Creamy Dream Lasagna Casserole: Your New Go-To Veggie Delight

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
3. 3

   Stir in diced bell peppers and sliced zucchini. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp. Add fresh spinach and cook until completely wilted, 2-3 minutes.
4. 4

   Season vegetables with Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. 5

   While sauce simmers, prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until well combined.
6. 6

   To assemble: Spread about 1/2 cup of the veggie tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Lay 3-4 no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking if needed to fit.
7. 7

   Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Spoon about 1.5-2 cups of the veggie tomato sauce over the mozzarella.
8. 8

   Repeat the noodle, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce layers once more.
9. 9

   For the top layer: place the final 3-4 noodles, pour the remaining veggie tomato sauce over them, and sprinkle generously with the remaining mozzarella cheese and extra Parmesan.
10. 10

    Slowly pour the 1/2 cup of milk around the edges of the baking dish. This helps the no-boil noodles cook thoroughly.
11. 11

    Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
12. 12

    Let the lasagna casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes for easier, cleaner cutting.