Spinach-Black Bean Lasagna(Vegetarian)
A hearty vegetarian lasagna layered with spinach, black beans, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, offering a flavorful and nutritious meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) container ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese with peppers, divided ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (2 lb. 13 oz.) jar pasta sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 9 precooked lasagna noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Stir together eggs, ricotta cheese, thawed spinach, chopped cilantro, salt, and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese; set aside.
- Mash black beans with a potato masher in a large bowl; stir in pasta sauce and ground cumin.
- Spread one third of the bean mixture on the bottom of a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Layer with three precooked lasagna noodles, half of the spinach mixture, and one cup of Monterey Jack cheese.
- Repeat layers: spread another third of bean mixture, then add three noodles, remaining spinach mixture, and one cup of Monterey Jack cheese.
- Spread the remaining bean mixture on top, add the last three noodles, and the remaining bean mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 60 minutes.
- Uncover, sprinkle with remaining Monterey Jack cheese, and bake uncovered for 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed onions or bell peppers with the spinach mixture. If you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute it with mozzarella or cheddar. To make this dish even creamier, mix in a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the ricotta mixture. For a spicier kick, try using pepper jack cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spinach-Black Bean Lasagna with a fresh side salad drizzled with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like garlic bread or a light soup. For a complete vegetarian meal, consider adding roasted vegetables on the side to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the lasagna with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach-Black Bean Lasagna(Vegetarian) contains roughly 936 calories, with 59g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (1018% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1804mg per serving (78% 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?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, as it will be cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this lasagna freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely before cutting it into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of black beans?
If you prefer a different flavor or texture, you can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans. Lentils are another great option for a protein boost, though the texture will differ. Just be sure to rinse and drain canned beans to remove excess sodium.
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).