Layered Mediterranean Veggie Lasagna

Layered Mediterranean Veggie Lasagna is a delightful and healthy twist on a classic comfort food, offering a vibrant array of fresh vegetables layered with creamy ricotta and marinara sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. This recipe is incredibly useful for anyone looking for a wholesome, meat-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or heartiness.

Key Ingredients for Layered Mediterranean Veggie Lasagna

• 12-16 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or traditional, prepared according to package directions)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large red onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large zucchini, diced
• 1 large yellow squash, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make Layered Mediterranean Veggie Lasagna

Get ready to experience a truly satisfying and delicious meal with this Layered Mediterranean Veggie Lasagna. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, featuring a medley of fresh vegetables sautéed to perfection and layered with a luscious ricotta mixture and hearty marinara. The combination of textures and flavors creates a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Expect to spend about 30 minutes on prep and 1 hour 15 minutes baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Incorporate Spinach and Seasonings: Stir in the squeezed-dry spinach, dried oregano, dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, and the lightly beaten egg. Stir until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
5. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Layer the Noodles and Veggies: Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles over the marinara sauce (break noodles to fit if necessary). Top with half of the sautéed vegetable mixture, spreading it evenly.
7. Add Ricotta and More Sauce: Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the vegetables and spread it gently. Spoon another 1 cup of marinara sauce over the ricotta.
8. Continue Layering: Add another layer of lasagna noodles. Top with the remaining vegetable mixture.
9. Final Layers: Spread the remaining ricotta mixture over the vegetables, followed by another cup of marinara sauce. Finish with a final layer of lasagna noodles.
10. Top and Bake: Spread the remaining marinara sauce over the top layer of noodles, ensuring they are completely covered. Sprinkle evenly with the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
11. Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
12. Brown the Top: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
13. Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut.

Why You’ll Love This Layered Mediterranean Veggie Lasagna

You’re going to adore this Layered Mediterranean Veggie Lasagna for so many reasons! Its star feature is the incredible abundance of colorful, fresh vegetables, creating a hearty and wholesome dish that’s bursting with flavor and vibrant textures. Making this at home is also incredibly budget-friendly, proving that delicious and satisfying meals don’t need to break the bank, especially when you’re using seasonal produce. The delightful combination of perfectly cooked vegetables, creamy ricotta, rich marinara, and melted cheesy goodness makes this a truly special and satisfying experience, far surpassing the often bland and one-dimensional vegetarian lasagna options you might have tried before.

This lasagna offers a delightful departure from typical pasta bakes, packing in nutrients and fantastic taste that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s proof that meatless meals can be just as satisfying and flavorful, if not more so, than their traditional counterparts. So, ditch the takeout menus and give this delightful Layered Mediterranean Veggie Lasagna a try – your taste buds and your wallet will thank you!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers of your delicious Layered Mediterranean Veggie Lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the lasagna is completely cooled before transferring it to an airtight container or covering the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.

To reheat, the best method is to bake individual portions in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat a larger portion this way, increasing the time slightly. For a quicker option, microwave individual slices, though the texture might be slightly softer. To freeze, assemble the lasagna as directed but do not bake. Once cooled, cover securely and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding a little extra baking time.

Final Thoughts

This Layered Mediterranean Veggie Lasagna is a true testament to how delicious and satisfying vegetarian meals can be. It’s a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Gather your fresh ingredients and enjoy the process of creating this culinary delight right in your own kitchen.