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Homemade The Best Vegetarian Lasagna photo

The Best Vegetarian Lasagna

A hearty, vegetable-packed lasagna with a rich tomato sauce and three cheeses.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups diced zucchini about 1 small zucchini
  • 4 ounces chopped mushrooms about 1 cup
  • 1 1/2 cups diced carrots about 2 large carrots
  • 1 cup diced onion about 1 small onion
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 6.5-ounce cans tomato sauce
  • 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • salt to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 16 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Equipment

  • 9 x 13 x 2½-inch baking dish
  • Large Skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Medium bowl
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Aluminum Foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9 x 13 x 2½-inch baking dish with nonstick spray; set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the diced zucchini, chopped mushrooms, diced carrots, and diced onion; cook 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  4. Add the spinach and cook about 1 minute until wilted.
  5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, granulated sugar, and chopped fresh basil; simmer over low heat about 10 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the lasagna noodles 8 minutes or until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
  7. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, grated Parmesan, and egg until smooth.
  8. Assemble the lasagna: spread 1 cup of the vegetable-tomato mixture in the bottom of the prepared dish. Lay a single layer of noodles over the sauce, spread 1/2 cup of the ricotta mixture, and sprinkle a handful of mozzarella. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with the remaining mozzarella on top.
  9. Cover the dish with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until heated through and the top is bubbly and browned.
  10. Let the lasagna rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cheeses for creamier texture.
  • Cook noodles until just al dente to avoid soggy layers.
  • Taste and adjust salt and pepper after simmering the sauce.
  • Letting the lasagna rest helps it set for cleaner slices.