Name: Easy Ratatouille Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 onion (chopped); 2 garlic cloves (pressed); 14 oz can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce; 1/2 tsp sugar; 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp basil; 1/4 tsp thyme; 1/2 tsp oregano; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 3 tbsp olive oil (divided); 3 roma tomatoes (sliced); 1 large zucchini (sliced); 1 small eggplant (sliced); 1 onion (cut into thin rings)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for an Easy Ratatouille Recipe that’s as impressive as it is inviting, you’ve just found your new weeknight staple! This vibrant Provençal classic transforms humble summer vegetables into a stunning, flavorful medley—no fancy equipment or culinary wizardry needed. The beauty of this dish isn’t just in its colorful layers, but also in the way every bite feels like a warm hug straight from the sun-drenched markets of southern France. Bursting with fresh tomatoes, creamy eggplant, mellow zucchini, and sparkled with fragrant herbs, this recipe is perfect for both cozy family dinners and dinner parties that wow. Trust me, you’ll come back to this Easy Ratatouille Recipe again and again—there’s simply nothing quite like it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients can create such an elegant, flavor-packed dish! Each one brings its own color and character to the Easy Ratatouille Recipe, balancing taste, texture, and aroma in every forkful.

Roma Tomatoes (3, sliced): Their firm texture and rich flavor make the perfect base for those classic ratatouille ribbons.
Large Zucchini (1, sliced): Adds a gentle sweetness and gorgeous green color to every bite.
Small Eggplant (1, sliced): This star veggie turns creamy and luscious as it bakes.
Onion (1, cut into thin rings): The secret to a fragrant, slightly sweet undertone running through the layers.
Crushed Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce (14 oz can): Forms the saucy, savory bed that ties everything together.
Chopped Onion (1, for the sauce): For added depth and richness right from the very first step.
Garlic Cloves (2, pressed): An aromatic boost—ratatouille just isn’t the same without it.
Sugar (1/2 tsp): Balances the acidity and brings out the natural sweetness in the tomatoes.
Balsamic Vinegar (1/2 tsp): Adds brightness and a touch of sophistication to the sauce.
Salt (1/2 tsp, plus more to taste): Essential for drawing out every vegetable’s best flavor.
Dried Basil (1/2 tsp): Brings a classic Mediterranean note that sings in this recipe.
Dried Thyme (1/4 tsp): Adds subtle earthiness that deepens the complexity of the sauce.
Dried Oregano (1/2 tsp): Another herb that makes the Easy Ratatouille Recipe truly sing with summer flavor.
Black Pepper (1/4 tsp, plus more to finish): For a hint of warmth and zip.
Olive Oil (3 tbsp, divided): The golden touch that adds richness, helps veggies caramelize, and ties the whole dish together.

How to Make Easy Ratatouille Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

First things first, set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This gives you plenty of time to prep everything else while it comes to temperature. Grab a 2-3 quart baking dish—round or square both work beautifully—and set it aside so it’s ready for layering magic.

Step 2: Make the Savory Tomato Sauce

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and pressed garlic for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until translucent and fragrant. Stir in your can of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, sprinkle in the sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, basil, thyme, oregano, and black pepper. Let this simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and all those flavors get cozy together.

Step 3: Slice Your Vegetables Evenly

Sharp knives or a mandoline make this quick and easy: Slice the roma tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and onion all into 1/8 inch thick rounds. Uniform slices mean everything cooks evenly, and your finished ratatouille will look just as stunning as it tastes.

Step 4: Layer and Arrange for Maximum Beauty

Pour all of that gorgeous sauce into your prepared baking dish. Here comes the fun part: Alternately arrange the sliced tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and onion (standing upright, slightly overlapping) in lovely rows or a spiral pattern. This step is where the Easy Ratatouille Recipe earns its wow factor—make it as rustic or precise as you like!

Step 5: Bake Until Tender and Colorful

Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil right over the vegetables and cover the dish with a lid or foil. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the vegetables to steam and soak up the sauce. Uncover and return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes until the veggies are meltingly tender and the colors have deepened. Don’t forget a final sprinkle of salt and pepper!

Step 6: The Finishing Touch (Optional but Wonderful!)

Right before serving, drizzle a little more olive oil on top, then shower with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. It’s a simple step that makes the whole dish shine.

How to Serve Easy Ratatouille Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish adds both flavor and that final restaurant-quality look. Try a scattering of chopped fresh parsley or basil for garden-fresh brightness. If you’re in the mood for a little indulgence, grated Parmesan or creamy feta offers a salty, melty finish that complements the veggies.

Side Dishes

This Easy Ratatouille Recipe is plenty satisfying on its own, but it also loves good company. Pair it with a rustic loaf of crusty French bread to mop up every bit of that sauce, or serve it alongside fluffy rice, quinoa, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. For a more hearty meal, let it cozy up to a piece of grilled chicken or fish.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to show off your ratatouille? Try serving individual portions in mini casserole dishes or ramekins for a dinner party showstopper. For casual gatherings, spoon the ratatouille onto thick slices of toasted sourdough for a fun, French-style bruschetta. Or serve it as a colorful centerpiece with plenty of spoons for communal sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Ratatouille Recipe might be even tastier the next day—it truly benefits from a little time for the flavors to mingle. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days and enjoy cold, at room temp, or gently reheated.

Freezing

This dish freezes remarkably well! Let the ratatouille cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers or strong zip-top bags. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to three months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer your Easy Ratatouille Recipe to a covered baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven until hot, or zap individual servings in the microwave. Add a splash of tomato sauce or a drizzle of olive oil to keep things moist and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! The original Easy Ratatouille Recipe is naturally vegan except for the optional cheese garnish, so simply skip the Parmesan (or use a dairy-free alternative) to keep the whole meal plant-based.

Which vegetables can I substitute or add?

This recipe welcomes all sorts of veggies—try adding yellow squash or red bell pepper for extra color and sweetness. Just slice them to the same thickness so everything cooks evenly.

Does eggplant need to be salted beforehand?

With smaller or thinner-skinned eggplants, salting isn’t necessary for this Easy Ratatouille Recipe, but if you’re worried about bitterness, feel free to sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes before rinsing and patting dry.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the tomato sauce a day or two ahead—just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake. It’s a wonderful way to save time for busy days or meal prep.

What’s the best way to get those picture-perfect veggie layers?

For neat, uniform slices, a mandoline slicer is your best friend, but a sharp knife and a steady hand work well, too. Spend a little extra time arranging the veggies and don’t worry about perfection—the rustic look is part of this dish’s charm!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this Easy Ratatouille Recipe soon! It’s the kind of dish that wins hearts with its colors, aromas, and the cozy satisfaction of simple ingredients coming together beautifully. Whether you’re making it as a comforting weeknight dinner or as a centerpiece for friends, this is one recipe you’ll want to tuck into your treasured favorites.

Easy Ratatouille Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This easy ratatouille recipe is a classic French vegetable dish that is bursting with flavor. Layers of thinly sliced tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and onion are baked in a savory tomato sauce until tender and delicious. A perfect way to enjoy summer produce!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Cook onion and garlic in 2 tbsp olive oil for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add tomatoes, salt, sugar and seasonings and simmer for 12-15 minutes, until thickened.
Cut vegetables into 1/8 inch thickness.
Pour sauce into a 2-3 quart baking dish (either round or square).
Arrange sliced vegetables alternating tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant and onion standing up on their sides. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover and bake for additional 15-20 minutes, until tender.
Add salt and pepper on top. Drizzle with olive oil. Add grated Parmesan cheese and parsley (optional).
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
This ratatouille can be served as a side dish or as a main course with crusty bread.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French