Veg-Cheese Lasagna
Creamy vegetable and cheese lasagna layered with mushrooms, spinach, and herbs, offering a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for family dinners and vegetarian gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 1 tsp. margarine ⓘ
- 3 cups thinly sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup Italian tomatoes, drained and diced ⓘ
- 0.5 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 0.75 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil leaves ⓘ
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 10-inch skillet, heat the margarine over medium heat until bubbly and hot.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and cook chopped onions and minced garlic until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce, diced Italian tomatoes (with liquid), salt, oregano, basil, pepper, and bay leaf; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, drain well the chopped spinach and mix with ricotta cheese and beaten egg to create the cheese filling.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Layer the ingredients in a baking dish: spread a layer of meatless sauce on the bottom, add lasagna noodles, then a layer of the cheese mixture, sautéed mushrooms, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Repeat layers, ending with a top layer of sauce and shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs to the sauce. If you don't have ricotta, cottage cheese works well as a substitute. You can also use gluten-free lasagna noodles if desired. For a heartier dish, add layers of sautéed spinach or other vegetables. This lasagna can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a day before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Veg-Cheese Lasagna pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Italian Vegetable Pizza Squares for a delightful variety. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top can add a burst of color and flavor. For a beverage, a light red wine complements the rich flavors of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, checking every minute until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Veg-Cheese Lasagna contains roughly 564 calories, with 3g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1716mg per serving (75% 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 refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just ensure to cover it tightly with foil. This will allow the flavors to meld and make for an even tastier dish.
How can I make this lasagna dairy-free?
To make this lasagna dairy-free, substitute the ricotta with a blend of blended silken tofu and nutritional yeast for a creamy texture. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for the layers. Ensure that the margarine you use is dairy-free as well.
What can I serve with this lasagna?
This lasagna is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a warm loaf of crusty bread is also a great accompaniment to soak up the sauce.
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).