Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Soak 2 cups of dried butter beans overnight, then simmer for approximately 45 minutes until tender. This adds preparation time but reduces sodium and enhances flavor.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, allow additional 20-25 minutes of cooking time when you bake it. For best quality, consume within 3 months.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Replace dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives like cashew ricotta and nutritional yeast. Many store-bought vegan mozzarella options melt beautifully for the perfect top layer.

Can I prepare this in advance for a dinner party?

Definitely! Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Allow an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

What makes butter beans different from other beans in this recipe?

Butter beans offer a naturally creamy texture and mild flavor that mimics the mouthfeel of traditional béchamel sauce in lasagna, creating a luxurious experience without the heavy dairy components.

Butter Bean Lasagna: 7 Irresistible Reasons To Make It Now

Name: Butter Bean Lasagna: 7 Irresistible Reasons To Make It Now
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern Italian Fusion
Ingredients: 3 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed; 1 large onion, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; ¼ cup vegetable broth; 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 bay leaves; 12 lasagna noodles (regular or whole wheat); 16 oz ricotta cheese (or dairy-free alternative); 2 cups shredded mozzarella (or plant-based cheese); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil for garnish

Butter Bean Lasagna: 7 Irresistible Reasons To Make It Now

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This Butter Bean Lasagna is a Southern-inspired twist on the Italian classic. It layers creamy butter beans, zesty marinara, and rich cheeses for a vegetarian-friendly, protein-packed comfort dish.

Author: Myra L. Dennis
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern Italian Fusion
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

3 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed

1 large onion, finely diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup vegetable broth

2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes

3 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

2 bay leaves

12 lasagna noodles (regular or whole wheat)

16 oz ricotta cheese (or dairy-free alternative)

2 cups shredded mozzarella (or plant-based cheese)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your workspace.

2. In a skillet, sauté onions in olive oil until soft. Add garlic, then butter beans, paprika, thyme, and broth. Mash slightly and season.

3. In a saucepan, simmer crushed tomatoes, paste, vinegar, oregano, basil, pepper flakes, and bay leaves for 15 minutes. Remove bay leaves.

4. Boil lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain and lay flat.

5. Layer sauce, noodles, bean mix, ricotta, and mozzarella in a 9×13 dish. Repeat layers and finish with cheese.

6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 15-20 more minutes until golden and bubbly.

7. Rest 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

For extra flavor, add chopped spinach or kale to the bean mixture.

Use whole grain noodles for added fiber.

Substitute ricotta with pureed cottage cheese to reduce fat.

To make it vegan, use plant-based cheese and cashew ricotta.

Great for meal prep—freezes well before or after baking.

Find it online: https://www.snazzyfood.com/butter-bean-lasagna-7-irresistible-reasons/