Name: Loaded Veggie White Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-488739H17M32S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (113g) butter; 1/2 cup (57g) all-purpose flour; 4 cups (946ml) milk; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped; 1 medium zucchini, chopped; 1 (10-ounce) package (283g) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 1 (15-ounce) container (425g) ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 9 lasagna noodles; 3 cups (336g) shredded mozzarella cheese

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Craving a comforting and satisfying meal? This Loaded Veggie White Lasagna is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. Imagine layers of creamy white sauce, tender vegetables, and bubbly mozzarella cheese – all in one delightful bite! Inspired by classic Italian flavors, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the magic of this vegetarian delight!

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Veggie White Lasagna

This Loaded Veggie White Lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:

Easy to make: Simple steps, perfect for beginners.
Vegetarian Delight: A hearty and flavorful meat-free option.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
Comfort Food Classic: A warm and satisfying dish that everyone loves.
Budget-Friendly: Utilizes affordable and accessible ingredients.
Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
Impressive Presentation: Looks as good as it tastes, perfect for gatherings.
Layers of Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, and veggie-packed in every bite.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious Loaded Veggie White Lasagna. Remember, using fresh, high-quality ingredients will elevate the flavors!

For the White Sauce:

113g / 1/2 cup butter
57g / 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
946ml / 4 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetable Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 medium zucchini, chopped
283g / 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
425g / 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
50g / 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Lasagna:

9 lasagna noodles
336g / 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For the bell peppers, choose firm, bright ones. Frozen spinach works great in a pinch – just make sure to squeeze out all the excess water. You can even find fresh herbs at your local farmers’ market to elevate the taste!

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Roasted Carrot, Quinoa, and Chickpea Salad – A vibrant and nutritious side dish.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes cooking a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need for this Loaded Veggie White Lasagna:

9×13 inch baking dish: Essential for layering and baking the lasagna evenly.
Large saucepan: For creating the creamy white sauce.
Large skillet: To sauté the vegetables to tender perfection.

Large bowl: For mixing the ricotta cheese and vegetable filling.
Whisk: Ensures a smooth and lump-free white sauce.
Cooking pot: For boiling the lasagna noodles.

A food processor can speed up chopping, but it’s optional. A heavy-bottomed pot is excellent for retaining heat and preventing the white sauce from scorching.

Recipe Details

Get a quick overview of what to expect when making this delicious Loaded Veggie White Lasagna:

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Difficulty: Medium

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Loaded Veggie White Lasagna every time.

Step 1: Prepare the White Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the 113g / 1/2 cup butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the 57g / 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth. This forms a roux, which thickens the sauce.
Gradually whisk in the 946ml / 4 cups milk until smooth, ensuring no lumps form.
Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Then, reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
Stir in the 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little extra milk. If it’s lumpy, try straining it through a fine-mesh sieve.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Filling

Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the 1 medium chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
Add the 1 chopped red bell pepper, 1 chopped yellow bell pepper, and 1 medium chopped zucchini. Cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the 283g / 1 (10-ounce) package thawed and squeezed dry spinach, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Combine Ricotta Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the 425g / 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese, 50g / 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 lightly beaten egg.
Stir in the cooled vegetable mixture until well combined.

Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Cook the 9 lasagna noodles according to package directions.
Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F.
Spread a thin layer of white sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread half of the vegetable filling over the noodles.
Sprinkle with 112g / 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Repeat layers: white sauce, noodles, vegetable filling, and 112g / 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
Top with the remaining noodles and white sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining 112g / 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.

Step 7: Let it Rest

Let the lasagna stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.

White lasagna showcasing colorful vegetable layers.

CHECK OUT: Cucumber, Chickpea, and Red Onion Salad with Dill – A refreshing and light accompaniment.

Tips for Success

Here are a few expert tips to ensure your Loaded Veggie White Lasagna turns out perfectly:

Don’t overcook the noodles: Slightly undercook them since they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
Squeeze out excess moisture: Make sure the spinach is thoroughly drained to prevent a soggy lasagna.
Use a good quality cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality mozzarella make a big difference.
Let it rest: Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it hold its shape when sliced.
Pre-chop veggies: Save time by chopping the vegetables ahead of time or buying pre-chopped ones.

Variations & Substitutions

Customize your Loaded Veggie White Lasagna to suit your taste preferences!

Add different vegetables: Mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or roasted eggplant are great additions.
Use a different cheese: Fontina or provolone can be substituted for mozzarella.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and rice flour to thicken the white sauce.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetable filling.
Creamy cashew sauce: For a dairy-free version, use a creamy cashew-based sauce instead of the white sauce.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Loaded Veggie White Lasagna

Complete your meal with these delicious serving suggestions and pairings:

Crisp Salad: A light mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips.
Garlic Bread: Warm and crusty garlic bread for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Sparkling Water: A refreshing glass of sparkling water with a lemon wedge.

This Loaded Veggie White Lasagna is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

Health Benefits

This Loaded Veggie White Lasagna isn’t just delicious, it’s also packed with nutrients. Spinach provides iron and folate, while bell peppers are rich in Vitamin C. The fiber from the vegetables aids digestion, and the cheese provides protein and calcium. One serving is a great way to get a good dose of essential vitamins and minerals!

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Loaded Veggie White Lasagna to maintain its deliciousness:

Storage: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating in the Oven: Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F. Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Reheating in the Microwave: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Freezing: Portion the lasagna into individual servings, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Avoid Soggy Results?

Ensure the spinach is thoroughly drained and don’t overcook the noodles.

Can I Substitute the Ricotta Cheese?

Yes, you can use cottage cheese or a dairy-free ricotta alternative.

Can I Add Meat to This Recipe?

While this is a vegetarian recipe, you could add sautéed ground beef or turkey if desired.

How Do I Prevent the Top From Burning?

If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the lasagna with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

How Do I Know When the Lasagna Is Done?

The lasagna is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature reaches 74°C / 165°F.

Close-up of a cheesy, vegetable-packed lasagna slice.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 450
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 10g

Please note that exact nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used. Use a nutrition calculator for precise details.

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Conclusion

This Loaded Veggie White Lasagna is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal packed with healthy vegetables. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your delicious creation!

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Loaded Veggie White Lasagna