Vegetarian Spinach Lasagna

This Vegetarian Spinach Lasagna is a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delightful dish. It takes the classic Italian favorite and gives it a meatless makeover that’s bursting with authentic Italian Flavors: tender pasta layers, rich crushed tomatoes, a trio of cheeses, and the vibrant goodness of fresh spinach and herbs. You can trust this recipe to become your new, must-have lasagna choice for family dinners.

You won’t even notice the absence of meat. This Vegetarian Spinach Lasagna is incredibly satisfying and just as effortless to prepare as any traditional version. With only 20 minutes of prep time and an hour of baking, you’ll have a beautifully browned lasagna ready to grace your table. What’s more, it’s freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully from frozen, so you can bid farewell to worries about leftovers-assuming there are any left, of course.

Why you’ll love this Vegetarian Spinach Lasagna:

• The best combination of ingredients: Every component in this dish harmonizes to create an explosion of flavor in every mouthful. From the fresh spinach and the medley of cheeses to the lasagna noodles and the fire-roasted tomato sauce, each element plays a crucial role. The fire-roasted tomatoes, kissed by an open flame, impart a natural sweetness and subtle smokiness that elevates the overall taste to unparalleled heights.
• It is super cheesy: Indulge in the essence of cheesy indulgence that lasagna is renowned for. This vegetarian version is a cheese-lover’s dream, featuring a trifecta of Parmesan, ricotta, and mozzarella. Layers upon layers of creamy, stretchy, and Savory cheese create a symphony of textures and Flavors that make this lasagna irresistibly comforting.
• Simple preparation: Despite the seemingly extensive list of ingredients, fear not. The instructions for this lasagna are thoughtfully divided into simple, step-by-step processes, and you’ll spend just 20 minutes on active preparation. It’s the ideal choice when you desire a dazzling dish without an abundance of effort. Plus, it’s conducive to advance preparation and freezer storage, making meal planning a breeze.
• Great as a side or an entrée: This lasagna is a culinary chameleon, equally at home as a delectable side dish for large gatherings or potlucks and as a satisfying main course for cozy family dinners. It’s poised to steal the spotlight no matter how you choose to serve it.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

Servings: 5

Course: Main

Cuisine: Italian

Author: Siddhanath Metkari

Tools for this recipe:

1. Garlic Press
2. Wire whisk
3. a big pot
4. Sharp knife
5. bowl
6. skillet
7. kitchen tongs
8. oven

Vegetarian Spinach Lasagna recipe video:

Vegetarian spinach lasagna ingredients and instructions:

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

1. 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves, chopped
2. 1 cup of ricotta cheese
3. 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
4. 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
5. 1 egg
6. 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
7. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

1. 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
2. 1 small onion, finely chopped
3. 3 cloves of garlic, minced
4. 1 teaspoon of dried basil
5. 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Layers:

1. Cook 9 lasagna noodles following the instructions on the package.
2. 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
3. Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly stir until all the ingredients are evenly blended. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

• In a large saucepan, warm a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for around 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a baking dish, spread a small amount of the tomato sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
• Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
• Add half of the spinach and cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.
• Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the filling.
• Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining spinach and cheese mixture, mozzarella.
• Top with the final three lasagna noodles.
• Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top, ensuring it covers all the noodles.
• Sprinkle with more shredded mozzarella cheese.

The lasagna is layered in a 9×13-inch casserole:

1. Begin with a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom of the casserole dish.
2. Place 3 lasagna noodles as the next layer.
3. Spread half of the spinach-cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
4. Sprinkle a generous ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.
5. Add 1 cup of tomato sauce.
6. Follow with another layer of 3 lasagna noodles.
7. Spread the remaining half of the spinach-cheese mixture.
8. Sprinkle another ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.
9. Pour 1 cup of tomato sauce.
10. Place the final layer of 3 lasagna noodles.
11. Finish with the remaining tomato sauce.
12. Top it all off with a generous 1 and ¼ cups of mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

• Cover the baking dish with aluminium foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Allow the Vegetarian Spinach Lasagna to cool slightly before slicing. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Step 6: Enjoy

• Serve up generous slices of this scrumptious vegetarian lasagna and savor the delightful combination of Flavors and textures. It’s a comforting and wholesome meal that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Enjoy!

Vegetarian Spinach Lasagna Nutrition Information:

Nutrition based on whole milk ricotta, marinara sauce, cooked spinach, and oven-ready lasagna noodles.

💚Health Benefits of Vegetarian Spinach Lasagna:

1. Loaded with Leafy Greens
   Spinach is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron — all important for immunity, skin, and energy.
2. Great Meatless Protein Source
   Thanks to ricotta and mozzarella, you still get quality protein without the meat.
3. High in Calcium
   Cheese and spinach provide bone-supporting calcium for strong bones and teeth.
4. Heart-Friendly
   Plant-based meals like this naturally support better heart health and lower cholesterol intake.
5. Digestive Support
   Tomato sauce and spinach are both fiber-rich, helping to regulate digestion.
6. Boosts Eye Health
   Spinach contains lutein and zeaxanthin — two antioxidants linked to healthy vision.
7. Antioxidant Rich
   Tomatoes, garlic, and greens offer a medley of antioxidants that fight inflammation and free radicals.
8. Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight
   This lasagna is hearty but not heavy — great for staying full without overeating.
9. Mood & Brain Benefits
   Spinach’s magnesium and folate help support better mood regulation and cognitive function.
10. Less Saturated Fat Than Traditional Lasagna
    Without meat or heavy sauces, this version has a cleaner nutrition profile but keeps all the flavor.

🧊 Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator:
  Let the lasagna cool completely before storing. Cover the dish tightly or transfer slices into airtight containers. Keeps well for up to 4 days.
• Freezer:
  Wrap slices individually in foil or store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Freezing tip: Add an extra spoonful of marinara on top before freezing to prevent dryness when reheating.

🔁 Reheat & Reuse Instructions:

🌡️ How to Reheat:

• Microwave:
  Place a slice on a plate with a spoonful of marinara or a splash of water. Cover and heat for 1–2 minutes until hot.
• Oven:
  Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through.

♻️ Leftover Ideas:

1. Lasagna Roll-Ups
   Re-roll leftover layers into lasagna rolls, add sauce on top, and bake again for a fun twist.
2. Stuffed Bell Peppers
   Scoop the lasagna filling into halved bell peppers, sprinkle cheese, and bake.
3. Veggie Lasagna Soup
   Chop up leftovers, add vegetable broth, and warm it up for a cozy tomato-spinach soup.
4. Lasagna Grilled Sandwich
   Use two slices of crusty bread to turn a lasagna portion into a cheesy grilled panini.
5. Lunchbox-Friendly Wraps
   Wrap slices in a tortilla with a handful of arugula for a grab-and-go meatless lunch.

🥗 Serve It With:

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• Simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted zucchini or eggplant
• A glass of red wine like Sangiovese or Merlot

Recipe Changes:

Here are some delectable variations that you can try:

1. Add Meat: If you’re craving some meaty goodness, cook up some ground beef or turkey. Afterward, use the same pan to sauté the onions for the tomato sauce. Then, continue following the recipe as usual.
2. Add veggies: For an extra dose of flavor and nutrition, consider adding a layer of sliced roasted vegetables. Excellent choices include roasted eggplant, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
3. Try Lasagna Roll-Ups: Instead of the classic lasagna layers, you can create delightful lasagna roll-ups. Keep the tomato sauce and spinach-cheese mixture as is. The only change is in how you assemble them. For detailed instructions, check out our Lasagna Roll-Ups recipe.

Serving Suggestions:

Vegetarian Spinach Lasagna is a delectable and satisfying meal that can stand alone or be complemented by classic accompaniments like:

• Garlic Breadsticks
• Caesar Salad
• Greek Salad with Crisp Lettuce
• Garlic Knots
• Fresh Garden Salad

Recipe advice and Hints:

• Easy Spreading: If you find it challenging to evenly spread the spinach mixture on the lasagna noodles, try dropping spoonful’s and then use the back of the spoon to distribute it.
• Time-Saving Noodles: If you’re short on time, consider using no-boil lasagna noodles. These can be layered in without any pre-cooking.
• Make Ahead and Freeze: Lasagna is an ideal freezer-friendly meal for those busy days when you’re short on time or energy. You can prepare it in advance in an aluminium pan, freeze it, and when needed, pop it straight into the oven.
• Prep in Advance: You can also prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking it.

FAQ’s

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