Meatless Lasagna Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 06, 2025

23

Share

A Flavorful Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe That Will Impress

Lasagna, a classic Italian dish, is often associated with rich meat sauces. However, this recipe demonstrates that a meatless lasagna can be just as satisfying and flavorful, if not more so! This vegetarian lasagna is packed with vegetables, herbs, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that will leave everyone wanting more. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is also easily adaptable to your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This meatless lasagna recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a convenient choice for your next meal.

For the Vegetable Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 1 cup zucchini, diced (optional)
• 1/2 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded ricotta cheese

Other:

• 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or no-boil preferred)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating a Culinary Masterpiece

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meatless lasagna that will impress your family and friends.

Preparing the Vegetable Filling:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in chickpeas and any optional vegetables. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Making the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
2. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella and ricotta cheese until melted and smooth.

Assembling Your Lasagna:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the cheese sauce.
4. Spread half of the vegetable filling over the noodles.
5. Spread half of the remaining cheese sauce over the vegetable filling.
6. Repeat layers with 3 more noodles, the remaining vegetable filling, and the remaining cheese sauce.
7. Top with the final 3 noodles.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil.

Baking to Perfection:

1. Bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Serving Suggestions and Tips for Success

Serve your meatless lasagna hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. A side salad and crusty bread make excellent accompaniments.

Tips for the Best Meatless Lasagna:

• Use oven-ready lasagna noodles: This saves time and prevents the noodles from getting soggy.
• Don't overcook the vegetables: You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: Add more herbs, spices, or salt and pepper to your liking.
• Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables. Eggplant, mushrooms, and spinach are all great options.

This recipe is a delicious and satisfying vegetarian option that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!