Hearty, healthy comfort layers
This high-protein veggie lasagna is proof that comfort food can be both nourishing and satisfying. Packed with protein-rich ingredients like lentils, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, this meatless lasagna delivers bold flavor and cozy texture without feeling heavy. Layers of roasted vegetables, savory tomato sauce, and creamy cheese make every bite feel indulgent while still fitting into a balanced lifestyle. It’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or when you want a wholesome vegetarian option that actually keeps you full. If you’re looking for a protein-packed vegetarian dinner that everyone will love, this lasagna is a must-save recipe.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
📝 Ingredients List
Vegetable Filling
- 2 cups cooked lentils (green or brown)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Layer
- 1½ cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Assembly
- 2½ cups marinara sauce
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Cook the veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 2 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Stir in zucchini and bell pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until slightly tender. Add spinach and cook until wilted 🌱.
- Add protein: Stir in cooked lentils, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Mix cheese layer: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta, egg, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy 🧀.
- Assemble: Spread ½ cup marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, lentil-veggie mixture, cheese mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly and lightly golden 🔥.
- Rest: Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing so layers set nicely.
💡 Pro Tips
- Protein boost: Add cooked chickpeas or white beans to the lentil layer.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or thinly sliced zucchini.
- Meal prep friendly: This lasagna freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
- Serving idea: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.