Veggie-Loaded Lazy Lasagna: A Simple and Healthy Twist on Classic Lasagna

If you’re craving a comforting lasagna but want to skip the time-consuming layers, Veggie-Loaded Lazy Lasagna is the perfect solution. This easy recipe combines the classic flavors of lasagna with a healthy veggie twist, featuring riced cauliflower, spinach, and carrots. With no need for noodles or complicated layering, this dish is ready in a fraction of the time and offers a great way to sneak more vegetables into your diet.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, instructions, and advanced tips to make this Veggie-Loaded Lazy Lasagna. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how to store leftovers, offer dietary substitutions, and answer some frequently asked questions.

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Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

This Veggie-Loaded Lazy Lasagna is a perfect weeknight meal that’s both filling and nutritious. It combines frozen cheese ravioli with a hearty vegetable-packed sauce for an easy, no-fuss lasagna-like dish.

Veggie-Loaded Lazy Lasagna Recipe | Quick, Healthy, and Delicious

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This veggie-loaded lazy lasagna combines all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna without the layers of noodles. It’s packed with healthy vegetables like carrots, riced cauliflower, and spinach, and topped with frozen cheese ravioli for the perfect lazy “lasagna” experience. It’s simple to make, super satisfying, and a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup shredded or finely chopped carrot (about 1 large carrot)
1 1/2 cups frozen riced cauliflower
2 cups frozen chopped spinach (about 5 ounces)
24 ounces pasta sauce
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Ground black pepper, to taste
24 ounces frozen cheese ravioli
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Fresh chopped basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
Add the shredded or finely chopped carrot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the frozen riced cauliflower and chopped spinach. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the spinach is fully cooked.
Add Pasta Sauce and Seasonings:
Pour in the pasta sauce and 1 cup of water. Stir well to combine.
Season with kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Simmer the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the vegetable mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Cook the Ravioli:
While the vegetable sauce is simmering, cook the frozen ravioli according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), spread a layer of the veggie sauce mixture on the bottom.
Place a layer of cooked ravioli on top of the sauce.
Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layering process: sauce, ravioli, mozzarella, until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce and the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake the Lazy Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh chopped basil, if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Ravioli: You can use frozen cheese ravioli or any variety of ravioli you prefer (e.g., spinach, meat). Make sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the lasagna.
Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to the sauce mixture if you want to pack in even more veggies.
Cheese: If you want a richer, creamier lasagna, you can add ricotta or cottage cheese to the layers along with the mozzarella.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food, Vegetarian
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
Calories: 350
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Veggie-Loaded Lazy Lasagna

Instructions:

Cook the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded or chopped carrots and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the frozen riced cauliflower and chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and the spinach is wilted.
Add the sauce and seasonings: Pour in the pasta sauce and water, and stir to combine. Add kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add the ravioli: Stir in the frozen cheese ravioli, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the ravioli are cooked through and tender.
Add the cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the ravioli mixture. Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

This Veggie-Loaded Lazy Lasagna makes about 4 servings, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Advanced Techniques

Although this recipe is simple, there are a few advanced techniques that can help take your Veggie-Loaded Lazy Lasagna to the next level.

1. Roasting the Vegetables

For extra depth of flavor, roast the carrots and cauliflower before adding them to the skillet. Toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until they are caramelized. Roasting adds a slightly smoky, sweet flavor that will enhance the overall taste of the lasagna.

2. Using Fresh Spinach

If you have access to fresh spinach, consider using it instead of frozen. Fresh spinach will cook down beautifully in the sauce and add a vibrant green color to the dish. Simply chop the fresh spinach and add it directly to the skillet when cooking the carrots.

3. Adding Extra Layers of Flavor

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also incorporate a bit of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like oregano and thyme for added depth.

4. Using Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Ravioli

If you prefer a healthier or gluten-free option, look for whole wheat ravioli or gluten-free ravioli in your local grocery store. Whole wheat ravioli will provide extra fiber, while gluten-free ravioli is ideal for those with dietary restrictions.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

This Veggie-Loaded Lazy Lasagna is perfect for meal prep and leftovers. Here’s how to store and maintain the dish:

Storage:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dish will hold up well and retain its flavor.
If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating:

To reheat, place the leftover lasagna in a skillet over low heat and cover with a lid. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, and cook until hot.
Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Maintain the Cheese Texture:

To maintain the cheesy texture of the lasagna, you can sprinkle a little extra mozzarella cheese on top before reheating. Cover it while reheating to help the cheese melt evenly.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This Veggie-Loaded Lazy Lasagna can easily be adapted to suit different dietary needs. Here are some substitutions to consider:

1. Vegetarian

This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can make it even heartier by adding other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You could also add some crumbled tofu or tempeh for extra protein.

2. Gluten-Free

To make this dish gluten-free, simply choose gluten-free ravioli. Many grocery stores offer gluten-free pasta options that work perfectly in this recipe.
Be sure to check the pasta sauce label for any hidden gluten ingredients, though most pasta sauces are naturally gluten-free.

3. Dairy-Free

To make this recipe dairy-free, simply use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Many brands offer mozzarella-style vegan cheese that will melt well and mimic the texture of traditional mozzarella.
Alternatively, you can skip the cheese altogether or add a dollop of dairy-free ricotta made from cashews or tofu for a creamy finish.

4. Low-Carb/Keto

For a low-carb or keto version, replace the ravioli with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or another low-carb pasta alternative like shirataki noodles. This will cut down on the carbs while keeping the dish hearty and flavorful.

FAQs About The Recipe

1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes! If you have fresh ravioli on hand, you can absolutely use it instead of frozen. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly since fresh ravioli may cook faster than frozen ravioli.

2. How do I make this dish spicier?

For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while it’s simmering, or stir in some hot sauce or chopped jalapeños when cooking the vegetables.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time! Simply prepare the lasagna as directed, but stop before adding the cheese on top. Cover and refrigerate the dish for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, top with cheese and bake or heat as needed.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible, and you can easily add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to make it even more veggie-packed. Just chop them finely and add them with the carrots for the best results.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

This Veggie-Loaded Lazy Lasagna is an easy, delicious, and healthy twist on traditional lasagna. With the convenience of frozen cheese ravioli, a veggie-packed sauce, and melty mozzarella, you can enjoy all the comfort of lasagna without the hassle. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal that everyone will love, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

By following the tips and techniques provided, you can customize this dish to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Serve it up with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for the ultimate meal!