Easy Vegetable Lasagna (2024)

This is the most delicious vegetable lasagna I’ve made! This easy veggie lasagna recipe combines a simple homemade tomato sauce, lots of vegetables, and melty cheese. Our family has been making this lasagna for years!

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Easy Vegetable Lasagna (1)

I love this vegetable lasagna recipe so much! It’s been on rotation in our house for years! I’ve made it so many times for friends, and I can always count on at least someone asking for the recipe. It’s that good.

We make our veggie lasagna from scratch, which is easier than you might think. I use zucchini and summer squash in our photos, but you can always substitute other veggies.

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Key Ingredients

  • Lasagna noodles:Make this vegetable lasagna with cooked regular noodles or no-boil noodles. I love no-boil noodles for their convenience! Some of our readers use regular lasagna noodles but add them to the lasagna without boiling them first. I prefer the thinner, no-boil noodles, but use what you love.
  • Veggies:This lasagna needs 4 to 5 cups of chopped vegetables. I use zucchini, summer squash, and a jar of roasted red peppers, but you can swap or add different veggies based on what you love. I’ve listed a few suggestions in the variations section below.
  • Canned crushed tomatoes:Make the base of our homemade tomato sauce (it only takes 20 minutes to make).
  • Ricotta cheese:Creates our creamy cheese layer between the lasagna noodles and veggies. I love to use high-quality whole milk ricotta like BelGioioso, Sorrento, or fresh ricotta. Cottage cheese is a great substitute if you do not enjoy ricotta cheese.
  • Mozzarella and parmesan cheese:Make our vegetable lasagna extra delicious. For a vegetarian lasagna, leave out the parmesan cheese.
  • Eggs:Help firm up the cheese layer. For egg-free lasagna, leave them out. The final result will still taste great, but the ricotta layer will be softer.

How to Make the Best Vegetable Lasagna

Making our easy veggie lasagna is quicker than you might think. First, make our homemade veggie sauce. Cook onions until soft in olive oil, then add garlic, red pepper flakes (for heat), and veggies.

Add crushed tomatoes and roasted red peppers, then simmer until the veggies are tender, and stir in fresh basil. We still want the vegetables to have a little crunch since they will continue to cook in the oven.

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For the cheesy layer, stir together the ricotta cheese, eggs, and a bit of salt. Then get ready to assemble! I start with the vegetable sauce on the bottom and add noodles, ricotta, shredded cheese, and another layer of noodles. Repeat this to have 3 layers of noodles, and finish with sauce and extra shredded cheese on top.

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When baking veggie lasagna, I cover it with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover and bake until the cheese on top is melty and golden brown. It bakes for about 35 minutes in total. Before serving, make sure you leave it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes so that the middle firms up a bit.

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Veggie Lasagna Recipe Variations

I absolutely love this meatless lasagna recipe! It’s so flexible based on what’s fresh or what I already have. Remember, you’ll need 4 to 5 cups of chopped veggies. In our photos and video, we use zucchini, summer squash, and roasted red peppers, but I have listed a few more ideas (for lasagna made with meat, see our ultimate homemade lasagna):

  • Mushrooms: chopped or torn into small pieces
  • Greens: spinach, kale or other greens (we also have this spinach lasagna)
  • Winter squash: chopped butternut or delicata or roasted squash are perfect for fall.
  • Carrots: chopped or shredded
  • Bell peppers: fresh or roasted (I love adding roasted red peppers)
  • Eggplant: cut into cubes or use roasted eggplant.

How to make gluten-free vegetable lasagna:Use gluten-free noodles or use long, thin slices of roasted or grilled eggplant or zucchini as your “noodles.”

How to make vegan or dairy-free lasagna:Almond ricotta is an excellent swap for regular ricotta (try making your own or using brands like Kite Hill). Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor to the top. For egg-free lasagna, leave out the egg. The cheesy filling will be soft but still delicious.

Make Ahead and Storing Tips

Leftover vegetable lasagna lasts in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.To make it ahead, assemble it and store the unbaked lasagna in the fridge for up to 2 days. (I like to add a sheet of parchment paper on top before covering the baking dish with foil). I prefer freezing baked lasagna.

To reheat this vegetable lasagna, bake at 400°F for 30 minutes to an hour (or until heated in the middle). If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

What to Serve with Vegetable Lasagna

I love serving this lasagna with a simple salad. Toss your favorite fresh salad ingredients into a bowl (I love baby lettuce, cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes). Then, drizzle over your favorite salad dressing. My family’s favorites include homemade Italian dressing, simple Caesar dressing, or this balsamic vinaigrette.

We also love siding this veggie-packed lasagna with a slice of classic garlic bread, cheesy garlic bread, or this homemade focaccia.

More Vegetable Pasta Recipes

  • Easy Veggie Lasagna Roll Ups
  • Fresh Veggie Spaghetti
  • Orzo Pasta with Tomato and Basil
  • Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles
  • Vegetable Baked Pasta
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Easy Vegetable Lasagna

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This vegetable lasagna recipe is a family favorite! Fresh vegetables, a light tomato sauce, and lots of cheese make this the best veggie lasagna ever. Feel free to add or substitute your favorite veggies. We have given suggestions in the article above.

Makes 8 Servings

Watch Us Make the Recipe

You Will Need

14 lasagna noodles, see notes

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup (140g) chopped onion

1 tablespoon minced garlic, 3 to 4 cloves

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste

2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

2 medium yellow squash, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

One (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and cut into 1/2-inch pieces, 1 heaping cup

1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes

Generous handful fresh basil leaves, chopped

One (15-oz) container ricotta cheese or cottage cheese

2 large eggs

2 ounces (60g) parmesan cheese, grated, about 2/3 cup

8 ounces (230g) low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded, about 2 cups

Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

  • Cook Noodles
  • 1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. To prevent the noodles from sticking after they are drained, add two teaspoons of olive oil to the pasta water. Drain, then lay flat on a sheet of aluminum foil.

  • Make Vegetable Sauce
  • 1Heat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly oil a 13-inch by 9-inch baking dish or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

    2Heat the olive oil in a wide skillet with sides over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes.

    3Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, zucchini, yellow squash, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened but still have some crunch, another 5 to 8 minutes.

    4Stir in the roasted red peppers and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a low simmer and cook until the liquid has thickened and reduced by half, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the basil and season to taste with additional salt and pepper.

  • Prepare the Cheeses
  • 1While the sauce cooks, stir together the ricotta cheese, eggs, and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a medium bowl.

    2Toss the parmesan cheese with the mozzarella. Set aside.

  • Assemble Lasagna
  • 1Spoon about 1 cup of your vegetable mixture into the baking dish to lightly cover the bottom. Arrange four noodles lengthwise, side-by-side, to cover the base. Cut a piece to fit if a noodle doesn’t reach the end.

    2Spread half of your ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with a third of your parmesan and mozzarella. Top this with a third of the remaining vegetable sauce.

    3Add another layer of four noodles. Spread the rest of your ricotta mixture and half of the remaining parmesan and mozzarella. Top this with half of your remaining vegetable sauce.

    4Add a final layer of noodles and the rest of your vegetable sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

    5Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover it and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is crusty around the edges.

    6For a golden-brown cheesy top, broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Adam and Joanne's Tips

  • Cook 12 lasagna noodles, plus 2 extra in case you need them for filling gaps.
  • Vegetarian option: Skip the parmesan cheese.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free noodles or create “noodle” layers with vegetables (see the article for details).
  • Dairy-free/egg-free: Leave out the egg. Substitute almond ricotta for regular ricotta. Consider using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
  • Nutrition: The provided nutrition facts are estimates calculated using the USDA database.

Nutrition Per Serving Serving Size 1/8 of lasagna / Calories 381 / Total Fat 20.9g / Saturated Fat 11g / Cholesterol 104mg / Sodium 773mg / Carbohydrate 28.2g / Dietary Fiber 4.3g / Total Sugars 6.5g / Protein 20.7g

AUTHOR: Adam and Joanne Gallagher

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Easy Vegetable Lasagna (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep vegetable lasagna from being watery? ›

Cook your vegetables separately.

Having a proper amount of vegetables will help the lasagna maintain its shape, and will keep everything moist, but not watery.

What can I use instead of meat in lasagna? ›

A: For the meaty ragu, vegan lasagnas can be made with a vegan meat alternative or simply with finely minced mushrooms and lentils. Crumbled tempeh works great too! For the creamy white sauce, the milk and butter can be replaced for non-dairy alternatives. Try soy milk and vegan butter instead.

What can I add to my lasagna to make it taste better? ›

Sugar: Two tablespoons of white sugar add subtle sweetness and enhance the flavor of the sauce. Spices and seasonings: This lasagna recipe is flavored with fresh parsley, dried basil leaves, salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and black pepper. Lasagna noodles: Use store-bought or homemade lasagna noodles.

Why add tomato paste to lasagna? ›

Its mild flavor works really well with the mozzarella. Tomato Sauce & Paste: An important component in lasagna. Choosing your favorite tomato sauce will guarantee that you'll love this recipe. A good tomato paste helps to thicken but also adds a sweet and savory umami flavor.

Why is my ricotta cheese watery in lasagna? ›

An unfortunate soupy texture in lasagna is caused by excess moisture in the ingredients. Thoroughly draining the ricotta cheese you'd use in a classic lasagna recipe or squeezing the cooked spinach you might add to a vegetarian version can definitely help.

Does traditional lasagna have vegetables? ›

Basically, lasagna is a baked casserole made with wide flat pasta and layered with fillings such as ragú, bechamel, vegetables and various cheeses.

Is vegetable lasagna good for diet? ›

You won't miss the meat in this low-calorie lasagna. Vegetables and cheese provide the flavor and whole-wheat noodles add heart-healthy fiber. The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes.

What do Italians use instead of ricotta in lasagna? ›

In Italian cuisine, ricotta cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, but when it's not available, Italians may substitute it with other soft cheeses like mascarpone, stracchino, or crescenza.

What is the difference between lasagne and lasagna? ›

It is about lasagne, which is ubiquitous north of Rome. Note the difference in the last letter of the name. Lasagne is plural and refers to the noodles themselves, also plural. Lasagna is Italian American parlance and refers to the aforementioned cheesy composition, the dish in toto.

Why put foil over lasagna? ›

If uncovered, the prolonged exposure to heat will quickly dry out your lasagna, no matter how much sauce you've added. Make sure to always add a layer of tin foil over your baking dish, which will trap the moisture inside while still allowing the dish to cook properly.

Why do you put milk in lasagna? ›

The secret ingredient? Milk. It tenderises the meat, to leave you with the most tender ragù. Use a deep dish and find out how to layer a lasagne.

Should you bake lasagna covered or not? ›

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until cheese is golden brown, 5 to 10 more minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Do you add egg to ricotta for lasagna? ›

Add egg and parsley: a basic ricotta mixture calls for 16 ounces of whole milk ricotta, one egg, and a couple tablespoons of parsley. For extra creamy ricotta, add in an extra egg, a handful of grated parmesan, and a quarter cup of shredded mozzarella.

How to stop lasagne from being sloppy? ›

Use dry lasagne, and don't pre-cook it. I think too much white sauce can be problematic. Stick an egg yolk in the bechamel, it'll firm up without being too set. Make it, cook it, cool it, refrigerate it, reheat and eat the next day.

How to make lasagna firmer? ›

The lasagna can (and should) rest before eating.

Yes it's tempting to cut into the lasagna right when you pull it from the oven, but let it rest on a cooling rack for at least 15 minutes. This will help firm up all the layers and make it much easier to slice a square.

How do you make vegetables less watery? ›

Tossing watery vegetables with salt before cooking not only seasons them and rids them of excess moisture, but also draws out more flavor.

Why is my eggplant lasagna watery? ›

If the eggplant is still a bit raw before layering, it still has water to release, and it will make the lasagna watery. Second, be sure to cook the tomato sauce down for the full 20 minutes. We're letting water evaporate as well as concentrating the flavor of the tomatoes.

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