Mary Berry Vegetable Lasagne

Rich, hearty, and comforting, Mary Berry’s vegetable lasagne is the kind of dish that brings people together around the table. Known for her elegant yet approachable cooking, Mary Berry elevates a classic vegetarian lasagne with layers of fresh vegetables, smooth white sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta sheets. This recipe is a wholesome option for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep for the week. Packed with nutritious vegetables and full of flavor, this dish proves that meat-free meals can be just as satisfying and indulgent.

Why Choose Mary Berry’s Vegetable Lasagne?

Mary Berry’s recipes are known for being reliable, delicious, and made with simple ingredients. Her vegetable lasagne stands out because it’s both light and filling, offering a balanced meal full of flavor without feeling overly heavy. It’s also a wonderful way to introduce more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal.

A Comfort Food Favorite

Vegetable lasagne is a timeless comfort food. It can be customized with seasonal vegetables, flavored with herbs, and baked to golden perfection. Mary Berry’s version focuses on layering a rich tomato-based vegetable sauce with a creamy béchamel and lasagne sheets, then topping everything with grated cheese that bubbles and browns in the oven. It’s a dish that tastes as good as it looks and smells even better as it bakes.

Ingredients for Mary Berry Vegetable Lasagne

This lasagne recipe uses readily available vegetables and pantry staples. Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll typically need to recreate a Mary Berry-inspired version:

For the Vegetable Filling:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow pepper, chopped
• 200g mushrooms, sliced
• 2 courgettes (zucchini), diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato purée
• 400g canned chopped tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 50g butter
• 50g plain flour
• 600ml milk
• Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg

For Assembly:

• 9–12 lasagne sheets (fresh or dried)
• 150g grated cheese (cheddar or a mix with mozzarella)
• Parmesan for extra topping (optional)

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Vegetable Sauce

Start by heating some olive oil in a large frying pan. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Then add the carrots, peppers, mushrooms, and courgettes. Cook everything together over medium heat until the vegetables begin to soften and reduce, about 10 minutes.

Stir in the tomato purée and canned tomatoes. Add dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until thickened and rich in flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, set aside to cool slightly while you make the béchamel sauce.

2. Make the Béchamel Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1–2 minutes, then gradually add the milk, whisking all the time to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

3. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. Lightly grease a large ovenproof dish for assembling the lasagne.

4. Assemble the Lasagne

Spoon a layer of the vegetable sauce into the bottom of the dish. Place a layer of lasagne sheets over the sauce. Spread a portion of béchamel sauce on top of the pasta. Repeat these layers vegetable sauce, pasta, béchamel until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel sauce.

Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the top, and add a light dusting of Parmesan if desired. This cheesy layer will turn golden and delicious as the lasagne bakes.

5. Bake the Lasagne

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the lasagne is bubbling at the edges. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Serving Suggestions

Mary Berry’s vegetable lasagne pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread or warm crusty rolls for a more filling meal. For a light finish, consider serving fresh fruit or a scoop of sorbet after dinner.

Tips for a Perfect Vegetable Lasagne

• Use fresh vegetables: The taste and texture are always better with fresh produce, especially in a vegetable-forward dish.
• Make it ahead: Lasagne can be assembled and stored in the refrigerator a day in advance. Simply bake it when you’re ready.
• Let it rest: Allowing the lasagne to rest after baking helps it hold its shape when sliced.
• Add greens: For more color and nutrition, stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale toward the end of cooking the vegetable sauce.
• Use no-boil lasagne sheets: These save time and absorb the flavors of the sauce as they cook.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftover vegetable lasagne keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or oven until thoroughly warmed. You can also freeze portions of lasagne for up to 3 months. Wrap individual servings tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Health Benefits of Vegetable Lasagne

Unlike meat-based lasagnes, this vegetable version is lighter and full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. With a mix of colorful vegetables, it supports a balanced diet while still being incredibly satisfying. It’s also a great option for vegetarians or anyone trying to eat more plant-based meals.

Mary Berry’s vegetable lasagne is a wholesome, delicious, and family-friendly dish that showcases how flavorful vegetarian cooking can be. With its rich layers of roasted vegetables, creamy béchamel, and bubbling cheese, this lasagne is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it at a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, this vegetable lasagne will impress both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Easy to make, comforting to eat, and ideal for leftovers, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation.