Classic Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients

• 12-14 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (800g) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• For the Cheese Mixture:
• 500g ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare Lasagna Noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking. If using no-boil noodles, no pre-cooking is needed.

2. 2

   Make Marinara Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach until it wilts.

3. 3

   Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well until thoroughly combined.

4. 4

   Preheat Oven & Layer First: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the dish. Arrange 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if needed.

5. 5

   Add Cheese & Repeat Layers: Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Top with about 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Cover with another layer of 3-4 lasagna noodles. Spread with half of the remaining marinara sauce, then the remaining ricotta mixture, and another cup of mozzarella.

6. 6

   Final Layer & Bake: Place the final layer of 3-4 lasagna noodles on top. Cover with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle generously with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

7. 7

   Bake Covered: Bake for 25 minutes with the foil cover. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden brown, and the edges are slightly crisped.

8. 8

   Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and prevents it from falling apart. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your comforting Classic Vegetarian Lasagna!