Vegetable Lasagne
A hearty vegetable lasagne layered with shredded zucchini, carrots, spinach, and a creamy ricotta mixture, topped with melted Fontina and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, this dish offers a comforting blend of flavors and textures with a rich, cheesy profile and vibrant vegetable notes.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. box Ronzoni curly edge lasagne ⓘ
- 4 oz. shredded Fontina cheese ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded carrot ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded zucchini ⓘ
- 24 oz. part skim milk ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 medium onion
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the lasagne according to package directions and drain.
- Lay out the cooked lasagne flat on wax paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking as they cool.
- Combine Fontina cheese, thawed and well-drained chopped spinach, shredded carrot, shredded zucchini, 2 1/2 cups of ricotta cheese, and the egg in a bowl.
- Place a layer of cooked lasagne in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cheese and vegetable mixture over the lasagne layer.
- Repeat the layering process, ending with a layer of lasagne on top.
- Saute chopped onion in oil until tender.
- Add flour and nutmeg to the onions and stir well.
- Gradually stir in chicken broth and remaining ricotta cheese, cooking until mixture boils and thickens.
- Spoon the hot cheese mixture over the assembled lasagne layers.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned on top.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese and vegetable mixture. If Fontina cheese is unavailable, you can substitute it with mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses. For added creaminess, mix in a bit of heavy cream with the ricotta. Ensure the spinach is well-drained to avoid a watery lasagne, which can affect the texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the vegetable lasagne with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light drizzle of balsamic reduction or homemade pesto can elevate the flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Minestrone Soup With Four Beans for a comforting Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lasagne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for a few minutes or cover the entire dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Lasagne contains roughly 1199 calories, with 18g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne a day in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to cook, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, as it will be cold from the refrigerator. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for ricotta, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or cream cheese mixed with a little milk to achieve a similar consistency. Greek yogurt can also work well for a healthier option while maintaining creaminess in the lasagne.
Is it possible to add meat to this lasagne?
Absolutely! If you prefer a meatier lasagne, you can add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage between the layers. Just ensure the meat is seasoned well and drained of excess fat to keep the lasagne from becoming greasy. This addition will provide a heartier dish that complements the vegetables.
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).