Lentil and Vegetable Lasagna with Carrot Puree Sauce
A hearty, vegetable-packed lasagna featuring a smooth carrot puree sauce that hides the veggies while adding natural sweetness. This italian-inspired kid friendly ready in about 60 minutes blends (no-boil) lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 (no-boil) lasagna noodles
- 1 cup (about 1/2 cup dried lentils, cooked) cooked lentils
- 1 cup (made from 2 medium carrots, steamed and blended with 1/4 cup water) carrot puree
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a small saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup marinara sauce and 1 cup carrot puree, and simmer for 5 minutes until well combined. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place 4 lasagna noodles on top.
- Step 3: Spread 1/2 cup ricotta cheese over the noodles, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup cooked lentils. Top with 1/2 cup of the sauce mixture and 4 more noodles. Repeat layers: sauce, ricotta, lentils, sauce, and noodles until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Step 4: Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lentil and Vegetable Lasagna with Carrot Puree Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Lentil and Vegetable Lasagna with Carrot Puree Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lentil and Vegetable Lasagna with Carrot Puree Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lentil and Vegetable Lasagna with Carrot Puree Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lentil and Vegetable Lasagna with Carrot Puree Sauce?
Italian kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My kids devoured this! The carrot sauce was a hit.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a healthy family dinner, easy to make.
- ★★★★★
Loved the texture of the lentils and veggies. Whole family asked for seconds.