Sunday Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
Highlighted under: Home Food
I absolutely love making this Sunday Roasted Vegetable Lasagna as a comforting meal for family gatherings. The combination of roasted vegetables layered between sheets of pasta, smothered in rich marinara, makes every bite a delight. I enjoy incorporating seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach, which not only enhances the flavors but also adds a splash of color. Baking it until golden and bubbling creates a beautiful dish that is sure to impress everyone around the table.
When I first tried making lasagna from scratch, it felt like an ambitious undertaking. I quickly learned that roasting the vegetables before layering them not only intensifies their flavors but also ensures they retain a lovely texture in the baking process. The key is to not overcrowd the baking sheet so that the veggies caramelize perfectly—trust me, it makes all the difference!
Throughout the years, I've refined my approach to the sauce too. Opting for a mix of store-bought marinara and homemade additions gives me the best of both worlds—convenience and depth of flavor. I often throw in fresh herbs from my garden, which elevates the dish and fills my kitchen with a warm aroma as it bakes gloriously in the oven.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A delightful mix of roasted seasonal vegetables
- Creamy layers of cheese that pull apart beautifully
- Perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner
Understanding Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables for this lasagna elevates their flavors, concentrating their sweetness and creating a wonderful caramelization. For the best results, make sure to spread the vegetables out on the baking sheet to promote even roasting. If the pieces are too crowded, they may steam rather than roast, leading to a less desirable texture.
Feel free to experiment with other seasonal vegetables based on what’s fresh. Root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes can work beautifully, but keep in mind that they may require slightly longer roasting times. Aim for a golden, tender texture that will meld perfectly with the creamy cheeses in the lasagna.
Layering for Optimal Flavor
When layering your lasagna, starting with a thin layer of marinara sauce will help prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the dish. Use a spatula to spread the sauce evenly. I like to add a little extra sauce around the edges to keep the pasta moist during baking, which prevents it from drying out.
Ensure each layer is well-balanced with components: equal portions of cheese, vegetables, and sauce. This not only enhances flavor in every bite but also ensures that the lasagna holds together well when sliced. Keep in mind that too much filling can make the layers spill out during serving.
Ingredients
Roasted Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Lasagna Components
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes until golden and tender.
Cook the Noodles
Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles in boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Layer the Ingredients
In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce, followed by a layer of lasagna noodles. Add a layer of roasted vegetables, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella on top.
Bake the Lasagna
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed garlic or fresh herbs to the marinara sauce. You can also experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a unique twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
This lasagna is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meals. You can assemble it up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly with foil. This not only saves time on the day of serving but allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
If you prefer, you can also freeze assembled lasagna. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake it straight from the freezer. Just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes after baking. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice. I like to pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, which complements the richness of the cheese and sauce.
Garlic bread is also a delicious accompaniment. The crunchy, buttery slices are perfect for soaking up any remaining marinara sauce on your plate. For an herbaceous note, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top of the lasagna before serving.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I prepare the lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
→ What vegetables can I substitute?
You can use any vegetables you enjoy, such as eggplant, asparagus, or even root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes.
→ Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, you can use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.
→ How long can leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to three months.
Sunday Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
I absolutely love making this Sunday Roasted Vegetable Lasagna as a comforting meal for family gatherings. The combination of roasted vegetables layered between sheets of pasta, smothered in rich marinara, makes every bite a delight. I enjoy incorporating seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach, which not only enhances the flavors but also adds a splash of color. Baking it until golden and bubbling creates a beautiful dish that is sure to impress everyone around the table.
Created by: Elin Matthews
Recipe Type: Home Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Roasted Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Lasagna Components
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
How-To Steps
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes until golden and tender.
Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles in boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce, followed by a layer of lasagna noodles. Add a layer of roasted vegetables, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella on top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed garlic or fresh herbs to the marinara sauce. You can also experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a unique twist.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 590mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 43g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 18g