Simple Spinach Lasagna: A Hearty and Flavorful Vegetarian Dish

This Simple Spinach Lasagna is a delicious and easy-to-make vegetarian dish that combines the richness of cheese with the wholesome goodness of spinach. With layers of savory spinach, tangy spaghetti sauce, and creamy cheese, this dish is a comforting meal for any occasion. Plus, it’s simple enough to prepare for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Quick Benefits

• Vegetarian Delight: Packed with spinach and cheese, this lasagna offers a tasty way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
• High in Protein: With cottage cheese and mozzarella, this dish provides a good amount of protein, making it satisfying and filling.
• Rich in Nutrients: The spinach adds essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, calcium, and iron, contributing to overall health.
• Make-Ahead: This lasagna can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Essential Ingredients

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Used to sauté the vegetables and add flavor to the sauce.
• Frozen Chopped Spinach (2 packages, 10 ounces each): The star of the dish, providing the base of the lasagna with nutrients and a deliciously earthy flavor.
• Onion (½ medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic (2 cloves, crushed): Enhances the flavor profile of the sauce with its aromatic, savory notes.
• Dried Oregano (½ teaspoon) and Dried Basil (½ teaspoon): Classic herbs that complement the flavor of the spinach and sauce.
• Spaghetti Sauce (32 ounces): The base sauce for the lasagna, adding tangy richness.
• Water (1 ½ cups): Dilutes the sauce slightly, helping it to spread evenly between the layers.
• Cottage Cheese (2 cups, non-fat): Adds creaminess and a rich texture to the lasagna.
• Mozzarella Cheese (8 ounces, part-skim, shredded): A melty cheese that creates a gooey, delicious layer.
• Fresh Parsley (½ cup, chopped): Adds freshness and a pop of color to the filling.
• Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): Provides a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses.
• Egg (1 large): Helps bind the cheese mixture together and adds richness.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors of the dish.
• Black Pepper (⅛ teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and balances the flavor.
• Uncooked Lasagna Noodles (12): The base of each layer, providing the structure for this hearty dish.

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Sauce: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add spinach, onion, garlic, oregano, and basil, and sauté until the onion softens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add spaghetti sauce and water, and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, mozzarella, parsley, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
3. Layer the Lasagna: Spoon a small amount of sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Place four uncooked lasagna noodles on top. Layer with 1/3 of the sauce, followed by 1/3 of the cheese mixture. Repeat with another layer of noodles, sauce, and cheese, then finish with the final layer of noodles, sauce, and cheese.
4. Bake: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 55 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Health Benefits

• High in Protein: The cottage cheese, mozzarella, and egg provide a solid amount of protein, which is important for muscle repair and overall health.
• Rich in Fiber: Spinach and the whole wheat lasagna noodles contribute fiber to the dish, supporting healthy digestion and helping you feel full longer.
• Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Spinach is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, and calcium, all of which support immune health, bone health, and overall vitality.
• Low in Fat: By using non-fat cottage cheese and part-skim mozzarella, this lasagna is a lighter version of the traditional dish while still being creamy and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad: Pair the lasagna with a fresh green salad or a Caesar salad for a well-rounded meal.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with a slice of garlic bread for an extra indulgent side to complement the lasagna.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.
• Serve with a Glass of Red Wine: Pair the lasagna with a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir, for a delightful meal experience.

Creative Variations

• Add More Veggies: Try adding other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add Ground Meat: For a non-vegetarian option, add cooked ground turkey, chicken, or beef to the sauce for extra protein and flavor.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheese substitutes and replace the egg with a vegan egg substitute (like flax eggs) to make a vegan version of this lasagna.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Lasagna freezes well! Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat in the Oven: For the best texture, reheat lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covering it with foil to prevent it from drying out.

Pro Tips

• Avoid Overcrowding the Layers: Be sure not to overstuff each layer of lasagna. A thin, even layer of sauce and cheese ensures that the lasagna bakes evenly.
• Let it Rest: After baking, let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
• Don’t Skip the Simmering: Simmering the sauce for 20 minutes allows the flavors to develop and ensures that the sauce is rich and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Can I substitute fresh spinach for frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen. Just sauté it until wilted and then squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.

Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta cheese can be used in place of cottage cheese. It will provide a slightly different texture but still work well in the cheese mixture.

How can I make this lasagna spicier?
To add a little heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or mixing in some diced jalapeños.

Simple Spinach Lasagna is a perfect comfort food that’s easy to make and healthy to eat. It’s packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a great option for a family meal or a weeknight dinner.

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