cheeses, ending with Parmesan on top.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier lasagna, consider adding spinach or zucchini between the layers. If you're short on time, no-boil lasagna noodles can be a great substitute. To enhance flavor, try incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce. This dish is perfect for vegetarians and is a great alternative to traditional meat lasagna, similar to our Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a fresh green salad and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Green Beans Tuscany Style for a vibrant touch. For an added flavor kick, drizzle some balsamic glaze on top before serving, enhancing the overall taste of this delicious dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Meatless Lasagna contains roughly 280 calories, with 14g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (49% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 460mg per serving (20% 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 ensure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What type of cheese can I substitute for mozzarella?
If you want to try something different, provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses can work well in place of mozzarella. For a richer flavor, consider using smoked mozzarella. Just be mindful of the moisture content in the cheese to maintain the lasagna's texture.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free varieties made from rice or corn. Just be sure to check the package instructions for cooking times as they can vary significantly from regular noodles.
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).