Quick and Easy Vegetable Lasagna
This Quick and Easy Vegetable Lasagna is a light and fresh way to take advantage of seasonal produce in a comforting, one-dish meal
This Quick and Easy Vegetable Lasagna is a light and fresh way to take advantage of seasonal produce in a comforting, one-dish meal
2 teaspoons olive oil
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
1 zucchini or yellow summer squash diced
1 sweet bell pepper (any color) seeded and diced
1 sweet onion diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 horizon organic egg beaten
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tea
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 2 teasp
16 ounces (2 cups) horizon organic low-fat co
2 â½ cups horizon organic shredded mozzarella divided
â½ cup grated parmesan cheese divided
24 ounces (2 â½ cups) store-bought (or homemad
9 oven-read (no-boil) lasagna noodles (i used
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 large serving (0g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook and stir the veggies just until tender (about 3-5 minutes).
- While the veggies cook, use a separate bowl to stir together egg, parsley, basil, cottage cheese, 1 ¾ cups mozzarella, and ½ cup Parmesan.
- When the vegetables are done cooking, stir the marinara sauce into the skillet.
- Spread 1/4 of the marinara-vegetable sauce mixture in a thin layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with 3 no-boil lasagna noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, and another 1/4 of the sauce mixture.
- Repeat layers two more times. Finish with remaining 1 ¾ cups of mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese on top. Cover with foil sprayed with cooking spray.
- Bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil, and bake for another 10 minutes (or until heated through and cheese on top is browned). Let stand for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
My Go-To Weeknight Meal: Quick and Easy Vegetable Lasagna
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a never-ending struggle. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the general chaos of family life, elaborate recipes often fall by the wayside. That’s why I've come to rely on quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dishes like this vegetable lasagna. It's a recipe that's become a staple in my household, offering a delicious and nutritious option that doesn't require hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of this lasagna lies in its simplicity. No pre-boiling noodles! The no-boil lasagna noodles are a game-changer, saving precious time and effort. The vegetable mixture is equally straightforward – a colorful medley of fresh, seasonal vegetables sautéed to perfection. I often adjust the vegetables based on what's in season and what my family enjoys. Sometimes it's zucchini and bell peppers; other times, it's spinach and mushrooms. The flexibility of this recipe makes it perfect for adapting to different tastes and dietary needs.
The creamy ricotta cheese mixture adds a delightful richness that complements the fresh vegetables and tangy marinara sauce. And of course, a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top provides that irresistible cheesy goodness that makes lasagna so addictive. It’s a comforting dish that's both light and satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. The entire family loves it, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day. It's a recipe that makes everyone happy, from my picky eaters to my husband who appreciates a good, hearty meal.
Beyond the ease of preparation, this vegetable lasagna also provides a healthy and nutritious meal. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals from the colorful array of vegetables. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies for even the most discerning eaters. And, compared to many other lasagna recipes, it's a lighter option, avoiding excessive amounts of heavy cream or cheese.
Tips and Variations:
- Customize your vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Spinach, eggplant, carrots, and even butternut squash would all be delicious additions.
- Add protein: For a heartier lasagna, consider adding cooked ground turkey, chicken, or lentils to the vegetable mixture.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the lasagna ahead of time and bake it when ready. This is particularly helpful for busy weeknights.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little kick.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese. Fontina, provolone, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would be wonderful additions.
This vegetable lasagna recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple, delicious cooking. It’s a recipe that reflects my personal philosophy on cooking: healthy, flavorful, and manageable, even on the busiest of days. It's a dish I wholeheartedly recommend to any busy individual or family looking for a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s both quick and easy to prepare.
