Perfect Ina Garten Vegetable Lasagna Recipe for Cozy Nights

Vegetable lasagna stands as a vibrant culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Layers of colorful, robust vegetables create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with remarkable complexity.

Garden-fresh produce becomes the star in this comforting dish, promising a nutritious and satisfying meal that appeals to vegetable lovers and skeptics alike.

Hearty textures and rich, melted cheeses elevate the simple components into something truly spectacular.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings weave through each carefully constructed layer, delivering depth and warmth in every forkful.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this vegetable lasagna represents a perfect balance between elegant cooking and wholesome comfort food.

Prepare to transform your dinner table with a recipe that celebrates seasonal vegetables in their most delicious form: a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

How to Store Vegetable Lasagna Well

• Meal Prep Magic: Divide lasagna into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor. This method allows quick, hassle-free reheating of single servings.
• Vacuum Sealing Technique: Use a vacuum sealer for maximum freshness and extended storage. Remove all air from the packaging to prevent moisture and freezer crystals from degrading the lasagna's texture. Vacuum-sealed lasagna can last up to 4-5 months without quality loss.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Transfer cooled lasagna to a glass or ceramic container with a tight-fitting lid. Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and protect against potential flavor absorption from other foods. Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and quality.

Why Ina’s Vegetable Lasagna Is So Good

• Roast and Elevate Vegetables: Oven-roasting eggplant and zucchini transforms ordinary vegetables into deeply caramelized, flavor-packed ingredients that add incredible depth and sweetness to the lasagna.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: The luxurious combination of ricotta, goat cheese, and Parmesan creates a creamy, tangy, and rich filling that elevates the entire dish with multiple layers of cheesy goodness.
• Simplified Layering Technique: No-boil noodle method and strategic layering make this lasagna surprisingly easy to assemble, reducing kitchen stress while delivering restaurant-quality results that impress without complicated steps.
• Healthier Comfort Classic: Packed with roasted vegetables and using multiple cheese varieties, this lasagna offers a nutritious twist on the traditional recipe, providing a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Everything in This Veggie Lasagna

• Eggplant, Zucchini: Fresh summer vegetables with mild, creamy texture that roast beautifully and add substantial layers to lasagna.
• Garlic: Aromatic herb that provides deep, rich flavor when roasted with vegetables.

• Ricotta Cheese, Goat Cheese: Soft, creamy cheeses that create a rich and tangy filling with smooth consistency.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild cheese that melts wonderfully and adds classic stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Hard, aged cheese with sharp, nutty flavor that enhances overall taste.

• Lasagna Noodles: Flat pasta sheets that form the structural base of the lasagna.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that provides moisture and traditional Italian flavor.

• Oregano, Basil: Fresh herbs that contribute authentic Mediterranean taste and aroma.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the dish's flavors.

• Olive Oil: High-quality oil used for roasting vegetables and adding richness.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the cheese mixture together.

How to Layer Lasagna the Right Way

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two large sheet pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Roast the Vegetables

• Eggplant slices
• Zucchini slices

• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Roast for 25 minutes, then add minced garlic and roast for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Pasta

Lower oven temperature to 350°F. Soak lasagna noodles in hot water for 15 minutes, then carefully drain.

Step 4: Create the Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Goat cheese
• Eggs
• Fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until well blended.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Begin layering in a deep baking dish:

First layer: Marinara sauce

Second layer: Roasted vegetables

Third layer: Lasagna noodles

Fourth layer: Shredded mozzarella

Fifth layer: Ricotta cheese mixture

• Marinara sauce on top
• Sprinkle of Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Bake at 350°F for 60-70 minutes. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Slice and enjoy the rich, vegetable-packed masterpiece.

Tips That Make It Extra Savory

• Slice with Precision: Cut zucchini and eggplant uniformly to guarantee consistent roasting and perfect texture in every bite.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan and good-quality ricotta to elevate the overall taste and creaminess of the lasagna.
• Roasting Technique: Spread vegetables in a single layer on baking sheets to prevent steaming and achieve beautiful caramelization.
• Marinara Magic: Choose a robust, flavorful marinara sauce or make your own to enhance the depth of the vegetable layers.
• Resting Wisdom: Allow the lasagna to sit for 15-20 minutes after baking, which helps the layers set and makes cutting and serving much easier.

Lasagna Variations to Try This Week

• Mediterranean Herb Garden Lasagna: Replace oregano with fresh thyme, rosemary, and marjoram for an aromatic Mediterranean profile. Add roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts to enhance the vegetable medley.
• Spicy Southwest Vegetable Lasagna: Incorporate jalapeños, green chiles, and swap marinara for a smoky chipotle sauce. Sprinkle pepper jack cheese between layers for extra heat and zesty flavor.
• Mushroom Forest Veggie Lasagna: Introduce a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms. Blend truffle oil into the ricotta mixture and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an earthy woodland-inspired version.
• Light Garden Green Lasagna: Use only green vegetables like asparagus, spinach, and green zucchini. Create a lighter white sauce using bechamel instead of marinara and incorporate fresh dill for a spring-inspired fresh taste.

Vegetable Lasagna Rundown

Mediterranean vegetable lasagna emerges as pure culinary magic from Ina Garten’s kitchen repertoire.

Roasted zucchini and eggplant create delectable layers nestled between silky pasta sheets.

Creamy cheeses mingle with herbal notes, promising restaurant-quality satisfaction for home cooks.

Mediterranean flavors dance across palates with elegant complexity rarely found in traditional lasagna recipes.

Garten’s masterful technique elevates humble vegetables into extraordinary comfort cuisine.

Passionate chefs and weekend warriors alike will savor each luxurious forkful: share this remarkable recipe, comment with your flavor experiences, and spread deliciousness across social media platforms.

Ina Garten Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s vegetable lasagna brings Mediterranean warmth and comfort to classic Italian cuisine. Rich layers of roasted vegetables, creamy ricotta, and golden-melted mozzarella create a delightful harmony that will transport your palate straight to a sunlit Italian kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) eggplant, unpeeled, sliced lengthwise ¼-inch thick
• ¾ pound (340 grams) zucchini, unpeeled, sliced lengthwise ¼-inch thick

Cheeses and Dairy:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) fresh whole-milk ricotta
• 8 ounces (227 grams) creamy garlic-and-herb goat cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound (454 grams) lightly salted fresh mozzarella, very thinly sliced
• 2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten

Sauce, Pasta, and Seasonings:

• 4 ½ cups (1.1 liters) bottled marinara sauce, such as Rao’s
• 10 ounces (283 grams) lasagna noodles, such as De Cecco
• ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) good olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
• ½ cup (20 grams) chopped fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare two parchment-lined baking sheets for roasting vegetables.
2. Slice eggplant and zucchini into uniform thin pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
3. Drizzle olive oil generously over the vegetable slices, ensuring complete coverage for optimal caramelization.
4. Sprinkle dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper across the vegetables to enhance their natural flavors.
5. Roast the seasoned vegetables in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until they start to soften and develop golden edges.
6. Add minced garlic to the roasting vegetables and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to release aromatic flavors.
7. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) in preparation for lasagna assembly.
8. Submerge lasagna noodles in hot water for 15 minutes to soften, then carefully drain and set aside.
9. Create a creamy cheese mixture by combining ricotta cheese, crumbled goat cheese, beaten eggs, chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper.
10. Begin layering the lasagna in a deep baking dish, starting with a thin spread of marinara sauce as the base.
11. Alternate layers of roasted vegetables, softened noodles, shredded mozzarella, and the prepared cheese mixture.
12. Repeat layering process two times, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
13. Finish the top layer with remaining marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
14. Bake the lasagna for 60-70 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
15. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to help it set and make serving easier.

Notes

• Slice root vegetables uniformly to guarantee consistent caramelization and crispy edges during roasting.
• Select premium seasonal produce from local farmers markets for maximum taste and nutritional value.
• Allow baked lasagna to settle for 10-15 minutes after removing from oven, enabling layers to set and making cutting cleaner and more precise.
• Experiment with herb combinations like fresh thyme and rosemary to elevate vegetable roasting complexity.
• Store leftover roasted vegetables in airtight containers for quick meal prep during busy weekdays.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg