Vegetarian Lasagna is like the queen of casseroles, comfort food, and hearty meals! This recipe has everything - 3 different layers, a tomato sauce made from scratch, and lots of cheese. Potlucks, birthdays, family dinners - this pasta dish is your answer!
Hey there, lasagna lovers! There is nothing like digging into layers and layers of pasta stuffed with veggies, sauce, cheese and more cheese. To be honest with you, I love making those quick 30-minute lasagnas for weeknight dinners quite often, but sometimes you just need to real deal. And this easy vegetarian lasagna is something all pasta lovers need to try at least once! In this recipe, I breakdown all the steps of making this lasagna, as well as walk you through the kind of pasta you need to use, how to freeze it, and so much more. Think of this like your crash course in making the best homemade lasagna! So let's get started...
Quick Walk Through: Easy Vegetarian Lasagna
Here's Why You'll Want To Make This Vegetarian Lasagna ASAP
- Super customisable. You can add or subtract whatever veggies you have available.
- Perfect clear-the-fridge kind of recipe.
- Rich in fiber, minerals, nutrients and essential vitamins, thanks to being loaded with veggies.
- The sauce is made from scratch, meaning you know exactly what's going into this recipe.
- Loved by kids and adults alike
Layers in this Lasagna
There are three main layers in this lasagna - spinach ricotta which adds a layer of creaminess, pan roasted vegetables, cheese and sauce. You will need to make three main elements for this recipe, and these can be made ahead, so that all you finally have to do is assemble and bake.
Vegetables in this Lasagna
I've used the vegetables that I think go best in a lasagna - red bell peppers, mushrooms and zucchini. The easiest and fastest way to prepare them is by pan roasting them in some oil with onions and garlic. But you can also roast them in the oven. We also have spinach in the recipe that goes in the spinach ricotta layer. So you really have a ton of veggies that go here!
The Pasta in this Vegetarian Lasagna
I always buy the no cook lasagna sheets (I use Barilla's lasagna sheets). The advantage with them is that you don't need to pre-boil them before using them. They are much easier to handle and cook as the lasagna cooks. You can also use fresh lasagna sheets if you can get your hands on them.
Layering the Lasagna
This is a really simple process and there's no right or wrong way to do it.
- Brush the base of the casserole with oil (this helps the lasagna from sticking to the bottom)
- Spread a little sauce
- Cover the base with lasagna sheets (this helps to form a base so that the lasagna doesn't fall apart when you try serving)
- Spread the ricotta spinach mixture
- Place another layer of lasagna sheets
- Add a layer of the vegetables
- Spoon some sauce and cheese over this
- Layer with lasagna sheets, more sauce and cheese and then bake!
Top Tips To Make The Best Vegetarian Lasagna
- Even though this is a vegetarian recipe, you can easily add shredded chicken or any other protein of your choice to make it more wholesome
- After removing the lasagna from the oven, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the cheese settle down, and deliver a clean cut when serving.
FAQs
Even though this vegetarian is quite wholesome as is, it tastes really nice with a side of salad or homemade garlic bread to make this an even more filling meal.
This lasagna once cooked, lasts in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to a month. You can assemble this lasagna and store it unbaked in the fridge for up to 2 days.
This lasagna is all kinds of amazing. And it tastes great out of the oven when it's warm and bubbly. But an even better thing with this lasagna is that it tastes even better the next day when the layers have had more time to sit together. And if you freeze it and reheat it a month later, it still tastes fantastic! So all I'm saying is, it's time to make yourself a nice big batch of vegetarian lasagna...right away!
Watch Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe Video
Easy Vegetarian Lasagna
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
SAUCE:
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 3 Garlic cloves chopped finely
- 1 Onion finely chopped (100g)
- 1 Carrot grated (70-80 grams)
- 2 Tomatoes chopped (170g)
- 2 cups Tomato Puree 400g/ Passata
- 1 cup Water
- 1 Bay Leaf
- ¾ teaspoon Thyme dried
- ¾ teaspoon Oregano dried
- ½ teaspoon Dried Chilli flakes adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- Salt and pepper
ROASTED VEGETABLES:
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Onion any type, chopped (175 -200g)
- 2 Garlic cloves minced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper chopped (100g)
- 200 g Button Mushrooms diced
- 1 Zucchini diced (medium)
- Salt and pepper
SPINACH RICOTTA FILLING:
- 100 g Spinach blanched and chopped (Note 1)
- 200 g Ricotta
- ½ cup Parmesan grated
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Cream optional
- ½ teaspoon Salt and Pepper
LASAGNA:
- 12 no boil Lasagne sheets
- 300 g Mozzarella shredded
Instructions
- Start the sauce so that it can simmer while you prep everything else. Heat oil in a saucepan and saute onions, garlic and carrots. Once the onions are soft, add tomatoes, tomato puree, water, thyme, oregano, sugar, salt and pepper and let this come to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer and simmer for 20-25 minutes till the tomatoes break down and the sauce is thick.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and saute onions and garlic. Add salt and once the onions are translucent, add bell peppers, mushrooms and zucchini. Cook on high heat for 8-10 minutes till the vegetables are cooked and any residual water has evaporated. Season with more salt and pepper if required.
- In a bowl mix together blanched spinach, ricotta, parmesan and cream (is using). Refrigerate till ready to use.
Layering the Lasagna:
- Preheat oven to 180C/ 350F.
- Brush the base of a large baking dish (mine is 12.5 inch by 8 inch) with olive oil. Spoon a ladleful of the sauce at the base and spread it out. Cover the base with lasagna sheets overlapping/tearing as required.
- Add all the spinach ricotta mixture and spread it out. Cover with lasagna sheets.
- Add the roasted vegetables and spread them out. This will be the thickest layer. Add 2-3 ladles of sauce (approx 1.5 cups) and spread it over the veggies. Sprinkle a cup of cheese.
- Layer with lasagna sheets. Add 2 cups sauce on top and spread it out. Sprinkle with remaining cheese
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the lasagna is baked through (stick a knife in the middle to check - there should be no resistance) and the cheese is golden on top.
- This is an important step. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps settle the layers and the lasagna won't fall apart when you serve.
Notes
- Spinach: You can also use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out all the water before using. Do the same with blanched spinach.
- Pasta: If you are using pasta that needs to be pre-cooked, boil according to package directions. Reduce the cooking time to 25 minutes and then check.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate for a couple of hours and bake when required.
- Storing: The lasagna keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Or you can freeze it for up to 2 months.
Rads says
Thank you so much! Have you any suggestions on what i can replace the mushrooms with please?
Rads says
Hi this lasagne looks amazing! I have read in your notes that this tastes even better the next day. As I'd like to make this for a dinner party, can i put the lasagne together the day before and store it in the fridge to bake the next day?
Richa says
Yes absolutely! I do that all the time
Aishah says
This recipe was delicious came out so much nicer than expected..the ricotta layer was beautiful 🙂
Johanna says
Hi!
I’d love to make this recipe as a freezer meal. What do you do to keep it from frost bite?
Richa says
Hey! Just wrap it in cling film to keep it from catching frostbite. I've answered all the questions about freezing and thawing lasagna here: https://myfoodstory.com/how-to-freeze-lasagna-and-reheat-it/
Kristine says
The best recipe for lasagne I prepare in my life! Luv it! ♡ I always cook my lasagne like that. So delicious! Thank you for sharing with us! All the best love! ♡
Megan Levy says
this is a vegetable lasagne, but not a vegetarian lasagne
Richa says
Its vegetarian, but it isn't vegan - I think thats what you meant
Gopi Patel says
Super easy!! I have to make a half and half- ricotta on one side and cottage cheese on the other. I also add mushrooms to the ricotta side. I just split the cheese recipe in half. Turns out really good!!
Nandini says
This is so so so good - has become our weekend go-to plan 😀
I tried a version without the spinach/cheese layer (was feeling a bit lazy to do all that spinach pre-work) - and that turned out amazing too!
Must Must try !
Radhika says
OMG! I tried this recipe and actually stuck to it, down to the gram and it was amazing. I was fasting and could not taste it before serving it and I have never had a dish be recieved so well. The recipe needs no guess work and the end product looks and tastes beautiful (or so I am told). Next time I'll make it when I can eat it too.
Richa says
Thanks Radhika! I really hope you end up getting to eat the lasagna soon
Amy Jean says
Hi & thank youbso much for this recipe. Our son is visiting soon, & requested V lasagna! & I found this wonderful step by step instructions. A question, in the written recipe it said add 1 cup water, but in video it did not show, just wondering. & also no mention of covering it w foil before putting it on oven, so I am assuming not necessary. Again tks!
Richa says
Hey Amy, I'm sorry I think we missed the water step while editing the recipe. Please follow the recipe instructions as is. And you don't need to cover it with foil as there is enough sauce to provide moisture. I hope you try this out!