Savory Vegetarian Lasagna with Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe

 If you’re searching for a comforting yet vibrant dinner that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds, this Savory Vegetarian Lasagna with Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce is exactly what you need. It combines the richness of roasted tomatoes, fresh garden vegetables, and creamy ricotta into delicate layers of fresh pasta sheets, creating an unforgettable harmony of flavors and textures. Each bite is packed with wholesome goodness and elegance, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a cozy night at home.

Savory Vegetarian Lasagna with Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh, and essential ingredients is the first step toward this delicious masterpiece. Each component brings its unique contribution—whether it’s the vibrant burst of roasted tomatoes, the creamy mildness of ricotta, or the crispness of fresh vegetables—everything works in perfect harmony.

  • 9 sheets Fresh Lasagna Sheets: Use boiled dry noodles if fresh ones aren’t available, but fresh lends a tender, silky texture.
  • 4 cups Tomatoes: Roasted until deeply flavorful, these form the heart of your sauce.
  • 2 cups Vegetables: Spinach, kale, peas, or a mix—you can customize your veggie combo for both nutrition and taste.
  • 2 cups Ricotta Cheese: It adds creamy richness; if it seems too watery, reduce slightly and blend with mascarpone for smoothness.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese: For topping, offering a sharp, salty finish; Pecorino Romano works as a tasty alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Essential for roasting tomatoes and sautéing vegetables to deepen flavors.
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to finish.
  • 1 loaf Garlic Bread: Ideal for scooping leftover sauce and adding a satisfying crunch.
  • 4 cups Mixed Green Salad: A crisp side tossed lightly with vinaigrette keeps the meal balanced and refreshing.

How to Make Savory Vegetarian Lasagna with Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the tomatoes in half, drizzle generously with olive oil, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 1 hour. This slow roasting intensifies their natural sweetness and creates the luxurious, jammy tomato sauce that defines this Savory Vegetarian Lasagna with Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vegetables

While tomatoes are roasting, wash and chop your chosen vegetables. Using spinach, kale, and peas gives you vibrant green layers packed with nutrients, but feel free to experiment. Lightly sauté the vegetables in olive oil to soften them gently and bring out their flavors, making sure to keep them vibrant and fresh.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Layers

In a baking dish, start by spreading a generous layer of your roasted tomato sauce. Next, add a layer of your fresh lasagna sheets, then spoon a mixture of ricotta and sautéed vegetables over the noodles. Sprinkle with some Parmesan for sharpness. Repeat this layering process until the dish is nearly full, ending with a top layer of sauce and a final handful of Parmesan cheese sprinkled as a golden crown.

Step 4: Bake and Perfect the Texture

Cover your dish with parchment paper and place it in the oven. Bake for around 1 hour, or until the lasagna is golden and bubbling beautifully. Allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking to help everything set perfectly, so your slices hold together in those gorgeous, neat layers.

How to Serve Savory Vegetarian Lasagna with Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce

Savory Vegetarian Lasagna with Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Topping off your lasagna with fresh basil leaves adds a pop of color and a surprisingly fresh herbal note that brightens the whole dish. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil before serving can also enhance the richness and give it a glossy finish.

Side Dishes

Pair this lasagna with garlic bread, perfectly toasted to crispy, buttery perfection, ideal for soaking up any extra delightful tomato sauce. A mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette brings contrast and freshness, balancing the comforting richness on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, shareable twist on this Savory Vegetarian Lasagna with Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce, try serving individual portions in small ramekins. This gives everyone their own perfectly gooey, golden-layered lasagna. Alternatively, layering it in a glass casserole dish invites guests to admire the beautiful strata before you dig in, making the dinner table truly inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This lasagna keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the noodles from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Savory Vegetarian Lasagna with Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce weeks later, freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra cooking time to ensure it heats through evenly.

Reheating

Reheat leftover servings gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep the moisture locked in. Microwave is a good shortcut for a quick meal, but it may sacrifice some of the crispness on top.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh for the sauce?

While fresh roasted tomatoes offer unbeatable flavor, you can substitute canned whole peeled tomatoes. Simmer them to reduce and concentrate flavors, but roasting fresh tomatoes adds that extra depth that makes this recipe so special.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe uses traditional lasagna sheets containing gluten, but you can easily substitute them with gluten-free pasta sheets or zoodles (zucchini slices) to keep it gluten-free without compromising on texture.

Can I add other vegetables to the lasagna?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or even roasted eggplant all work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times to make sure the vegetables remain tender but not overcooked.

How do I make sure my ricotta mixture isn’t watery?

If your ricotta seems too wet, try mixing in a little mascarpone or letting it drain through cheesecloth beforehand. This prevents excess moisture from making the lasagna soggy.

Can I use pre-made tomato sauce instead of roasting my own?

Yes, a high-quality canned or jarred tomato sauce can save time, but roasting your own tomatoes infuses the sauce with a depth of sweetness and caramelized flavors that elevate the dish profoundly.

Final Thoughts

Making this Savory Vegetarian Lasagna with Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce is genuinely a joy from start to finish. The layers of roasted tomato goodness, creamy ricotta, and fresh vegetables come together so beautifully that it quickly becomes a treasured favorite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and savor every warm, delightful bite that feels just like home.

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Savory Vegetarian Lasagna with Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe

This Savory Vegetarian Lasagna features fresh lasagna sheets layered with a rich, deep-flavored roasted tomato sauce, a medley of leafy greens like spinach and kale, and creamy ricotta cheese, all topped with Parmesan for a deliciously hearty and wholesome meal. It’s perfect for vegetarians craving a comforting Italian classic with a fresh twist.

  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Lasagna

  • 9 sheets Fresh Lasagna Sheets (boiled, dry noodles can be used if fresh unavailable)
  • 4 cups Tomatoes (halved for roasting)
  • 2 cups Mixed Vegetables (spinach, kale, peas or any preferred combination)
  • 2 cups Ricotta Cheese (reduce to 1¾ cups if watery and mix with ¼ cup mascarpone)
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (for topping, Pecorino Romano can be used as substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for roasting tomatoes and sautéing vegetables)

For Serving

  • 1 cup Fresh Basil (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 loaf Garlic Bread (perfect for scooping up leftover sauce)
  • 4 cups Mixed Green Salad (suggested with light vinaigrette)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so that it reaches the perfect temperature for roasting tomatoes and baking the lasagna.
  2. Prepare and Roast Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes in half, place them cut side up on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 1 hour until deeply caramelized and flavorful.
  3. Prepare the Vegetables: While the tomatoes are roasting, wash and chop the spinach, kale, peas, or your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces, and lightly sauté them with a little olive oil if desired to soften.
  4. Assemble the Lasagna: In a baking dish, create layers starting with a spoonful of the roasted tomato sauce, then add fresh lasagna sheets, followed by a layer of ricotta cheese, sautéed vegetables, and sprinkle some Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, topping off with Parmesan.
  5. Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with parchment paper or foil and bake in the oven for approximately 1 hour, until the lasagna is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
  6. Rest Before Serving: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes to allow it to set, which helps maintain its shape when slicing.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Serve with fresh basil leaves, garlic bread, and a mixed green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Using fresh lasagna sheets will reduce cooking time and create a tender texture, but boiled dry noodles are a good alternative.
  • If ricotta cheese is watery, reduce the quantity slightly and blend with mascarpone for creaminess.
  • Roasting tomatoes intensifies their flavor, making the sauce rich without additional seasonings.
  • Covering the lasagna during baking prevents the top from drying out while ensuring even cooking.
  • Allowing the lasagna to rest before slicing ensures cleaner slices and better presentation.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg

Keywords: vegetarian lasagna, roasted tomato sauce, Italian vegetarian recipe, baked pasta, ricotta lasagna, healthy vegetarian dinner

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