Pumpkin Lasagna Bake Autumn (Printable)
Creamy pumpkin and ricotta meet savory herbs in this comforting baked autumn main dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 cups pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
02 - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
03 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
→ Cheeses & Dairy
05 - 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
06 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1 large egg
→ Pantry
09 - 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
12 - ¼ cup milk
13 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
15 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
16 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
17 - 1 teaspoon salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with oil or nonstick spray.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute. Stir in spinach until wilted, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
03 - Combine ricotta cheese, egg, ¼ cup Parmesan, nutmeg, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Add the sautéed vegetable mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
04 - In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin purée with milk until smooth and combined.
05 - Spread one-third of crushed tomatoes evenly over the base of the prepared baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles atop the sauce.
06 - Spread half the ricotta-spinach mixture over noodles. Evenly distribute half the pumpkin mixture on top, and sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella cheese.
07 - Add one-third of the remaining crushed tomatoes, layer with 3 more noodles, then top with the remaining ricotta-spinach mixture and pumpkin mixture. Add another third of the mozzarella.
08 - Top with final 3 noodles, remaining crushed tomatoes, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
09 - Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35 minutes.
10 - Remove foil and continue baking for 15 minutes, until the cheese topping is golden and bubbling.
11 - Remove from oven and let stand for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Uses easy-to-find pantry and produce staples
- Vegetarian main packed with flavor and satisfying textures
- Ideal for making ahead or meal prepping
- Bakes up golden and inviting every time
02 -
- High in fiber from pumpkin and spinach
- Great make ahead dish for holidays or meal prep
- Delicious way to introduce more vegetables at dinner
03 -
- Do not skip the resting time after baking or cutting will be messy
- Grate your own cheese for better melt and deeper flavor
- Roast your own pumpkin for an extra sweet and earthy note