Back when I posted my Lentil Loaf recipe I told you all that meatloaf was a favorite food of mine as a child. Well, my other favorite food was lasagna. Mom would always ask us what meal we wanted to have for our birthdays, and I always chose lasagna. Now I make a veggie version, and I love this small batch veggie lasagna because it only makes 4 servings. With only two of us in the house, we don’t have to eat lasagna until we are tired of it!
What are your favorite veggies to put into a veggie lasagna? Most people use mushrooms because they add so much umami flavor, and spinach is another traditional lasagna veggie. I love to add zucchini for some bulk; it doesn’t cook down as much as the other veggies. Finally, carrots are a must in my lasagna because they add a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the marinara.
Variations to the Small Batch Veggie Lasagna recipe:
- If you want to make a full 9×13 inch pan of lasagna to feed a crowd, increase the recipe by 50%. If you double it, you will have too much!
- Adding a splash of vinegar to the veggies increases the complexity of the flavors. I used balsamic vinegar, however, red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar would also work well.
- Ricotta cheese is more commonly used in lasagna, but I prefer cottage cheese. Use which ever cheese you like the most.
- 1 small onion, diced
- Splash Olive oil
- 8 oz mushrooms. sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 small or 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 3 large handfuls spinach (2-3 cups)
- 1 TBS Balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt, pepper, and red pepper flake, each
- 9 whole wheat lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces marinara (2 cups)
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- In a large heavy bottomed skillet, saute the onion in a splash of olive oil until translucent. Add mushrooms and garlic. Saute until the mushrooms release their liquid, about 8 minutes.
- Add zucchini to skillet, and cook another 5 minutes. Mix in carrots, spinach, balsamic, salt and pepper and stir until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients for the cheese layer.
- Cook noodles according to package directions.
- Spoon about a ½ cup sauce into the bottom of a 9x9 inch glass baking dish.
- Place 3 noodles over the sauce so that they are overlapping. Spread half of the cheese filling on top of the noodles, top with half of the veggie filling, and top veggies with a ½ cup marinara sauce.
- Repeat step 3 one more time.
- Top lasagna with the final 3 noodles, remaining sauce, and provolone slices.
- Cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 400 F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake 15 more minutes, or until the cheese is starting to brown. Let cool some before serving.
Just made it again! This has been my go-to recipe for years, Enough to enjoy without getting sick of it. I do sub ricotta and mozzerella for the cheeses, but that’s just personal preference. I freeze individual portions, and they reheat beautifully in the microwave. Thanks so much for sharing!
This makes my day! Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
This sounds delicious!! I was wondering if it can it be assembled and refrigerated (or frozen) before baking?
Thanks so much for getting back to me!
If you wanted to prep it in advance I think it would be best to freeze it, otherwise the noodles will get soggy. Thaw in the fridge, then bake as instructed. If you try it, let us know how it turns out!
Great recipe!!
Thanks Jenna!
This is a perfect size to feed two (my husband and I LOVE lasagna, don’t judge, lol). You’re like a young version of myself. Provolone on my sandwich, cottage cheese in my lasagna….ha!
I love lasagna too! Great minds think alike 😉
Love zucchini – pinned and shared
Zucchini is the best! Thanks Carol!
This sounds like a lovely recipe, healthy and no doubt delicious! I don’t think I’ve ever come across provolone cheese, must look out for it next time I go shopping.
Thanks Monika! Provolone is very similar to mozzarella, but has a little more flavor, in my opinion. I like to use it on sandwiches as well. Enjoy!
Yum! I love the addition of zucchini! Can’t wait to try this lasagna!
Thanks Lauren! Enjoy!