Sunday Baked Spinach Lasagna

Name: Sunday Baked Spinach Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce; 1 egg; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Home Baking Favorites

I absolutely love making Sunday Baked Spinach Lasagna. This dish comes together beautifully with layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and nutritious spinach, all topped with a rich tomato sauce and melty mozzarella. It’s a comforting meal that brings joy to our family table, and the aroma that fills the kitchen is simply irresistible. Every bite offers a delightful balance of flavors, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or a cozy night in. Best of all, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up, allowing me to focus on enjoying the company of loved ones.

Created by

Hannah Lewis

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:06:37.766Z

When I first tried making a baked spinach lasagna, I knew I wanted to elevate the classic recipe to make it healthier without sacrificing flavor. I decided to incorporate a generous amount of spinach, which not only adds a vibrant color but also boosts the nutritional value. I recommend using fresh spinach over frozen, as it maintains its texture and flavor beautifully while baking.

One tip I discovered while layering the lasagna is to slightly undercook the noodles. This ensures they absorb the delicious sauce and it's perfection once baked. I often add a sprinkle of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture, which enhances the overall flavor and surprise element of the dish. Trust me, it's a game changer!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Layers of flavorful spinach mixed with creamy ricotta and cheese
A hearty but healthy alternative to traditional lasagna
Perfect for meal prep and delightful leftovers

      

Building Layers for Maximum Flavor

Layering is crucial to achieving the perfect balance in your Sunday Baked Spinach Lasagna. When you add the marinara sauce at the bottom, it not only prevents the noodles from sticking but also infuses them with flavor as they bake. Make sure to spread it evenly; this will enhance the taste of every layer. I often use a spatula to evenly distribute the spinach mixture as well—it helps in getting a uniform texture and ensures that no bite is dry.

In constructing the layers, consider using a deep baking dish to allow for thick layers of filling. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan provides creaminess and depth. Maintaining a ratio of one-third filling to two-thirds noodles creates a cohesive texture, preventing the final dish from being too heavy. Keep an eye out for visual indicators: the cheese should be beautifully melted, and the edges of the lasagna may turn a lovely golden brown when it’s done.

Tips for Making Ahead and Storing

For those busy days, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead. Just layer it up to the final cheese topping and cover it tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This ensures an even cook, as the lasagna won’t start baking from an ice-cold state.

If you happen to have leftovers, they store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I recommend slicing pieces and placing them in a baking dish, covering with foil, and heating in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. If you prefer to freeze, slice servings and wrap individually. This way, you can pop one in the microwave for a quick meal and savor that homemade flavor whenever you like.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients before you start:

Lasagna Ingredients

9 lasagna noodles
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 egg
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious lasagna:

Cook the Lasagna Noodles

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Spinach Filling

In a skillet, sauté the minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer three lasagna noodles atop the sauce, and then spoon half of the spinach filling over the noodles. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese, then repeat the layers, finishing with noodles and sauce on top. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the final layer.

Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Let your lasagna rest before serving for the best results.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the spinach filling. If you prefer a meatier version, ground turkey or beef can be added between the layers.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheese without sacrificing too much creaminess. Alternatively, swapping fresh spinach for frozen can save you time—just ensure you squeeze out excess moisture after thawing. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach filling or replacing some marinara with a homemade pesto for a unique twist.

For fans of a meatier lasagna, you can add browned ground turkey or beef between the layers. Just ensure to drain any excess fat after cooking, as moisture can lead to a soggy lasagna. Additionally, incorporating roasted vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers adds both nutrition and flavor; these work well layered in with the spinach.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your lasagna turns out watery, it might be due to using too much marinara or undercooked noodles. To prevent this, ensure you cook the noodles until al dente and drain them well before layering. Using a slotted spoon for the spinach filling can also minimize excess liquid. If you find that your lasagna is too dry, consider adding extra sauce on the top before baking to ensure moisture during cooking.

Another common issue is uneven melting of cheese. To avoid this, let your cheese come to room temperature before layering; cold cheese can cause the lasagna to bake unevenly. Furthermore, when removing the foil during the last baking phase, keep an eye on the cheese to avoid burning. If it starts to brown too quickly, simply cover it loosely again with foil until the baking time is complete.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles, but you may need to adjust the amount of sauce to ensure they soften properly while baking.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Lasagna freezes well. Just make sure it's tightly wrapped and stored in an airtight container.

→ What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you want a healthier option, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta. Just blend it to make it smoother.

→ How long should I bake the lasagna if it’s frozen?

If baking from frozen, increase the cooking time to about 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering with foil for the first half, and then uncovering to allow the cheese to brown.