Vegetarian Mushroom Lasagna Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, cozy meal that’s packed with flavor and totally veggie-friendly, you’ll flip for this Vegetarian Mushroom Lasagna Recipe. I’ve made plenty of lasagnas in my kitchen, but this one stands out for its hearty roasted mushrooms and fresh spinach layered under a luscious ricotta filling. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with family and friends — and maybe sneak seconds when nobody’s looking!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Roasting the Vegetables: It brings out intense, caramelized flavors that make the mushrooms and peppers so much more savory and satisfying.
  • Fresh Ricotta with Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, creamy tang that cuts through the richness, balancing every bite perfectly.
  • Combining Spinach & Mushrooms: This duo brings great texture and a fresh, earthy flavor that makes this lasagna feel hearty but not heavy.
  • Layering with Homemade Marinara: Using a quality marinara keeps things classic and familiar, while ensuring every layer is moist and flavorful.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Vegetarian Mushroom Lasagna Recipe is in how simple ingredients come together to create something rich and vibrant. Each item plays its part, from the veggies that roast to caramelized perfection, to the cheeses that melt into creamy, bubbly goodness. When shopping, aim for fresh mushrooms and spinach, and a marinara sauce you love — or make your own if you have time, it makes a world of difference.

Vegetarian Mushroom Lasagna, vegetarian lasagna recipe, mushroom lasagna, veggie lasagna, easy vegetable lasagna - Flat lay of extra-virgin olive oil in a small white bowl, quartered fresh cremini mushrooms, a red bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces, medium zucchini cut into half-inch pieces, half a yellow onion cut into half-inch pieces, a few pinches of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper in small white bowls, uncooked whole lasagna noodles, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red marinara sauce, fresh green spinach leaves, grated low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese mounded on a simple white ceramic plate, grated pecorino cheese in a small white bowl, a white ceramic bowl with whole milk ricotta cheese, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, fresh lemon zest scattered lightly on the side, fresh basil leaves arranged neatly on a white plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: Use a good quality one for roasting to deepen the flavor of your veggies.
  • Cremini mushrooms: These have a fleshy texture and earthiness, perfect for roasting and layering.
  • Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color; roasting intensifies its natural sugars.
  • Zucchini: Gives a tender bite and lightness, balancing denser ingredients.
  • Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth once roasted alongside the veggies.
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season to enhance flavors; I like to season veggies both before roasting and the ricotta for depth.
  • Lasagna noodles: I prefer regular noodles boiled al dente—they hold up well and avoid mushiness.
  • Marinara sauce: A solid, good-tasting marinara is key—it ties the whole dish together in that classic way.
  • Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and fresh, subtle bitterness that pairs beautifully with mushrooms.
  • Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully without getting watery.
  • Pecorino cheese: Offers a sharp, salty punch to balance the creamy ricotta and mozzarella.
  • Ricotta cheese: I always choose whole milk ricotta for that rich, creamy texture in the filling.
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic grated into the ricotta makes all the difference for aromatic depth.
  • Lemon zest: Adds a bright, unexpected zing that keeps the ricotta light and lively.
  • Fresh basil or parsley: I love the fresh herbal finish that wakes up every slice.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Vegetarian Mushroom Lasagna Recipe is its flexibility—you can easily make it your own! I’ve enjoyed swapping in different veggies and cheeses based on what’s in season or what I have on hand, and it always turns out delicious.

  • Variation: I once added sliced eggplant and thinly sliced carrots to the roasted veggies for extra sweetness and texture; it was a big hit with my friends.
  • Vegan version: Swap the ricotta for a vegan ricotta (cashew-based works great) and skip the cheese on top; using no-boil noodles and covering the dish while baking keeps it moist.
  • Low-carb tweak: Try thinly sliced zucchini instead of noodles for a lighter take; just layer and bake the same way.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegetarian Mushroom Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

First up, I preheat my oven to 425°F and spread the quartered mushrooms, chopped red pepper, zucchini, and onion onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. I drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and plenty of fresh black pepper, and toss everything around so each piece gets coated evenly. Spreading them out in a single layer is key to roasting instead of steaming. After about 20 to 25 minutes, these veggies come out tender and nicely browned—that caramelization is pure magic for your lasagna’s flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

While the veggies roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles until just al dente. I find that regular noodles work best for this recipe—they’re tender yet firm enough to hold all those layers in place. Once drained, I toss them with a tiny bit of olive oil so they don’t stick together while I prepare the ricotta filling.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling

Next, grab a big bowl and stir together whole milk ricotta cheese with freshly grated garlic, bright lemon zest, sea salt, and plenty of fresh black pepper. This mixture is where the tang and creaminess of the lasagna really come alive. Don’t skip the lemon zest—honestly, it’s my little secret that brightens the whole dish!

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Layers

I oil my 9×13-inch baking dish, then start spreading a cup of marinara sauce on the bottom to keep things saucy and delicious. Next comes a layer of noodles, followed by half the ricotta filling spread evenly. On top of that, I add half the spinach leaves (fresh is best here), then layer half of the roasted vegetables. I dollop about two-thirds cup of the marinara sauce over the veggies to keep each bite juicy and flavorful. Repeat the layers once more: noodles, remaining ricotta, spinach, roasted veggies, and sauce. Finally, top with the last layer of noodles and spread the remaining marinara sauce all over. I sprinkle the dish with mozzarella and pecorino cheeses before popping it in the oven.

Step 5: Baking and Resting

Bake the lasagna at 400°F for 30 minutes, or until the cheese melts into bubbly, golden perfection. Then, resist the temptation to dig in right away—I always let it stand for about 20 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set so every piece holds together beautifully when you serve.

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Pro Tips for Making Vegetarian Mushroom Lasagna Recipe

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Veggies: Giving your mushrooms and peppers space on the pan means better caramelization and deeper flavor.
  • Lemon Zest in Ricotta: This little addition brightens the richness and makes the filling truly memorable.
  • Use Fresh Spinach: It wilts perfectly in the oven and adds a lovely, fresh texture that canned or frozen spinach can’t match.
  • Rest Before Slicing: Waiting 20 minutes after baking lets the lasagna firm up and makes slicing neat and mess-free.

How to Serve Vegetarian Mushroom Lasagna Recipe

Vegetarian Mushroom Lasagna, vegetarian lasagna recipe, mushroom lasagna, veggie lasagna, easy vegetable lasagna - A white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked lasagna showing multiple layers: at the bottom, a red tomato sauce with herbs, followed by a layer of pasta sheets, topped with melted golden cheese that is slightly browned in spots. Bright green basil leaves are scattered on top, along with small green herb pieces sprinkled evenly across the cheese. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with extra fresh basil leaves nearby, and a striped white and gray cloth partially visible to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my lasagna with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley — it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I’ll even add a drizzle of quality olive oil at the table for a little extra shine and flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve your vegetarian mushroom lasagna alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or garlic roasted broccoli for some extra veggies. I like pairing this with a warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try making individual lasagna portions in ramekins or small baking dishes. It looks charming and helps with portion control. Another fun idea: layer everything in a glass dish so the colorful layers are visible—great for impressing guests with minimal extra effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually lasts up to 3-4 days. When reheating, I prefer using the oven or toaster oven, covered with foil, to preserve that wonderful baked texture without drying it out.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes beautifully. I freeze it before baking, tightly wrapped with foil and plastic wrap, which helps it keep its shape and flavor. When ready, just bake it a bit longer, covered at first, then uncover toward the end for that bubbly, golden top.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven goodness, I reheat slices in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to avoid drying. About 20-25 minutes does the trick for warming it through without losing the creamy texture or melting the cheese too much.

FAQs

  1. Can I use no-boil noodles for this Vegetarian Mushroom Lasagna Recipe?

    Yes, you can! But because no-boil noodles are often shorter and need more moisture, expect to adjust the amount used and bake covered for 40 to 50 minutes to ensure tenderness. Finish uncovered to brown the cheese. I personally prefer regular boiled noodles for the best texture, but no-boil works if you tweak the baking approach.

  2. Can I make this lasagna vegan?

    Absolutely! Replace the ricotta filling with a vegan ricotta alternative—cashew or tofu-based versions are great. Skip the mozzarella and pecorino cheese on top, or use a plant-based cheese substitute. Bake it covered to keep the moisture in and warm through thoroughly. The layers of roasted veggies and marinara keep it flavorful and satisfying.

  3. Do I need to drain the vegetables after roasting?

    Roasted vegetables in this recipe won’t release a lot of water because they are roasted on high heat, which dries them out and caramelizes their natural sugars. You don’t need to drain them, but make sure they’re spread out on the pan so they roast rather than steam.

  4. Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

    Yes! You can assemble the entire lasagna a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking. This is a lifesaver when entertaining and helps flavors meld wonderfully overnight.

Final Thoughts

This Vegetarian Mushroom Lasagna Recipe is one of those dishes I return to when I want a meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s rich, layered with fresh veggies, creamy cheese, and fragrant herbs, yet surprisingly approachable to make. Trust me, once you try roasting the mushrooms and adding that lemony ricotta zing, this will become your favorite go-to for dinner parties, family meals, or any time you crave something truly satisfying and wholesome. Give it a go—I think you’ll love it as much as I do!

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Vegetarian Mushroom Lasagna Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 43 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Best Vegetarian Lasagna features roasted vegetables, a creamy ricotta filling, and layers of marinara and cheeses baked to perfection. It’s a hearty, flavorful Italian-inspired main course perfect for family dinners or special occasions.


Ingredients

Vegetables and Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, stemmed and quartered
  • 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium zucchini, cut into ½-inch pieces
  • ½ medium yellow onion, cut into ½-inch pieces
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (24 ounces)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 3 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (24 ounces)

Cheeses

  • 2 cups grated low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated pecorino cheese

Ricotta Filling

  • 3 garlic cloves, grated
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Other

  • 15 lasagna noodles
  • Fresh basil leaves or chopped fresh parsley, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Oil a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the mushrooms, red bell pepper, zucchini, and onion on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, and toss to coat. Spread the vegetables evenly on the baking sheet.
  2. Roast Vegetables: Roast the vegetables in the oven for 25 minutes, or until tender and browned around the edges. Once done, reduce the oven temperature to 400°F.
  3. Cook Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Make Ricotta Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with grated garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well blended.
  5. Assemble Lasagna – First Layer: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then distribute half of the fresh spinach. Add half of the roasted vegetables on top and dot with ⅔ cup of the remaining marinara sauce.
  6. Assemble Lasagna – Second Layer: Repeat the layering with another layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta filling, the rest of the spinach, roasted vegetables, and ⅔ cup more marinara sauce. Top with the final layer of noodles.
  7. Top and Bake: Spread the remaining ⅔ cup marinara sauce over the top layer of noodles. Evenly sprinkle mozzarella and pecorino cheeses on top. Bake in the oven at 400°F for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is browned and bubbling.
  8. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna stand for 20 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with fresh basil or chopped parsley. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

  • For best texture, use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil noodles.
  • If using no-boil noodles, use approximately ¾ of a 1-pound box and adjust baking by covering the lasagna and baking for 40 to 50 minutes until noodles are tender, then uncover and bake until cheese is browned and bubbly.
  • For a vegan alternative, substitute the ricotta with vegan ricotta and omit the cheeses on top. Bake covered until pasta is tender and heated through, about 30 to 50 minutes at 400°F.
  • Drizzling cooked noodles with olive oil helps prevent them from sticking together during assembly.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

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