A tasty meal that is perfect to feed a crowd, Vegetable Lasagna! A great recipe to cook during the holiday season, as it is a tasty way to add some extra vegetables into everyone’s diets during a time that is notorious for plenty of sweets and treats. The filling is so hearty, I’ve had family members ask what type of meat I used in it. Whether you have picky eaters or are just looking for a vegetable packed dinner option this holiday season, this recipe is a win for all!
Makes 10 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
*1 box of lasagna noodles, follow package instructions
*2 tablespoons olive oil
*1 bell pepper, small dice
*1/2 cup of onion, small dice
*1 zucchini, small dice
*8 ounces of mushrooms, small dice
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*2 cloves of garlic, diced
*1 can of tomato paste
*1 24 ounce jar of tomato sauce
*1 15 ounce can of diced tomatoes, (I prefer seasoned with oregano and basil)
*1 tablespoon of sugar
*2 teaspoons dried basil
*1 tablespoon thyme
*1/2 teaspoon of salt
*1 15 ounce can of lentils
*1 16 ounce container of ricotta
*6 ounces of parmesan
*12 ounces of mozzarella
Preparation:
*Heat a large pan, I like using a coated cast iron, over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
*Cook the bell peppers for 3 minutes then add the onion, mushroom, and zucchini, cook for 5 minutes.
*Add another tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 a teaspoon of salt along with the 2 cloves of garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
*Pour in the can of tomato paste and cook for a minute before adding in 3 cups of tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup of water, sugar, dried basil, thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a simmer for 20 minutes then add the lentils and simmer for 5 more minutes.
*Preheat oven to 350F.
*Add remaining tomato sauce to bottom of baking dish. Lay down pasta, followed by a scoop of the filling, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, 1/3 cup of ricotta, and 1/3 cup of mozzarella.
*Continue this layer pattern: noodles, filling, cheese, until everything is about used up, then top the lasagna with a layer of noodles, a small layer of sauce, and some cheese.
*Place aluminum foil over the baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. When there are 5 minutes left, turn the oven to broil and remove the foil to let the cheese crisp.