Debbie's Vegetable Lasagna - A Delicious and Healthy Italian-inspired Dish

Debbie's Vegetable Lasagna is a flavorful and nutritious twist on the classic Italian dish. Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and gooey cheese, this lasagna is sure to satisfy both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for gatherings or weeknight family dinners. With a cooking time of just 60 minutes, it's a quick and healthy option for any occasion. Give this vegetable lasagna a try and impress your guests with its delicious flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups of ricotta cheese
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups of assorted diced vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water to prevent sticking.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion turns translucent.
4. Add the assorted diced vegetables to the skillet, and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet, and stir until well combined. Simmer the vegetable sauce for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all the cheeses are evenly blended.
7. Spread a thin layer of the vegetable sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
8. Repeat the layers with half of the remaining vegetable sauce, 3 more lasagna noodles, and the remaining cheese mixture.
9. Finally, layer the remaining vegetable sauce over the cheese mixture and top with the remaining 3 lasagna noodles.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
11. Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

Interesting Facts