Vegetable Lasagna Zucchini Mushrooms (Printable Version)

Layers of fresh vegetables, marinara, and cheese make a hearty Italian-inspired dish. #vegetarian #italian #comfortfood

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
03 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
04 - 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped
05 - 2 medium zucchini, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
06 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 48 ounces marinara sauce
08 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
09 - Salt and pepper, to taste
10 - 2 pinches crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
11 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
12 - 5 ounces baby spinach, coarsely chopped
13 - 1 egg
14 - 1 cup ricotta cheese (8 ounces)

→ Additional Ingredients

15 - 9 oven-ready (no-boil) lasagna noodles
16 - 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 4 cups)
17 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
18 - Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for serving

# Steps:

01 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, red bell pepper, mushrooms, zucchini, and garlic. Stir in dried Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until vegetables are softened and excess moisture evaporates, about 8-10 minutes.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
03 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles. Evenly distribute half the vegetable mixture, followed by half the ricotta mixture, then a generous layer of marinara sauce, and a portion of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles, marinara sauce, remaining mozzarella, and all Parmesan cheese on top.
04 - Cover the assembled lasagna tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
05 - Remove from oven and let rest uncovered for 10 minutes to allow for cleaner slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Substitute or add seasonal vegetables as desired for a custom blend.
02 - Lasagna can be assembled in advance and refrigerated prior to baking.
03 - Increase herbs or spices for a more pronounced flavor profile.