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Vegetable Lasagna

This vegetable lasagna is a cozy, imperfect dish built from layers of thinly sliced vegetables, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. It uses a mix of fresh or frozen veggies, layered with noodles and cheeses, then baked until bubbly and golden on top. The final texture is gooey and tender with crispy edges, perfect for a comforting meal with a rustic charm.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchini thinly sliced
  • 2 cups frozen spinach thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese, blended smooth
  • 3 cups marinara sauce chunky with garlic
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 12 noodles lasagna noodles regular or no-boil
  • 1 bunch fresh basil chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting and layers

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Sharp knife
  • Large spoon or spatula
  • Aluminum foil
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice the zucchini into thin rounds, about 3mm thick, and set aside.
  2. Thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, mix the spinach with the ricotta cheese, chopped basil, and half of the minced garlic for a fresh, vibrant filling.
  3. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions if using regular noodles. Drain and set aside.
  4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. This base prevents sticking and adds flavor.
  5. Layer noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping for even coverage. Break noodles as needed to fit edges.
  6. Spread a layer of the ricotta-spinach mixture over the noodles, then add a handful of sliced zucchini on top. Drizzle with a little olive oil for moisture.
  7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the vegetables for gooey, cheesy layers.
  8. Repeat the layers—sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, zucchini, cheeses—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
  9. Cover the assembled lasagna tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes, until bubbling and heated through.
  10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese and crisp the edges. The top should be golden and bubbly.
  11. Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes clean slices easier.
  12. Slice into portions, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm to enjoy the gooey cheese and tender vegetables.