Satisfy your cravings with this delicious Vegetable Lasagna With White Sauce recipe. Packed with flavorful vegetables and creamy white sauce, it’s a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Introduction
Vegetable Lasagna With White Sauce is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines layers of tender pasta, flavorful vegetables, and creamy white sauce. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a lighter alternative to traditional lasagna, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The combination of colorful vegetables, fragrant herbs, and rich white sauce creates a lasagna that’s both hearty and wholesome. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this Vegetable Lasagna With White Sauce is a versatile dish that’s easy to customize to your taste preferences. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delicious and comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the White Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Vegetable Filling:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium yellow squash, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
For the White Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook the sauce until thickened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, if using. Remove from heat and set aside.
For the Vegetable Filling:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the baby spinach, dried basil, and dried oregano. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Assembly:
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the vegetable filling over the noodles.
- Drizzle with one-third of the remaining white sauce.
- Sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining vegetable filling, half of the remaining white sauce, and half of the remaining cheeses.
- Top with the remaining 3 lasagna noodles, remaining white sauce, and remaining cheeses.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 8-10 people, making it perfect for sharing or meal prep.
FAQs
- Can I use different vegetables? Yes, feel free to customize the vegetable filling with your favorites such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or eggplant.
- Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
- Can I use pre-made white sauce or marinara sauce instead? Yes, you can use store-bought white sauce or marinara sauce if you’re short on time, but homemade sauce adds a fresher flavor to the lasagna.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians? Yes, this Vegetable Lasagna With White Sauce is vegetarian-friendly.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftover portions of lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Conclusion
Vegetable Lasagna With White Sauce is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of tender pasta, flavorful vegetables, and creamy white sauce, it’s a meal the whole family will love. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a comforting meal, this Vegetable Lasagna With White Sauce is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade lasagna!