Vegetable Lasagna

Vegetable Lasagna

Vegetable lasagna is a hearty and fulfilling dish that combines layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and a variety of nutritious vegetables. It’s a great option for a vegetarian meal and can be customized with your favorite veggies.

Ingredients:
– 12 lasagna noodles
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup chopped spinach
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. **Preheat** your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Cook** the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. **Heat** the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

4. **Add** the zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano.

5. **In** a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

6. **Spread** a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.

7. **Spread** a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of the vegetable mixture and chopped spinach.

8. **Pour** some marinara sauce over the vegetables. Repeat the layers until you have used all the noodles, ricotta mixture, and vegetables, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce.

9. **Top** the lasagna with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

10. **Cover** the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

11. **Let** the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Enjoy this delicious and wholesome vegetable lasagna with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!