Savory Sweet Potato & Spinach Lasagna
This Savory Sweet Potato & Spinach Lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite, perfect for those who want a gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor. Featuring layers of nutritious sweet potatoes, creamy ricotta cheese mixed with spinach, and a rich tomato basil sauce, this hearty lasagna is baked to perfection with a gooey mozzarella topping. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. Serve it hot and enjoy the satisfaction of a meal that's both comforting and healthy.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
frozen spinach
10 ounces (thawed and squeezed dry)
ricotta cheese
15 ounces (container)
shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup
large egg
1
kosher salt
1 teaspoon
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon
sweet potatoes
3 pounds (peeled and cut into 1/8-inch slices (about 3 large potatoes))
Simply Balanced® Organic Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
24 ounces (jar)
shredded mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (package)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F and grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.
2
In a large bowl, combine the thawed spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded parmesan, egg, kosher salt, and dried oregano. Mix until well blended.
3
Layer one-third of the sliced sweet potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping the slices.
4
Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the sweet potatoes, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
5
Pour half of the tomato basil sauce over the ricotta layer, then sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
6
Repeat the process by adding another layer of sweet potatoes, the remaining ricotta mixture, the remaining tomato sauce, and another third of the mozzarella.
7
Finish with a final layer of sweet potatoes on top, ensuring all the mixture is evenly distributed.
8
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and, if desired, refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
9
Bake covered for 45 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
10
Continue baking uncovered until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown, approximately 20 more minutes.
11
Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Sweet Potato & Spinach Lasagna?
It is a gluten-free twist on the classic Italian dish that uses thin slices of sweet potato instead of traditional pasta noodles, layered with spinach-ricotta and tomato sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by replacing wheat pasta with sweet potato slices, this lasagna is naturally gluten-free.
Is this lasagna suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe featuring vegetables and various types of cheese without any meat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 8 servings.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9-by-13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How many sweet potatoes do I need?
You will need approximately 3 pounds of sweet potatoes, which is about 3 large potatoes.
How should the sweet potatoes be prepared?
The sweet potatoes should be peeled and cut into 1/8-inch thick slices.
Do I need to cook the sweet potato slices before layering?
No, the sweet potato slices are layered raw and will cook through while the lasagna is baking.
What type of spinach is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of frozen spinach.
How do I prepare the frozen spinach for the filling?
The frozen spinach must be thawed and then squeezed very dry to remove excess moisture before mixing.
What goes into the ricotta cheese mixture?
The mixture consists of ricotta cheese, thawed and dried spinach, shredded parmesan, one large egg, kosher salt, and dried oregano.
How much ricotta cheese is needed?
You will need a 15-ounce container of ricotta cheese.
How do I start the layering process?
Start by layering one-third of the sliced sweet potatoes in the bottom of a greased baking dish.
How many layers of sweet potatoes are in the lasagna?
The recipe calls for three distinct layers of sweet potato slices.
Which tomato sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests a 24-ounce jar of Simply Balanced Organic Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce.
How much mozzarella cheese is required?
An 8-ounce package of shredded mozzarella cheese is used.
Can I make this lasagna in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
How long should the lasagna bake while covered?
The lasagna should be baked covered with aluminum foil for 45 minutes.
How long does it bake uncovered?
After removing the foil and adding the final cheese layer, bake it for approximately 20 more minutes.
What is the total baking time for this dish?
The total baking time is roughly 65 minutes.
How do I know when the lasagna is finished cooking?
The lasagna is done when the sweet potatoes are tender and the mozzarella topping is melted and golden brown.
Should I let the lasagna rest after taking it out of the oven?
Yes, it is important to let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried herbs?
The recipe specifically uses dried oregano in the ricotta mixture.
Is an egg necessary in the cheese mixture?
The egg acts as a binder for the ricotta and spinach mixture, helping the layers stay together.
What kind of parmesan cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded parmesan cheese.
How do I prevent the lasagna from being too watery?
Ensuring the thawed spinach is squeezed completely dry is the best way to prevent excess liquid in the dish.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you should cook the fresh spinach first and squeeze out the moisture to ensure it has a similar texture to the frozen version.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome and healthy meal option because it uses nutrient-dense sweet potatoes and spinach.