This Basic + Awesome Vegetarian Lasagna is the comforting weeknight dinner your taste buds have been dreaming about! Layered with vibrant veggies, luscious ricotta, and melty mozzarella, every forkful is a burst of color and flavor. It’s the kind of cozy, crave-worthy bake that transforms even the simplest ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re new to veggie lasagna or you’re a seasoned pro looking for a foolproof crowd-pleaser, this satisfying main course is always up for the job.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This lineup of ingredients is equally simple and essential, coming together like old friends at the perfect dinner party. Each item has a role in shaping the taste, texture, and irresistibly golden top of this Basic + Awesome Vegetarian Lasagna.
- Lasagna noodles: Give the dish those signature, hearty layers and soak up all the cheesy, saucy goodness.
- Olive oil: A touch for sautéing ensures the veggies stay tender and rich, not dry.
- Onion: Lays down the aromatic foundation with a sweet, mellow flavor as it cooks.
- Garlic: Because every comforting Italian dish needs a fragrant garlicky kick.
- Zucchini: Adds moisture and a mild, green freshness that balances richer flavors.
- Bell pepper: Brings pops of color and a slight sweetness to the veggie mix.
- Mushrooms: Meaty and earthy, they add depth and that extra bit of “umami” you’ll love.
- Salt: Just the right amount to make every flavor stand out.
- Black pepper: For warmth and gentle spice throughout every layer.
- Dried oregano: Infuses the classic Italian herbal note that ties it all together.
- Marinara sauce: The saucy star, bringing acidity and brightness to every cheesy bite.
- Ricotta cheese: Soft and creamy, it’s the heart of each layer’s rich, fluffy texture.
- Egg: Helps bind the ricotta and keeps those layers from slipping apart.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a salty, nutty depth for real Italian character.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into strings of golden gooeyness on top and between each bite.
- Chopped fresh basil (optional): A fresh, aromatic finish if you want to really impress when serving.
How to Make Basic + Awesome Vegetarian Lasagna
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions, aiming for al dente—they’ll soften even more while baking. Once done, drain and set aside, laying them out in a single layer if possible so they don’t stick together. There’s nothing quite like getting this step right for those irresistible, perfectly layered slices.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, warm up that olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they smell fragrant and look a little translucent—about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add your zucchini, bell pepper, mushrooms, salt, pepper, and oregano. The veggies should become tender and give off a beautiful aroma in about 5 to 7 minutes. This hearty veggie medley is the filling that makes this Basic + Awesome Vegetarian Lasagna shine.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Blend
While the veggies finish cooking, grab a bowl for your ricotta. Mix in the egg and parmesan until perfectly smooth and creamy. This step is so simple but so crucial—it’s what guarantees those rich, fluffy, never-dry layers everyone goes back for seconds (or thirds) to get.
Step 4: Build Your Layers
Time for the fun part! In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spoon about half a cup of marinara sauce over the bottom to prevent sticking. Then, layer 3 noodles, a third of your ricotta mixture, a third of your sautéed veggies, a ladle of sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layers two more times. Finish with the remaining sauce and a thick blanket of mozzarella on top so it bakes up golden and bubbly—so much anticipation in every layer!
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly Perfection
Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until everything is irresistibly golden and bubbling away. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes after baking; this magic moment helps the layers set so your Basic + Awesome Vegetarian Lasagna slices up beautifully. If you love a fresh finish, sprinkle chopped basil just before serving.
How to Serve Basic + Awesome Vegetarian Lasagna
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil right on top of your Basic + Awesome Vegetarian Lasagna brings fragrant, garden-fresh flair and a pop of bright green color that wows at the table. If you want just a touch more saltiness and umami, throw a pinch of grated parmesan over the top right before slicing.
Side Dishes
There’s nothing like pairing this hearty main with some equally delicious sides. Try garlic bread for sopping up extra sauce, a crisp green salad to balance all that richness, or even roasted vegetables for an ultra-satisfying, plant-forward meal that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, slice your Basic + Awesome Vegetarian Lasagna into neat squares and plate them with a drizzle of extra marinara, a few fresh basil leaves, and a side of colorful roasted carrots or a tangy arugula salad. Feeling playful? Try presenting smaller individual ramekin lasagnas for a fun, personalized take.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lasagna is a real treat, and this Basic + Awesome Vegetarian Lasagna keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store individual slices in airtight containers or cover the entire baking dish tightly with foil. The flavors deepen overnight, making Day 2 (or 3) arguably even better!
Freezing
If you want to freeze, assemble the lasagna up to the baking step but don’t bake it yet. Wrap it tightly in two layers of foil, label it, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as instructed—adding 10-15 minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave (cover loosely with a lid so it stays moist), or the whole dish in the oven at 350°F covered in foil until hot throughout. Add a splash of extra marinara before reheating to keep the lasagna beautifully saucy.
FAQs
Can I make Basic + Awesome Vegetarian Lasagna gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles and follow the recipe as directed. Most gluten-free varieties work perfectly well, and your lasagna will taste just as awesome.
What’s the best way to keep the noodles from sticking together?
After boiling, lay the drained noodles flat on a large baking sheet or on wax paper. Drizzling a tiny bit of olive oil helps too, and ensures the layers come apart easily while assembling your Basic + Awesome Vegetarian Lasagna.
Can I add other vegetables to this lasagna?
Definitely! Spinach, kale, eggplant, or even finely chopped broccoli work beautifully in this Basic + Awesome Vegetarian Lasagna. Use what’s in season for even more flavor and color.
Is it possible to make this lasagna without eggs?
Yes, you can skip the egg if needed—just expect the ricotta layer to be a little looser. Some people use a tablespoon of cornstarch or a flaxseed-water mixture to help bind if you want to keep things egg-free.
Can I assemble the lasagna ahead of time?
For sure! You can assemble your Basic + Awesome Vegetarian Lasagna a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake as usual. This makes it the ultimate make-ahead meal for entertaining or busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
Bringing together simple ingredients with a little bit of love, this Basic + Awesome Vegetarian Lasagna is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Whether it’s a weeknight or a special gathering, don’t be surprised if everyone wants a second helping. Give it a go and watch this classic comfort dish become a favorite in your own kitchen!
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Basic + Awesome Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Basic + Awesome Vegetarian Lasagna is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a wholesome family dinner. Layers of lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, fresh vegetables, and marinara sauce, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella, create a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles:
9 lasagna noodles
Olive Oil Mixture:
1 tbsp olive oil
Vegetable Mix:
1 small onion (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 zucchini (diced), 1 bell pepper (chopped), 1 cup mushrooms (sliced), 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano
Sauce and Cheese:
3 cups marinara sauce, 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese, 1 egg, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook Noodles: Cook lasagna noodles per package instructions, then drain.
- Sauté Vegetables: Sauté onion and garlic. Add zucchini, bell pepper, mushrooms, salt, pepper, and oregano; cook until soft.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: Combine ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan.
- Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, layer noodles, ricotta mixture, veggie mix, sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake for 25 minutes. Uncover, bake for additional 15 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil.
Notes
- Swap in spinach, kale, or eggplant depending on season.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
