Ultimate Veggie-Packed Lasagna Delight

Veggie Lasagna Recipe

Description

This delightful Veggie Lasagna is a wonderful choice for a weeknight dinner, perfect for those who seek a comforting and nutritious meal without the heaviness of meat. Made with an assortment of fresh vegetables and layered with low-fat cheeses, this lasagna is both healthy and delicious, sure to be a hit with both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. It’s a flavorful dish that brings together the rich, creamy textures of cottage and ricotta cheese with the vibrant, fresh flavors of carrots, broccoli, zucchini, and mushrooms. The part-skim mozzarella cheese adds a gooey, melty finish that makes this lasagna truly irresistible.

Recipe Details

• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Calories: 198.8 per serving

Ingredients

• 2 cups of 1% fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup of low-fat ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup of carrots, thinly sliced
• 9 ounces of broccoli florets
• 2 cups of fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups of zucchini, thinly sliced
• 4 cups of part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 jar (approximately 24 ounces) of spaghetti sauce
• 1 box of lasagna noodles (cooked according to package directions)
• Non-stick cooking spray

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 198.8
• Fat: 6.8g
• Saturated Fat: 4.1g
• Cholesterol: 25.7mg
• Sodium: 399.2mg
• Carbohydrates: 17.3g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Sugar: 2.8g
• Protein: 17g

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

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   • In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of 1% fat cottage cheese, 1 cup of low-fat ricotta cheese, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

2. Prepare the Baking Pan

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Spread 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 13x9x2-inch baking pan that has been coated with non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent the lasagna from sticking and add a base layer of flavor.

3. Layer the Ingredients

   • Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce in the baking pan.
   • Spread one-third of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
   • Sprinkle half of the sliced carrots, broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, and sliced zucchini over the cheese mixture.
   • Top with another 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce and one-third of the shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.

4. Repeat the Layers

   • Add another layer of lasagna noodles over the vegetables and cheese.
   • Repeat the layering process with the remaining cheese mixture, vegetables, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
   • Continue until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

5. Bake the Lasagna

   • Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
   • After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

6. Rest and Serve

   • Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it stand for 15 minutes before cutting. This resting time allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to cut into neat slices.
   • Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, vegetable-packed lasagna!

Tips and Variations

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or eggplant. This recipe is very versatile and can be adjusted to include your favorite veggies.
• Cheese Options: If you prefer, you can use full-fat cheeses for a richer flavor, though this will increase the calorie and fat content.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
• Vegan Adaptation: To make this dish vegan, substitute the cottage cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella with vegan alternatives and ensure the spaghetti sauce is vegan-friendly.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the lasagna before baking it. Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
• Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. Individual slices can also be reheated in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Veggie Lasagna pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf of Italian bread makes a great accompaniment to soak up any extra sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of roasted vegetables or a bowl of soup.

Final Thoughts

This Veggie Lasagna is a testament to how delicious and satisfying vegetarian meals can be. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying the comfort of a classic lasagna. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a standout meal, and the nutritional profile ensures it’s a healthy choice as well. Enjoy the process of making it and savor every bite!