Mary Berry’s Vegetable Lasagne is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking for a lighter alternative to traditional meat lasagne. This recipe layers tender vegetables, a rich tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and lasagne sheets for a delicious and comforting meal.
What is Mary Berry Vegetable Lasagne?
Mary Berry’s Vegetable Lasagne is a vegetarian twist on the classic Italian dish. It features layers of sautéed vegetables in a tomato-based sauce, creamy béchamel, and pasta sheets, all baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Packed with flavor: A medley of vegetables and rich sauces.
- Hearty and satisfying: Comfort food at its best.
- Vegetarian-friendly: A great alternative to meat-based lasagne.
- Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables or cheese.
- Make-ahead option: Perfect for batch cooking or meal prep.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Vegetable Lasagne
For the Vegetable Filling:
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
- Onion – 1 large, finely chopped.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced.
- Bell peppers – 2 (red and yellow), diced.
- Courgette (zucchini) – 1 large, diced.
- Mushrooms – 200g, sliced.
- Chopped tomatoes – 2 cans (400g each).
- Tomato purée – 2 tablespoons, enhances flavor.
- Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon.
- Salt and black pepper – To taste.
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- Butter – 50g, for the roux.
- Plain flour – 50g, thickens the sauce.
- Milk – 500ml, creates a creamy base.
- Cheddar cheese – 75g, grated, adds richness.
- Nutmeg – A pinch, optional, for flavor.
For Assembly:
- Lasagne sheets – 250g, no-boil or pre-cooked.
- Mozzarella cheese – 150g, shredded, for the top layer.
- Parmesan cheese – 50g, grated, for extra flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Large frying pan
- Saucepan
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or whisk
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Vegetable Lasagne
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Filling
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Add the bell peppers, courgette, and mushrooms. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened slightly.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese and a pinch of nutmeg, if using.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagne
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
- Spread a thin layer of vegetable filling on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add a layer of lasagne sheets, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over the pasta, followed by more vegetable filling.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of béchamel on top.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagne
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Allow the lasagne to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Vegetable Lasagne
- Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Green salad: Adds freshness and balance.
- Roasted vegetables: Complements the flavors of the lasagne.
- Bruschetta: A light and flavorful starter.
- Chilled white wine: Pairs wonderfully with the creamy and tangy flavors.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Vegetable Lasagne
- Cook vegetables thoroughly: Ensures the filling is rich and flavorful.
- Don’t overfill layers: Keep each layer even for a balanced bake.
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Let it rest: Resting after baking allows the layers to set for easier slicing.
- Use fresh herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley for a burst of flavor.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Vegetable Lasagne
- Add spinach: Layer fresh or cooked spinach for added greens.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based milk, cheese, and lasagne sheets.
- Add lentils: Stir cooked lentils into the vegetable filling for extra protein.
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or paprika for a kick.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free lasagne sheets and flour.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Vegetable Lasagne
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Allow the lasagne to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Vegetable Lasagne
- Oven method: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes, covered with foil.
- Microwave option: Heat individual portions for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
FAQs
Can I make Mary Berry Vegetable Lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it when ready to serve, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
Can I freeze Mary Berry Vegetable Lasagne?
Yes, vegetable lasagne freezes well. Assemble the dish, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
What vegetables work best for vegetable lasagne?
Commonly used vegetables include courgettes, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and onions. You can also add aubergines or butternut squash for variety.
How do I stop lasagne sheets from being undercooked?
Ensure there’s enough sauce covering the lasagne sheets, as the moisture helps them cook evenly. If using no-boil sheets, follow the package instructions carefully.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Vegetable Lasagne is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with vegetables and layered with creamy béchamel, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today for a hearty and satisfying meal!
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Mary Berry Vegetable Lasagne
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Mary Berry’s Vegetable Lasagne is a vegetarian twist on the classic Italian dish. It features layers of sautéed vegetables in a tomato-based sauce, creamy béchamel, and pasta sheets, all baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Vegetable Filling:
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
- Onion – 1 large, finely chopped.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced.
- Bell peppers – 2 (red and yellow), diced.
- Courgette (zucchini) – 1 large, diced.
- Mushrooms – 200g, sliced.
- Chopped tomatoes – 2 cans (400g each).
- Tomato purée – 2 tablespoons, enhances flavor.
- Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon.
- Salt and black pepper – To taste.
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- Butter – 50g, for the roux.
- Plain flour – 50g, thickens the sauce.
- Milk – 500ml, creates a creamy base.
- Cheddar cheese – 75g, grated, adds richness.
- Nutmeg – A pinch, optional, for flavor.
For Assembly:
- Lasagne sheets – 250g, no-boil or pre-cooked.
- Mozzarella cheese – 150g, shredded, for the top layer.
- Parmesan cheese – 50g, grated, for extra flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Filling
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Add the bell peppers, courgette, and mushrooms. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened slightly.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese and a pinch of nutmeg, if using.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagne
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
- Spread a thin layer of vegetable filling on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add a layer of lasagne sheets, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over the pasta, followed by more vegetable filling.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of béchamel on top.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagne
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Allow the lasagne to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.