15 Creative, Alternative Lasagna Recipes with Layers of Flavor

2016-02-19
15 Creative, Alternative Lasagna Recipes with Layers of Flavor

Lasagna is a classic dish that is hard not to love. There are so many easy lasagna recipes to choose from, whether you go for a traditional lasagna recipewith ricotta cheese or a hearty meat lasagna recipe. Or mix things up with a vegetable-packed choice full of roasted veggies and even one with pumpkin! Lasagna is easy to prepare and easy to freeze; that is, if there are any leftovers.

01 of 15

Three Cheese Pumpkin Lasagna

This seasonal take on a classic lasagna recipe is full of pumpkin, kale, cremini mushrooms, onion, and garlic. A touch of sage makes it extra savory. Using cream cheese instead of ricotta gives this dish an extra creamy bite, making it a perfect addition to any holiday table.

02 of 15

Rolled Lasagna Florentine

Consider this a traditional lasagna recipe with a twist. Instead of flat noodles, the noodles get rolled up with ricotta cheese, spinach, and Italian cheeses. Cover the top and bottom with a savory homemade meat sauce, or turn this into a vegetarian lasagna recipe by omitting the ground beef.

03 of 15

Greek-Style Lasagna

If you are looking for a different lasagna recipe, this one takes a Mediterranean approach by subbing out the classics for Greek ingredients like ground lamb, black olives, and feta cheese. The lamb is simmered in wine, tomato sauce, oregano, and cinnamon. If you are looking for a beef lasagna recipe, you can easily substitute ground beef or a mixture of the two. Construct like a traditional lasagna recipe and top with feta, shredded white cheddar, and a sprinkling of olives.

04 of 15

Instant-Pot Lasagna

This traditional lasagna recipe has one unique twist—it's made in the Instant Pot. Keep multiple bowls and dishes clean while you make a one-pot pasta bake (you will need one additional bowl for stirring). Start by sautéing the meat, onions, and garlic in the Instant pot before constructing the lasagna in a cake pan that you'll "bake" over water in the pressure cooker. With a serving size of six, it's perfect for a small family dinner or for a couple to have leftovers.

05 of 15

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

This vegetarian lasagna recipe is a great way to use up any veggies hanging out in your fridge. Zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, and bell peppers (and whatever else you have on hand) are roasted to bring out their flavor before getting added to the lasagna. Not a fan of ricotta? This is a lasagna recipe with cottage cheese, making it a great alternative option to a traditional lasagna recipe.

06 of 15

Bolognese Lasagna with Porcini-Ricotta Filling

This meat lasagna recipe will wow any meat lover with flavorful Italian sausage, ground beef, and pancetta (or bacon) for extra flavor. The porcini-Parmesan sauce adds an extra richness to this hearty lasagna. Use a good cheese grater to get the Parmesan shredded extra-fine.

Test Kitchen Tip: To save your lasagna for another night, prepare the recipe until baking. Cover the pan with foil and chill for up to 24 hours. Then bake as directed.

07 of 15

Spicy Brunch Lasagna

Who said you couldn't have lasagna for breakfast? This white lasagna recipe has brunch written all over it, taking lasagna noodles and Alfredo sauce and combining them with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and sausage. You can make this the night before and refrigerate (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap). Don't limit yourself to indulging in this different lasagna recipe in the morning only; it would also make a great dinner.

08 of 15

Vegetable-Polenta Lasagna

Savory polenta brings an additional layer of flavor to this vegetarian lasagna recipe; you won't even miss the meat. Our unique recipe features a layer of creamy cornmeal under tender mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and a sprinkling of mozzarella. To make this a vegan lasagna recipe, substitute the mozzarella cheese with vegan shredded cheese (or omit the cheese completely).

09 of 15

Lasagna Rolls al Forno

Homemade Bolognese sauce stars in these luscious lasagna rolls, a twist on a traditional lasagna recipe. The key to this delicious and authentic sauce is fresh ingredients: juicy Roma tomatoes, Italian sausage, and a blend of fresh basil, oregano, and marjoram.

10 of 15

Vegetable Lasagna

This veggie-packed lasagna uses both fresh and frozen vegetables, making this a fast and easy lasagna recipe. Try no-boil noodles to save even more time. Using four kinds of cheese—ricotta, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan—makes it so decadent you won't miss the meat. But if you want to add more protein, this would make a good seafood or chicken lasagna recipe by adding shrimp or chicken.

11 of 15

Chicken Caesar Lasagna

This easy chicken lasagna recipe is a slight departure from the classic salad but just as delicious. Use whole wheat noodles, light Alfredo sauce, and spinach for a lower-fat version of this comfort dish. Cook the chicken breasts in advance (or even use leftover chicken) for a time-saving tip.

12 of 15

Butternut Squash Lasagna

This lasagna recipe screams fall with thick butternut squash slices in a rich rosemary cream sauce. Even meat-eaters won't be able to turn away from this hearty meatless lasagna recipe. You can make this lasagna ahead of time, so add this recipe to your Sunday meal planning.

13 of 15

Smoked Salmon Lasagna

With six kinds of cheese and layers of smoked salmon, mushroom, and tomato sauce, this seafood lasagna recipe is elegant and ideal for entertaining. This one is sheer decadence.

14 of 15

Veggie-Pesto Lasagna Soup

For a deconstructed take on a classic lasagna recipe, try this veggie-pesto lasagna soup. With tomatoes and tons of vegetables like butternut squash and spinach, plus broken noodles, basil pesto, and a dollop of ricotta, you won't miss picking up a fork for the usual casserole. You can make this in a slow cooker or on the stove top, whichever you prefer.

15 of 15

Weeknight Ravioli Lasagna with Chianti Sauce

This quick and easy lasagna recipe is the ultimate time-saver featuring store-bought ravioli, cooked chicken sausage, and a homemade sauce featuring full-bodied Chianti. You'll want to use a 3-quart rectangular baking dish for this one. Choose one with a lid for easier leftover storage—if there's anything left.

Related Article

How to Make Ultra-Crispy Korean Fried Chicken

How to Make Ultra-Crispy Korean Fried Chicken

This Korean fried chicken recipe is spicy, sweet, and perfectly crispy.
15 Creative, Alternative Lasagna Recipes with Layers of Flavor

15 Creative, Alternative Lasagna Recipes with Layers of Flavor

These traditional and alternative lasagna recipes cover variations on everyone's favorite layered dish. Go for the classic or try something new.
Our Best-Ever Fall Recipes from Better Homes & Gardens

Our Best-Ever Fall Recipes from Better Homes & Gardens

Every year, our Test Kitchen staff and Better Homes and Gardens editors test hundreds of recipes to find the perfect ones for you. We've collected the top-rated favorite fall recipes for you to try, such as hearty casseroles, spiced desserts, savory side dishes, and lush cheesecakes. We suspect these will become part of your treasured recipe collection, too.
18 Healthy Summer Desserts Made with In-Season Fruit

18 Healthy Summer Desserts Made with In-Season Fruit

These light and healthy summer desserts (under 300 calories per serving) are the perfect fruit-filled finish to warm-weather dinners.
Can You Eat Strawberry Leaves? You Bet—Here’s How, and Why You Should

Can You Eat Strawberry Leaves? You Bet—Here’s How, and Why You Should

Can you eat strawberry leaves? Absolutely, and by doing so, you’ll generate less food waste and score some nutrition benefits. Learn why you should eat strawberry leaves, how to clean them, and snag the best strawberry leaf recipes whether you want to sneak them in or let them shine.
Our Test Kitchen's Top Substitutes for Chocolate of Every Type

Our Test Kitchen's Top Substitutes for Chocolate of Every Type

Discover the best substitutes for semisweet, baking, and unsweetened chocolate in your favorite recipes with our Test Kitchen-approved alternatives.
Easy Lemon Chicken Recipes to Perk Up Your Dinner Routine

Easy Lemon Chicken Recipes to Perk Up Your Dinner Routine

Add some zest to your meal plan with these easy lemon chicken recipes. Ranging from family-friendly sheet-pan lemon chicken breast recipes to air-fryer roast chicken that’s perfect for dinner party menus, these easy lemon chicken recipes are definitely worthy of a spot on your regular rotation.
This Smothered Chicken Recipe Is So Good, I Make It Once a Week

This Smothered Chicken Recipe Is So Good, I Make It Once a Week

This one-pan meal is made with chicken thighs that are smothered with a rich, creamy sauce. Here's how to make smothered chicken, including the secret to the most delicious pan gravy.
Roasted Vegetables with Sorghum

Roasted Vegetables with Sorghum

This roasted vegetable and sorghum recipe is the perfect combination of a salad and a side dish. Toss together sorghum and smoky paprika roasted beets, red onion, and fennel as well as arugula and green beans. Finish it with a zesty lemon-honey dressing and enjoy.
Oven Baked Pancakes

Oven Baked Pancakes

Instead of fussing over a skillet, try this easy oven baked pancake recipe that cooks the fluffy breakfast food in a sheet pan.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Quiche In the Slow Cooker

How to Make Ham and Cheese Quiche In the Slow Cooker

Ham and cheese quiche is good, but ham and cheese quiche from your slow cooker is an ideal winter meal. Fill homemade pastry with cheese, ham, eggs, and peppers, and let your slow cooker take care of the rest.
Zoe's Creme Fraiche Pancakes

Zoe's Creme Fraiche Pancakes

Add richness to fluffy pancakes with a touch of creme fraiche and sour cream.
Hasselback Squash

Hasselback Squash

Make butternut squash even more delicious by stuffing it with goat cheese or caramelized onions.
Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Prep these sweet and tangy slow cooker pulled pork sliders when you're serving a crowd—or plan to feed a family through a day of tailgating or potluck dining.
Beef and Cabbage Wraps

Beef and Cabbage Wraps

Set out the tortillas, filling, and condiments and let everyone begin wrapping and rolling. This easy meal is ready in 20 minutes.
10 Gluten-Free Family Meals That Taste Great!

10 Gluten-Free Family Meals That Taste Great!

Gluten-free family meals don't have to be boring. Try our recipes for delicious dinners that are full of flavor but sans gluten.
How to Make Vegetarian Biscuits and Gravy

How to Make Vegetarian Biscuits and Gravy

You can make delicious vegetarian biscuits and gravy and enjoy an old-school dish with updated ingredients.
Vegetable Lasagna with Labneh

Vegetable Lasagna with Labneh

Labneh, a spreadable cheese made from strained yogurt, stands in for ricotta in this skillet lasagna. If you can't find labneh at your grocery store, use whipped cream cheese.
Parrillada Recipe

Parrillada Recipe

Parrillada is a meal that consists of a variety of meats that are grilled or barbecued.
5 Steps for Successfully Grilling Salmon on a Cedar Plank

5 Steps for Successfully Grilling Salmon on a Cedar Plank

Learn about grilling salmon on a cedar plank for a smoky flavor without additional ingredients.