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Eggplant Lasagna Recipe

Eggplant Lasagna Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 102 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 75 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Eggplant Lasagna recipe is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Layers of roasted eggplant, flavorful spinach filling, creamy ricotta mixture, and gooey cheese are stacked high to create a satisfying meal for any occasion. Topped with a vibrant Arugula Almond Pesto, this dish is sure to impress your guests!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Eggplant:

  • 3 large eggplants (about 3 lbs)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, spray olive oil, or ghee

Spinach Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4-8 garlic cloves, rough chopped
  • 6 ounces baby spinach, about 2 extra-large handfuls
  • Salt and pepper to taste (1/4 teaspoon each)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Ricotta Mixture:

  • 16-ounce tub of whole milk ricotta (or sub tofu ricotta)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Additional Ingredients:

  • 24-ounce jar marinara sauce, about 3 cups
  • 8 no-boil lasagna noodles (or sub gluten-free lasagna noodles)
  • 1-1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella (or meltable vegan cheese)
  • 1/4-1/3 cup pecorino (or parm)
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • Arugula Almond Pesto Ingredients: 1 large garlic clove, 1/4 cup toasted almonds, pinenuts, or smoked almonds, 1/2 cup packed basil leaves, 1 cup packed arugula, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/3-1/2 cup light flavored olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F

    Slice eggplant into 1/2-inch thick slices, sprinkle with salt, let sit for 15-20 minutes. Roast in the oven with olive oil until golden and tender.

  2. Make Spinach Filling:

    Saute onion, garlic, add spinach, season, and set aside.

  3. Prepare Ricotta Mixture:

    Whisk ricotta, egg, nutmeg, basil, and salt.

  4. Assemble Lasagna:

    Layer marinara, noodles, eggplant, ricotta mixture, spinach, cheese, and repeat. Top with chili flakes.

  5. Bake:

    Cover and bake at 375 F, uncover and bake until golden and bubbling.

  6. Make Arugula Pesto:

    Combine all pesto ingredients in a food processor.

  7. Serve:

    Let lasagna rest before serving, top with Arugula Pesto.


Notes

  • Feel free to add ground meat or mushrooms for additional flavor.
  • For a low-carb version, omit lasagna sheets and use extra eggplant.
  • Vegan option: Substitute Tofu Ricotta and vegan cheese.
  • If using sugar-free marinara, add a touch of maple syrup for balance.
  • To reheat, bake covered at 350-375 F or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8th without pesto
  • Calories: 371
  • Sugar: 9.5 g
  • Sodium: 722.7 mg
  • Fat: 19.9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 8.4 g
  • Protein: 16.8 g
  • Cholesterol: 70.7 mg