Photo by Fred HardyTo create a traditional lasagna, you'll typically need four main ingredients: lasagna noodles, ground meat, tomato sauce, and lots of cheese. However, for those following a vegetarian diet or looking to reduce meat intake, the meat layer is out. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of vegetarian lasagna options that are just as (if not more) delicious than the classic meat-filled version. For a simple twist, try our Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna, where the vegetables take the place of ground beef. If you're open to something different, give Vegetarian Pumpkin Lasagna a try. It’s completely meat-free and uses a savory pumpkin sauce instead of the usual marinara. Tempted? Read on for more great vegetarian lasagna ideas!
1. No-Bake Summer Veggie Lasagna
Fred HardySince this veggie-packed lasagna is free of meat, it doesn’t need any baking time. Instead, it’s brimming with fresh summer ingredients like sweet cherry tomatoes and tender chopped zucchini. Creamy ricotta and a flavorful sauce seasoned with garlic and fresh oregano bring richness and texture, while boiled lasagna noodles keep everything together. Top it off with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and enjoy!
2. Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna
Jonny ValiantMushrooms and spinach are a fantastic meat alternative in lasagna, creating a savory, earthy blend that enhances the depth of this baked pasta dish. This recipe skips the tomato sauce in favor of a creamy mixture made with butter, flour, milk, cheese, and aromatic spices.
3. Pesto Skillet Lasagna
Fred HardyThis pesto lasagna comes together mostly in a skillet, but you’ll finish it off under the broiler for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely and turn golden and crispy on top. Inside, you’ll find store-bought pesto (preferably the refrigerated kind), sautéed baby spinach, broken lasagna noodles, and a generous amount of tangy, creamy cheese.
4. Slow Cooker Spinach Lasagna With Romaine Salad
José PicayoSet your slow cooker to work for this simple vegetarian lasagna, requiring only 15 minutes of prep. Layer marinara sauce, pasta, mozzarella, and a spinach-ricotta mixture, then cook on low until the flavors combine and the noodles soften. Pair with a fresh, crisp salad to complete the meal.
5. Broccoli, Spinach, and Three-Cheese Lasagna
Quentin BaconThis meat-free lasagna is an ideal weeknight dinner, thanks to its use of frozen broccoli and no-boil lasagna noodles, among other time-saving ingredients. These shortcuts mean it’s ready in just over an hour, and you’ll likely be going back for seconds in no time. Who wouldn’t want that?
6. Slow-Cooker Squash Lasagna
Romulo YanesSquash in lasagna? Absolutely! This gourd takes center stage in a meat-free, tomato-free dish, paired with baby spinach and rich ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Plus, since it's cooked in a slow cooker, it only needs 15 minutes of prep time.
7. Last-Minute Lasagna
Rick LewWhile lasagna isn’t typically a dish you can quickly whip up, this recipe is ready in under an hour with just 10 minutes of prep time. The secret lies in using jarred pasta sauce, frozen cheese ravioli, and frozen spinach. The only fresh ingredients you need are shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
8. Slow Cooker Lasagna
Anson SmartGive your oven a rest with this classic lasagna recipe, which is made in the slow cooker over a relaxed four-hour cooking period. Along with lasagna noodles, the recipe includes canned diced tomatoes, ricotta, Parmesan, Swiss chard, and mozzarella. Feel free to mix and match the cheeses and veggies until you perfect your version.
9. Simple Microwave Lasagna
Tom SchierlitzThe microwave is a true kitchen hero, and this recipe proves just that. The key to making this easy, oven-free, meatless lasagna is the use of no-boil noodles and jarred marinara sauce. Layer the ingredients in a microwave-safe dish, pop it in the microwave for 15-20 minutes, and your lasagna is ready to enjoy.
10. Lasagna-Style Baked Ziti
Petrina TinslayThis baked ziti dish is a twist on classic lasagna, featuring tomato sauce, ricotta, and plenty of cheese. While the recipe includes ground beef, you can skip the meat for a vegetarian version. Fresh spinach adds a boost of protein, but feel free to swap it with kale or another green if that’s more to your taste.
11. Cheesy Baked Ravioli and Romaine Salad
Caitlin BenselWhile this dish isn’t exactly lasagna, it has all the hallmarks of the classic — without the meat. This recipe combines store-bought four-cheese stuffed ravioli, a quick homemade tomato sauce, and a generous topping of shredded mozzarella. Enjoy this comforting vegetarian pasta dish alongside a simple salad.
12. Vegetarian Pumpkin Lasagna
The Spruce / Ulyana VerbytskaPerfect for chilly fall evenings, this lasagna swaps out traditional red marinara sauce for a rich pumpkin sauce. Packed with mushrooms, dried sage, and a generous amount of cheese, this meatless dish has a creamy, earthy flavor that’s sure to please. Plus, its vibrant orange color adds an extra appeal.
13. Vegetarian Lasagna Soup
Vegetarian Lasagna Soup. Jen CauseyIf you're a fan of lasagna, you'll likely enjoy lasagna soup just as much. Essentially, this dish is lasagna transformed into a hearty soup, with a savory tomato-based broth bringing everything together. This variation includes mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach, along with a rich ricotta and mozzarella topping. Pair it with some crusty bread to savor every last bit.
14. Butternut Squash Lasagna
Sally VargasIn this delightful vegetarian lasagna, butternut squash takes the spotlight. The creamy orange vegetable is layered with noodles, cheese sauce, and spinach, creating a dish that serves up to eight people. Any leftovers can be easily wrapped and frozen for later. When frozen, the lasagna stays fresh for up to two months.
15. Vegetarian Lasagna Rolls With Pesto
Vegetarian Lasagna Rolls with Pesto. Brian Hagiwara / Getty ImageIf traditional lasagna has become too predictable for you, why not give lasagna roll-ups a try? In this vegetarian version, lasagna noodles are filled with a delightful mix of fresh basil pesto and sweet potatoes, complemented by ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Each roll-up is nestled in layers of tomato sauce and finished off with an extra layer of cheese on top.
