Hearty Homemade Spinach Lasagna

Ingredients

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cook until the onion is translucent.
  4. Add diced tomatoes, thawed and drained spinach, dried basil, oregano, and salt into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and black pepper.
  6. Spread a thin layer of the spinach and tomato sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Layer with lasagna noodles, half the ricotta cheese mixture, another layer of spinach and tomato sauce, and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of lasagna noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
  7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
  9. Let the lasagna sit for 15 minutes before serving to make it easier to slice.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat lasagna noodles instead of regular lasagna noodles for a healthier option.
  • Replace ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or a mixture of cottage cheese and cream cheese.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers to the spinach and tomato sauce for extra flavor.
  • Include cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken between the layers for a meaty variation.
  • Try a different type of cheese, such as fontina, provolone, or goat cheese, instead of mozzarella.
  • Make it vegan by using dairy-free cheese and substituting tofu or cashew ricotta for the ricotta cheese.
  • Add a layer of sliced zucchini or eggplant for an extra vegetable boost.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as adding fresh basil or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or replace the noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant.

Recipe overview

This Spinach Lasagna is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish. Layers of lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and a flavorful spinach and tomato sauce make this dish incredibly rich, yet surprisingly light. It's the perfect vegetarian main course that will impress everyone at the dinner table. From the slightly crisp top layer of cheese to the soft lasagna noodles and savory filling within, this dish is full of texture and flavor. Preparing it is a simple process that involves layering the ingredients and baking until golden brown. So, gather your ingredients and let's get cooking this culinary masterpiece!

Common questions

  1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen. Just make sure to blanch it before adding it to the recipe.
  2. Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta cheese? Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta cheese if desired. The texture and flavor may be slightly different, but it will still work well in the recipe.
  3. Can I make this lasagna in advance? Yes, you can make the lasagna in advance. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Can I freeze this lasagna? Yes, you can freeze this lasagna. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the recipe instructions.
  5. Can I add meat to this vegetarian lasagna? Certainly! If you prefer a meaty lasagna, you can add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to the sauce layers.
  6. Can I use gluten-free lasagna noodles? Yes, you can use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking dish - A deep, rectangular dish used for baking the lasagna.
  • Skillet - A frying pan with low sides, used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
  • Large pot - Used for cooking the lasagna noodles.
  • Mixing bowl - A bowl used for combining the ricotta cheese and egg mixture.
  • Aluminum foil - Used to cover the lasagna while baking to ensure even cooking.
  • Spatula - Used for spreading the spinach and tomato sauce and for serving the lasagna.
  • Cheese grater - Used to grate the Parmesan cheese.
  • Oven mitts - To protect your hands when handling the hot baking dish.

Origin stories

Although lasagna is a dish that hails from Italy, the version of lasagna that we know and love today with layers of cheese, tomato sauce, and pasta actually evolved in Naples, during the Middle Ages. The earliest lasagna recipes known are dated from the 13th century. Interestingly, the first dishes were not made with tomatoes, as they were not yet introduced to Europe from the New World. The classic lasagna, with its layers of pasta, cheese, and meat or vegetables, was a perfect dish for large familial gatherings, symbolizing warmth, abundance, and the joy of being together around the table. The dish was traditionally saved for special occasions because the ingredients were expensive and time-consuming to prepare. Today, lasagna is enjoyed all over the world in countless variations, including this delicious spinach version!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.