Homemade Vegetable Lasagna

Vegetable lasagna is a beloved dish that combines the rich flavors of traditional lasagna with the freshness of vegetables. This versatile recipe can be easily customized to suit different dietary needs and preferences, making it an excellent choice for family meals or entertaining guests.

Cooking Time: 2 hours
Number of Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
• 3 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with turkey or plant-based alternative)
• 1 jar (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chopped mixed vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set this mixture aside as your béchamel sauce base.
3. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or alternative protein) to brown it thoroughly. Drain excess fat if necessary. Once done, add the minced garlic, mixed vegetables, and crushed tomatoes to the meat. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Let this mixture simmer for about 20 minutes until the flavors meld together.
4. To assemble your lasagna:
1. Layer a third of the cooked noodles in the bottom of an oven-safe dish.
2. Spread half of the vegetable and meat sauce over these noodles.
3. Pour one-third of the béchamel mixture evenly across this layer, then top with another third of the lasagna noodles.
4. Repeat steps b-c two more times until all layers are used up.
5. Cover the top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and sprinkle a little extra Parmesan over it for garnish.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately one hour, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta has softened through heating. Allow to cool slightly before slicing into portions.
6. Allow the lasagna to rest covered in a warm place for about thirty minutes after baking so that all flavors can meld together even better.

Tips & Variations

To give your vegetable lasagna an extra boost, consider adding spinach leaves during the last layer of sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary could also be used to enhance flavor without overpowering other ingredients.

1. For a healthier version, substitute some of the ricotta with low-fat cottage cheese or plain yogurt which will add moisture but reduce calories.
2. Add layers of whole wheat noodles for more fiber content while maintaining taste and texture.

This homemade vegetable lasagna is not only nutritious but also incredibly tasty. It's perfect for those who love hearty, comforting meals without compromising on healthiness. You can easily make it a centerpiece at your dinner table or pack it up as a healthy meal option for lunchboxes throughout the week. Enjoy crafting this delicious dish in your kitchen!