Easy Vegetable Lasagna

Ingredients and Weight:

• 12 lasagna noodles (9 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped (1 cup)
• 2 carrots, sliced (1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, sliced (1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) can ricotta cheese
• 1 (15 ounce) container cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (1 ounce)

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

60 minutes

Difficulty Level:

3 (from simple to difficult)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
5. Spread 1 cup of the vegetable sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with 4 lasagna noodles. Spread with 1/2 of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until bubbly and hot.
7. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information per serving (1/8 of lasagna):

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 18 grams
• Saturated fat: 8 grams
• Cholesterol: 70 milligrams
• Sodium: 800 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Sugar: 10 grams
• Protein: 25 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Savory and flavorful
• Easy to make and customizable
• Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion

User Comments:

• "This lasagna is delicious and so easy to make. I love that I can use vegetables that I already have on hand."
• "I've made this lasagna several times now and it's always a hit with my family and friends."
• "The combination of vegetables and cheese is perfect. This lasagna is hearty and satisfying."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have lasagna noodles, you can substitute 12 regular pasta noodles that have been cooked al dente.
• You can add other vegetables to this lasagna, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• To make this lasagna ahead of time, cook it according to the directions and let it cool completely. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat in a preheated oven until warmed through.