Sunday Slow Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

Name: Sunday Slow Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 zucchinis, sliced; 2 bell peppers, chopped; 1 red onion, sliced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 lasagna noodles; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cups marinara sauce; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love crafting this Sunday Slow Roasted Vegetable Lasagna, especially during the weekends when I have the time to let the flavors meld together beautifully. Each component is layered with care, featuring hearty roasted veggies, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese. It's the perfect dish to bring friends and family together around the table. Plus, the comforting blend of flavors makes it a standout even among traditional meat lasagnas!

Created by

Veronica Miles

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:49:16.560Z

As I was experimenting in the kitchen one Sunday afternoon, I decided to roast a variety of vegetables to make my lasagna come alive with flavor. The sweet caramelization of the veggies added depth that transformed each bite into a savory delight. I learned that roasting first not only brings out their natural sweetness but also helps them retain a slight firmness, so they don’t become mushy in the layers.

I also discovered that using a mix of cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and a bit of parmesan—creates a luscious texture that complements the rich tomato sauce perfectly. It's the kind of dish that just gets better the longer it sits, making it ideal for leftovers or a cozy family meal.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Layers of perfectly roasted vegetables that add depth and flavor
Rich, creamy cheese that melts beautifully in every bite
Ideal for meal prep and tastes even better the next day

      

Roasting for Flavor

Roasting the vegetables is an essential step that enhances their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor to the lasagna. By tossing the veggies in olive oil and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper, you create a caramelized exterior while keeping the insides tender. Aim for a golden, slightly charred look after 25-30 minutes of roasting at 425°F (220°C). If you notice the veggies browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to maintain even cooking.

Don’t hesitate to mix and match with your favorite seasonal vegetables. Eggplant, spinach, or butternut squash can also complement the flavors beautifully. Just remember that denser vegetables may need a bit more roasting time to achieve that perfect tender texture.

Layering Technique

When layering the lasagna, the order of ingredients is crucial for optimal flavor distribution and texture. Start with a thin layer of marinara sauce to prevent the noodles from sticking to the pan. Be sure to cover the noodles completely with sauce to keep them moist during baking. As you stack the ricotta cheese and roasted vegetables, take care to evenly distribute them across the noodles, ensuring each slice has a balanced taste of everything.

For an extra cheesy experience, consider mixing in some grated Parmesan with the mozzarella between layers. This will enhance the richness and provide that delightful pull with every forkful. Trust me, that extra layer makes a significant difference in texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Allowing the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking is essential for clean slices. During this time, the cheese and sauce will settle, which helps maintain the structure of the layers when cutting. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and added freshness.

Pair the lasagna with a simple green salad drizzled with light vinaigrette to balance out the richness. If you want to ramp it up a notch, try serving it with garlic bread on the side. The crispy texture and buttery flavor of the bread complement the creamy layers perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Vegetables

2 zucchinis, sliced
2 bell peppers, chopped
1 red onion, sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lasagna

12 lasagna noodles
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the sliced zucchinis, bell peppers, onion, and mushrooms with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.

Prepare the Lasagna Noodles

While the vegetables are roasting, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Layer the Lasagna

In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. Lay down 3 noodles, half of the ricotta cheese, half of the roasted vegetables, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles topped with marinara sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve

Let the lasagna sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes for cleaner slices.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley between the layers. You can also substitute the vegetables based on what’s in season.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to prepare this lasagna in advance, you can assemble it the night before and store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly. This allows the flavors to meld and improves the overall taste when baked the next day. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's going in cold from the fridge.

Alternatively, this lasagna freezes beautifully. Assemble and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed, adjusting the time as needed to heat through.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is quite flexible with ingredients. If you're looking for a lighter option, swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese, which offers a similar texture with fewer calories. For a vegan version, consider using a plant-based cheese alternative and replacing the noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant, a technique known as 'zoodle' lasagna.

Incorporating whole grain or gluten-free lasagna noodles is also an option if dietary restrictions are a concern. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly with different types of noodles, so check the package instructions for the best results.

Common Mistakes

One of the most common issues with lasagna is a watery texture. This can happen when the roasted vegetables release too much moisture or if the sauce is too thin. To mitigate this, make sure to drain any excess liquid from roasted vegetables before layering, and use a thick marinara sauce to keep it all together.

Another common mistake is undercooking the noodles. Ensure they are al dente if using traditional pasta so they will hold up during baking. If you’re using no-boil noodles, verify that they’re sufficiently covered with sauce to cook through during the baking process without leaving any dry edges.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate until you're ready to bake it.

→ Can I freeze the lasagna?

Yes, this lasagna freezes well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in freezer-safe packaging. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

→ What salad pairs well with vegetable lasagna?

A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the lasagna perfectly.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations based on your preference or what you have on hand.