Sunday Baked Vegetable Lasagna

Name: Sunday Baked Vegetable Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 3 cups spinach, fresh; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for sautéing

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making Sunday Baked Vegetable Lasagna as a comforting end to the week. The layers of fresh vegetables and rich cheese create an irresistible combination that fills the house with a warm, inviting aroma. Each bite is a delightful reminder that vegetarian meals can be both satisfying and delicious. It’s a recipe I’ve perfected over the years, balancing the flavors of zucchini, spinach, and ricotta cheese to create a hearty dish that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!

Created by

Josie Lambert

Last updated on 2026-01-10T12:04:17.480Z

When I first made this Sunday Baked Vegetable Lasagna, I was amazed by how flavorful and satisfying a vegetarian dish could be. Using a mix of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach not only adds a burst of color but also enhances the overall taste profile. I made sure to use a combination of cheeses, which melted beautifully and created a creamy texture that pulls everything together.

One of my favorite tips is to let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes serving much easier. Plus, the flavors deepen even further as it rests, making each bite even more delightful. It’s a meal I often prepare for family gatherings, and it never fails to impress!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty layers of fresh vegetables offer a wholesome bite.
Creamy ricotta and mozzarella provide the ultimate cheesy experience.
Perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day!

      

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The beauty of this Sunday Baked Vegetable Lasagna lies in its versatility. While zucchini and bell peppers are classic choices, feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Eggplant, mushrooms, or even butternut squash can add depth and flavor. Just keep in mind that denser vegetables may require an extra sauté time to ensure they soften properly and integrate with the other ingredients, enhancing the overall texture.

Always measure out the vegetables before cooking. This not only helps in achieving the desired flavor balance but also prevents overloading the layers. For instance, if using mushrooms, allow them to release their moisture fully and cook until golden brown to prevent sogginess, which can impact the structural integrity of the lasagna.

Tips for Perfecting Your Layers

Layering is crucial for the perfect lasagna, as it ensures that each bite has a balanced mix of flavors and textures. Aim for even distribution of ricotta, veggies, and sauce as you layer. A spatula can help evenly spread the ricotta, creating an ideal base for the vegetables. Use your hands to place the noodles gently; this protects them from breaking.

When stacking your lasagna, always finish with a generous layer of mozzarella on top. Not only does it provide that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience, but it also creates a beautiful golden crust. If you like a more pronounced flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the top layer before baking.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This vegetable lasagna is an excellent candidate for meal prep. Once fully assembled, you can cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. If you prefer to make it ahead and freeze it, wrap it well in aluminum foil after assembling but before baking. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months; just make sure to label it with the date for easy tracking.

To reheat perfectly, thaw the frozen lasagna in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, cover it with foil to prevent excessive browning, baking it at the same temperature until heated through. This usually takes about 30-45 minutes, and you can uncover the foil for the last 10 minutes to ensure the cheese on top becomes bubbly and golden again.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious lasagna.

For the Lasagna

12 lasagna noodles
2 cups ricotta cheese
3 cups spinach, fresh
1 zucchini, sliced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for sautéing

Make sure all your ingredients are on hand for an effortless cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to assemble and bake your lasagna.

Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add zucchini and bell pepper. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the spinach until wilted, then season with salt and pepper.

Layer the Ingredients

In a baking dish, start with a layer of marinara sauce, followed by noodles, ricotta cheese, sautéed vegetables, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella on top.

Bake the Lasagna

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let it Rest

Once baked, let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set for a cleaner cut.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade vegetable lasagna!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding fresh herbs such as basil or oregano between the layers.

Exploring Cheese Options

While ricotta and mozzarella are traditional choices, experimenting with cheeses can elevate your lasagna. Try substituting part of the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option. For added flavor, blend in some crumbled feta or goat cheese into the ricotta layer; these tangy alternatives can really brighten the dish.

You can also mix shredded provolone with mozzarella for a richer taste or even opt for vegan cheese alternatives if you're catering to dietary restrictions. Just be sure to choose a brand that melts well to maintain that desirable cheesy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Sunday Baked Vegetable Lasagna with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal. A simple arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette complements the richness of the lasagna beautifully. Adding toasted garlic bread can absorb some of the marinara sauce, making it a perfect accompaniment.

For a family-style presentation, cut the lasagna into squares and serve it directly from the baking dish. Garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving adds a burst of color and freshness, enhancing the overall appeal of this comforting dish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your lasagna turns out watery, it could be due to excess moisture in the vegetables. Always be sure to sauté the vegetables thoroughly until soft and remove any excess liquid before layering. Also, avoid using too much sauce; a light layer is adequate, as the noodles will absorb some moisture during baking.

Should you find that the cheese isn’t melting properly, it may be due to using low-moisture cheese or the oven not being hot enough. Ensure your oven is preheated well to 375°F (190°C) before placing your lasagna inside; this helps create that ideal gooey texture right from the start.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free noodles?

Yes, gluten-free lasagna noodles work great in this recipe!

→ How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I freeze the lasagna?

Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but uncooked lasagna for up to 3 months. Just bake it directly from the freezer, adding extra time.

→ What can I substitute for ricotta?

Cottage cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative works well if you're looking for a substitution.