This Sweet Potato Spinach Lasagna is a colorful and hearty dish that’s full of flavor. Layers of creamy sweet potatoes and fresh spinach combine with pasta and cheese for a tasty meal!
I love making this lasagna when I want something comforting and healthy. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! Who knew lasagna could be both delicious and good for you? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional flat noodles work best. You can use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles if you prefer a healthier or gluten-free option. No-boil noodles are also convenient and save time!
Sweet Potatoes: These add nutrition and a touch of sweetness. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, try zucchini or butternut squash as alternatives. They’ll give a different flavor, but still taste great!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is fantastic, but frozen is a great time-saver. Just make sure to drain it well! You could also use kale or Swiss chard if you’d like to switch it up.
Ricotta Cheese: A creamy base that balances the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, cottage cheese is a good substitution. It still gives that creamy texture while cutting calories!
Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can also use provolone or gouda for a different taste. For a dairy-free option, try cashew cheese or tofu ricotta.
How Do You Properly Layer a Lasagna?
Layering is key to a successful lasagna. It ensures even flavor and texture in every bite. Here’s how you can layer effectively:
- Start with a layer of sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Add noodles, then alternate between ricotta mixture, veggies, and cheese. This helps distribute flavors.
- Repeat until ingredients are used, ending with a noodle layer and a generous topping of sauce and cheese.
- Cover tightly with foil to trap moisture while baking, then uncover to melt the top cheese beautifully!
Taking your time with layering sets the foundation for a delicious, harmonious dish. Enjoy making your lasagna! 😊
Sweet Potato Spinach Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Lasagna:
- 9-12 lasagna noodles
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 10 oz fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce or diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Time Needed for Preparation:
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 45 minutes to cook, for a total time of approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. You’ll be layering delicious ingredients to create a delightful dish that is hearty and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Noodles:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until they’re al dente. Once they’re done, drain the noodles and set them aside. It’s best to lay them flat so they don’t stick together.
2. Sautéing the Veggies:
While the noodles are cooking, grab a large pan and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you can smell its lovely aroma. Toss in the spinach next and cook until it’s wilted, or heated through if using frozen. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano, then remove it from the heat.
3. Making the Ricotta Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, the egg, half of the grated Parmesan, and a touch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed and creamy.
4. Blanching the Sweet Potatoes:
Get another pot of water boiling, then carefully add the thinly sliced sweet potatoes. Blanch them for about 2 minutes to soften them up a bit. Drain the slices and set them aside.
5. Assembling the Lasagna:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce (or diced tomatoes) on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread some of the ricotta mixture evenly on top. Next, layer in your sautéed spinach and onions for a burst of flavor.
6. Adding the Sweet Potatoes:
Now add the sweet potato slices over the spinach mixture, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process until all your ingredients are used, making sure to end with a top layer of noodles.
7. Finalizing the Top Layer:
Spread the remaining marinara sauce over the top layer of noodles, then finish off with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, creating a lovely cheesy crust.
8. Baking the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep all the moisture in, and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Serving Time!
Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps the layers intact when serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you like! Now dig in and enjoy your delicious Sweet Potato Spinach Lasagna!
This recipe brings together sweet potatoes with savory spinach and creamy cheese, resulting in a lasagna that is not only comforting but also nutritious. Perfect for any family gathering or cozy dinner night!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Noodles?
Absolutely! Whole wheat noodles add a nutty flavor and are a great source of fiber. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free lasagna noodles that will work well in this recipe!
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna a day ahead. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake it, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be going in cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Can I Freeze This Lasagna?
Yes, this lasagna freezes well! Before baking, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it from frozen; it may take a little longer, about 60-75 minutes.
