15 Creative, Alternative Lasagna Recipes with Layers of Flavor (2024)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Buy It: Instant Pot Duo ($130, Williams Sonoma)

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Buy It: Barilla Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles ($3, Target)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Buy It: Pyrex 3-Quart Dish with Cover ($16, Bed Bath & Beyond)