A very comforting food that is also great for your health. Garden Fresh Veggie And Cheese Lasagna is easy to make at home by following these simple steps.
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Garden Fresh Veggie and Cheese Lasagna: Comforting Food Great for Health.
Lasagna is one of the most loved comfort foods in America and is loved by many for its gooey cheese, thick sauce and a very nutritious crust that makes it a great way to gather your family, friends and guests for dinner.
Lasagna is always filled with meat but here is a new and delicious variation of this recipe that is light and cheesy yet very satisfying.
In this recipe, we will learn about a cheesy, vegetable lasagna that is perfect for vegetarians or anyone who loves to eat a lot of cheese or anyone who loves to eat a lot of cheese. It is loaded with nutritious ingredients and can be prepared to make a delicious homemade dish.
If you’re making this dish for your family for dinner, for a potluck, or just want to meal prep for the week, Garden Fresh Veggie and Cheese Lasagna won’t disappoint.
You’ll find a complete recipe for all the ingredients you need to make this dish, along with step-by-step instructions, serving instructions, and answers to some of your lasagna questions.
Why Make Cheesy Veggie Lasagna?
Meatless and Comforting Meal – This is a great option for vegetarians or those who prefer to eat less meat.
Healthy Choice – This dish is loaded with colorful veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers.
Cheesy – Mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, and this creamy combination makes for a wonderful crunch for every bite.
Make Ahead – This dish can be prepared ahead of time and then baked later.
Garden Fresh Veggie and Cheese Lasagna, All You Need:-
To make this dish, you need tomato sauce, fresh veggies and lots of cheese.
Vegetable Ingredients
- 1 sliced mushroom
- 1 sliced yellow bell pepper
- 1 sliced red bell pepper
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese Filling Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spiciness
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
Pasta Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna rolls, oven-ready
All Preparation Instructions:
1. Preparing the Vegetables
- Take a large skillet and heat it over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add garlic and onion and saute until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add zucchini, mushrooms and bell pepper and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until soft.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add black pepper, salt and Italian seasoning and remove from heat and keep aside.
Tip:- Vegetables should never be cooked fully for this recipe. Cook only lightly so that the vegetables remain firm and tight so that they remain durable while baking.
2. Making the Cheese Filling
Take a large bowl and add eggs, salt, parmesan, ricotta cheese, parsley and black pepper. Mix until creamy and smooth.
Keep aside to coat.
3. Cooking the Lasagna Noodles
- If you are using regular noodles to make Garden Fresh Veggie and Cheese Lasagna, follow the instructions on the packet and cook them in boiling salted water first, then drain the water well and keep aside.
- If you are using noodles in the oven, you do not need to boil them.
4. Preparing the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375° F (190° C).
- Use a 9*13 inch baking dish and spread one cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Now add a layer of lasagna noodles, then spread a layer of ricotta cheese mixture.
- Add a layer of roasted veggies, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Now repeat the layers used once again, sauce – noodles – ricotta – veggies – mozzarella.
- Finally, top the noodles, sauce with a layer of mozzarella and parmesan to complete the dish.
5. Baking the Lasagna
- Cover your dish tightly with an aluminium foil to prevent over browning.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil once baked and then bake for another 18 to 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let sit at room temperature for 10 to 12 minutes before slicing so that all the layers set properly.
Serving Tips for the Best Garden Fresh Veggie and Cheese Lasagna:
- A side salad such as Caesar or a garden salad is a great accompaniment to this dish.
- If you want a comforting and wonderful meal, you can serve this dish with garlic bread or breadsticks.
- If you are a wine lover, a glass of red wine or iced tea is a great accompaniment.
Storing Leftovers and Meal Prep Tips:
Refrigerator – You can store your leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer – For longer storage, gather the uncooked lasagna and wrap it tightly in a paper file, then you can keep it in the freezer for up to two months. Bake upright at 375° F, allowing an additional 20 to 22 minutes.
Prep the food – To prepare, cut all the ingredients into portions and store them for a quick dinner or lunch, saving you time.
Some additional tips for the perfect lasagna: –
Always use good quality marinara sauce – you can make it homemade or buy a premium brand from the store.
Maintain moisture balance – Vegetables with more water will make the lasagna too wet. If you are layering, make sure to lightly roast them first.
Variety of cheese – If someone likes a more rich taste, use provonol or gouda.
Cool before cutting – Make sure to cool the Garden Fresh Veggie and Cheese Lasagna to room temperature first to avoid it from falling apart.
Your FAQs
Q. How to make it vegan?
Don’t use ricotta. Use vegan ricotta instead. Use plant-based shreds instead of mozzarella. And be sure to avoid eggs.
Q. Can I make this lasagna gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use store-bought gluten-free lasagna noodles.
Q. Can I use any other veggies?
Yes! You can also add carrots, broccoli, eggplant or even roasted sweet potatoes which work great and make your dish even tastier.
Q. How long can homemade garden fresh veggie and cheese lasagna last in the fridge?
For the best and best results, you can keep it for about 3 to 4 days and it stays fresh.
Q. What causes lasagna to break?
After baking, if you cut it too quickly, it may break. Keep it at room temperature for 8 to 10 minutes before serving.
Summary
Garden Fresh Veggie and Cheese Lasagna proves how delicious and wonderful you can make at home and comfort food doesn’t have to be a meal if you are cooking fresh veggies, creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, a hearty dish that satisfies all cheese cravings and health conscious alike.
This dish can be made on busy days and stored for 3-4 days, making it perfect for weeknight meals or family gatherings as this recipe is all about healthy ingredients and a comforting way to bring you together.
The next time you crave this lasagna, skip the meat and make it with veggies and you will be amazed at how delicious and nutritious you can make with veggies.
If you like this recipe and the tips, be sure to share, pin it and get your apron on and get ready to make it right now.