Who says lasagna has to be made with meat? Black Bean Lasagna offers a flavorful and healthy alternative to the traditional dish, replacing meat with black beans for a protein-packed, satisfying meal that everyone will love. With layers of rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and hearty black beans, this dish is just as comforting as the original—but with a twist!
This lasagna is a fantastic way to get more plant-based ingredients into your meals without sacrificing taste. The black beans add not only protein but also fiber, making the lasagna both filling and nutritious. Combined with vegetables like spinach, onions, and bell peppers, you’ve got a well-rounded dish full of flavor and texture.
To make the perfect Black Bean Lasagna, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers to create a flavorful base. Add cooked black beans and a jar of tomato sauce, then season with cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it a bit of heat. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with spinach and egg to create the creamy layer that will complement the beans and sauce perfectly.
Layer the noodles, black bean mixture, and ricotta mixture, repeating until all ingredients are used up. Finish with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The Black Bean Lasagna is a versatile dish—you can customize it by adding different vegetables, spices, or even swapping in whole wheat lasagna noodles for added fiber. It’s perfect for vegetarians, meatless Mondays, or anyone simply looking to try something new while still enjoying all the comfort of classic lasagna.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread, making it a complete, satisfying meal that’s sure to please a crowd.
Enjoy a healthy twist on a classic with this scrumptious Black Bean Lasagna, featuring creamy ricotta, hearty black beans, tangy tomato sauce, and a gooey mozzarella topping that’ll satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 15 ounces black beans rinsed and drained
- 9 lasagna lasagna noodles cooked
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 piece onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
- Add black beans, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the bean mixture over the noodles, then half of the ricotta cheese, followed by 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers: 3 noodles, remaining bean mixture, remaining ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Top the final layer with the last 3 noodles and the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and any remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
I put extra garlic in mine and it was the best choce ever! 10/10! 😍
Had high hopes but it turned out pretty bland. I think it needs more spices or maybe some meat.
This recipe is a game changer! I’ve always loved lasagna, but this black bean twist is amazing. I added some spicy jalapeños for a kick, it was perfect!
I made this for my potluck and everyone loved it! The cheese pull was epic. Don’t forget the garlic, it makes a huge difference. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lasagna with black beans? Sounds a bit weird to me…
I think it sounds delicious! Black beans are super healthy, and they add a nice twist to traditional lasagna. Can’t wait to try it!
Is ricotta cheese really necessary? I don’t like it and I don’t know if it will work without it.
Solid recipe! I added a little extra garlic and some crushed red pepper because I like heat. Cook time seemed about right, but my cheese took closer to 20 mins to get properly bubbly.
My kids liked it! I was surprised, not going to lie. Next time I’ll add more cheese though. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yum! Quick and delish! Also, less dishes to wash since it’s all in one pan. 😋
Lasagna should have meat, it’s a crime not to! Disappointed.
Lasanga?? I thought lasagna is made of beef! Anyway, it’s alright, would not put beans in it again.
Beef is classic for sure, but beans can be good too. I just don’t think it’s the same. 🤷♂️
I love black bean lasagna! It’s a twist and so healthy! Don’t knock it till you try it!
Good for an alternative, but not a fan of the texture. I think we need beef to balance it out.
I’m not sure about this recipe. Black beans in lasagna? Seems kinda weird. Anyone else feel that way? ⭐⭐⭐
Easy recipe but not my favorite. I love black beans, but they just don’t belong in lasagna.
Easy to make and delicious! My whole family loved it. I even left out the ricotta and it turned out great. Definitely making this again!
I’m so glad to hear that! Leaving out the ricotta and still getting a great result is impressive. Maybe I’ll try that too next time.
Really? No ricotta? I thought that was kinda essential for lasagna. Guess I’ll have to try it without then.
This was a huge hit at our family dinner! So cheesy and flavorful. I added some spinach too.
Cheesy? More like a heart attack on a plate! Black beans in lasagna? That’s just wrong. 🤨
So glad to hear that! The spinach sounds like a delicious twist. 😊
This is the best lasagna I have ever made! I cannot believe it’s vegetarian!
Delicious! I added some chili flakes for extra spice. Yum!
Chili flakes sound great! I might try that next time. 😊
Black beans are a healthy choice, but it felt like I was eating chili in lasagna form. Not what I expected! 🤔
I can see how the flavors might be surprising! Maybe try adding some extra spices next time? 🤷♀️
Made it for my kids and they loved it! Easy to make and healthy. Will definitely repeat.
That’s awesome! I love hearing when kids enjoy healthy meals. I’ll be trying this soon!
I followed it exactly and it was honestly delicious. The oregano/basil combo is spot on. My whole family asked for seconds (and one person hates beans).
This is the best lasagna I’ve ever made! Can’t believe it’s made with beans! 5 stars!
This lasagna is amazing! So much flavor and really filling. My whole family loved it!
I’m so glad your family enjoyed it! Lasagna is always a hit. I’ll have to try adding black beans next time!
yum!!! I love how easy this recipe is! Perfect for busy weeknights. <3
Wow, this is healthy! My kids love lasagna and they didn’t even notice the beans! 10/10!
Piece of cake to make! Just wish it didn’t take an hour to bake. Maybe I’ll try cooking the noodles next time in the microwave. ⭐⭐⭐
I think an hour is worth it for a delicious lasagna! But hey, everyone has their own ways of cooking, right? Good luck! 😄
I don’t know about microwaving the noodles. Isn’t it better just to follow the recipe? It’s easy enough if you just stick to it. 🥴
This recipe is okay but I miss the meat! Can’t imagine lasagna without beef or sausage.
I totally get you! Lasagna without meat feels incomplete. Have you tried adding some ground turkey or something? Might help! 🤔
Not sure about the oregano + basil vibe. It tastes kinda like pasta sauce, but I wanted more of a smoky bean flavor. Would add cumin next time.
Beans in lasagna is just wrong! I’ll stick to meat, thank you.
Tried this last night—way more comforting than I expected. The bean layer adds so much flavor. I used a slightly spicy marinara and it was 🔥.
This lasagna was amazing! I didn’t even miss the meat. Will definitely make it again!
Really? Black beans instead of meat? I’m not sure about that. Sounds weird to me. 🤔
I’m so glad you loved it! I felt the same way; didn’t think I’d enjoy a meatless lasagna. It was a hit with my whole family!
Super simple! I love that it’s vegetarian. Healthy and delicious. 👍
Looks good on paper, but I found it too cheesy. Like it overpowered the bean flavor for me. Next time I’ll use a little less mozzarella and maybe more parmesan.
Interesting, I actually liked it extra cheesy 😅 but yeah, if you want more bean flavor, maybe use less mozzarella *and* add a pinch more salt to the bean mix. I’ve also tried mixing a little parmesan into the ricotta and it helps.
Totally get that—mozzarella is loud. Cutting it back and bumping parm makes sense. Next time I’d also try a thinner cheese layer between noodles so the beans can actually shine.
I was skeptical at first, but this combination is actually quite good. Never thought of beans in lasagna!
I totally agree! Beans in lasagna sounds wild but it really works. A great twist on a classic! Can’t wait to try this myself.
Baking at 375°F seems fine, but I think the dish should be covered longer. Mine was bubbling fast—like 20 minutes into the first bake it was already getting brown.
So glad I found this recipe. My partner is vegan and this was perfect!
Black beans? In lasagna?? Sounds weird but I guess it’s healthy. Gonna give it a shot.
Not sure about 15 oz black beans—felt like a lot/too little? I ended up with extra bean mixture. Also I didn’t chop onion super fine and it was noticeable, but taste was good.
Yummm!!! 5 stars for sure! I added some jalapenos for a kick. Totally recreate this at home!
This was not for me. The flavors just didn’t blend right. Maybe too many strong spices? I dunno… just meh.
This is actually awesome for meal prep. It reheats well and the flavors meld more the next day. I portioned it into containers—gone by day 2 😅
This was amazing! I never thought black beans could taste so good in lasagna. A definite hit for my family! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This isn’t lasagna, it’s a black bean casserole! 😂 Not that good. Only giving it 2 stars because it filled me up. ⭐⭐
I thought the same thing at first! But it kinda grew on me. Maybe it’s not traditional lasagna, but it’s healthy! 🌱
Looks ok I guess. But I prefer my lasagna with meat! This is just beans… kinda weird. 😕
Great recipe! I didn’t have mozzarella, used cheddar instead. Still delicious!
I tried making this, but mine turned out too dry. Maybe I overcooked the noodles?
How do you cook 375 marinara? Is that even possible? LOL. Just kidding, I’ll stick to the recipe.
Confusing recipe, I didn’t realize I needed to cook the noodles first. Threw off my timing.
I totally get it! The cooking part should be clearer. Maybe a step-by-step for dummies would help? Lol.
Not a fan of the ricotta, I’d go with cottage cheese instead.
Nah, ricotta is way better. Cottage cheese is too lumpy for a lasagna. Stick with the recipe! 😒
Cottage cheese? That’s different! I kinda like the creaminess of ricotta, but to each their own. 🤷♀️
Looks good but I’m skeptical. Lasagna without meat feels like it’s missing something. If it tastes “right,” then okay I guess.
Honestly, I get the meat skepticism, but the marinara + black beans + cheese layers do a lot. It’s pretty filling if you let it rest those 10 minutes.
This looks amazing! I can’t wait to try it out this weekend.
Thanks! I love black beans too. This will be perfect for a cozy dinner.
Made this tonight and it actually slaps. The ricotta + marinara combo is so comforting, and the black beans give it great texture. I let it sit the full 10 minutes—huge difference for slicing.
How long do you bake it if I add more layers??
Delicious!!! Definitely making this again. Perfect for my vegetarian friends. 🥗 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yummy!!! I added some chili flakes for a kick. Definitely making this again!
Chili flakes sound awesome! I might try that next time. Glad you liked it!
Umm, how can you call that lasagna? No meat? 😂 I’m not sure about this one.
I used canned black beans and didn’t rinse enough (lazy). It still turned out okay, but the flavor was a bit “can-y.” Rinsing matters!
Meh… I thought it would taste better, but it was kinda bland. Maybe add more spices or something?
Not a fan… too many beans and not enough flavor. I expected more from the cheese.
I totally get you! I also thought it needed more spice. Maybe try adding some crushed red pepper next time!
I tried making it but forgot the mozzarella 😭. Tasted ok but I need a redo.
Pretty solid! I followed it mostly, but I think 30+15 minutes is long if your dish is deep. Mine got a little too dried at the edges—still tasty though.
This looks so complicated. Why do you need to layer it? Can’t I just mix everything and bake?
My whole family ate it and asked for seconds. I love that it’s not meat-based but still feels like a full lasagna. Definitely saving this.
Yes!! I’m always skeptical of meatless lasagna, but black beans are such a solid move. Saving this too—glad it got seconds at your house.
I don’t know about this. Black beans in lasagna? Sounds weird to me. Lasagna should be classic, with meat and cheese, not beans!
I didn’t have ricotta, so I used cottage cheese. Still turned out fine!
I dunno about this one. Beans in lasagna? Sounds weird. I might stick to meat next time.
Pretty good, but mine was a bit watery. I think my marinara was runnier than expected. Draining the beans well helped, but I’d reduce sauce slightly or simmer it down next time.
I followed the recipe but forgot to cover with foil. The top burnt a little but it still tasted good. Just a tip for others!
I made this for my vegetarian friends and they were thrilled! Super easy to make, and I love how colorful it is 🍅💚
I don’t trust these ingredients. Black beans in lasagna? Sounds weird. Not sure I’ll try it.
Iwas skeptical too, but you should really try it! The black beans add a nice texture and flavor. 😊
I love black beans, so this was a no-brainer. So good!
Easy and delicious! My kids loved it too. I used a different cheese because I didn’t have ricotta, but still turned out great!
I was skeptical about ricotta with black beans, but wow. It tastes like a legit lasagna, not “healthy substitute.” Will make again. Next time I might use fresh herbs too.
Okay I’m sold 😄 I tried a “healthy” bean ricotta thing once and it was… not it. This sounds legit though—fresh herbs next time is genius.
Yummm! Can’t believe how good this was! I’m making this for my friends next weekend. 😍
That sounds delicious! Your friends will love it! 😄
Honestly, black beans in lasagna? I dunno, sounds kind of weird. But if you like it, go for it.
The ingredient list is confusing to me: it says 9 lasagna noodles cooked, but then you layer 3 noodles twice—so that’s only 6. Did I miss something?
Yummy! I can’t believe it’s vegetarian! But where’s the meat??
Kinda bland for my taste. Added hot sauce next time.
Bland?! No way, the cheese gotta have flavor! You just need to season more. 😅
I tried it without hot sauce too, and I thought it was super tasty! Maybe you’re just not into black beans? 🤷♂️
I didn’t have parmesan cheese, so I used cheddar instead. Was that a mistake? It still tasted okay but I think it missed something.
I messed it up pretty bad 😞. My noodles broke and it turned into a soup. But it still tasted good.
“black bean lasagna” sounds weird but… it worked??
I felt the same way 😅 but the beans make it so hearty. The marinara + ricotta combo really helps it taste “real” instead of weird.
Black bean lasagna is kinda genius tho. I swap in taco seasoning once and it hits. Might be missing something without the onion/garlic in the bean mix.
Noodles came out perfect, not chewy. I used no-boil lasagna noodles though, so my bake time needed adjusting. Still, the overall structure is great.
It was fine but not what I expected. More like a casserole.
The instructions are clear, and the layering is easy to follow. I did add sautéed mushrooms because… why not. Flavor was balanced—would rate higher if it wasn’t slightly bland before seasoning at the table.
I’m not usually a ricotta person, but the combo with black beans works. Next time I’ll add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to make it even heartier.
Too much cheese for my taste, but my kids loved it. They’ll eat anything with cheese. Lol.