Description
This Rustic Italian Vegetable Bake is a warm, bubbling dish filled with roasted vegetables, herbs, and cheese, perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner. It’s versatile and can be made with whatever seasonal veggies you have on hand.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1 medium eggplant, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for serving)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and slice your zucchini and eggplant. Chop the bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Toss in the diced eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- In your greased baking dish, start with a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, add half of the sautéed vegetable mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat with another layer of sauce, vegetables, and cheese.
- Finish with a final layer of marinara sauce and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Once out of the oven, let the bake rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use fresh, seasonal produce for the best flavor. Consider adding proteins like cooked chicken or beans for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 14
Keywords: vegetable bake, Italian recipe, cozy lunch, comfort food