Vegetarian Roasted Mushroom Lasagna Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, soul-satisfying dinner that’s both hearty and packed with flavor, this Vegetarian Roasted Mushroom Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new go-to. I’ve made this dish countless times when friends come over, and the roasted veggies plus creamy ricotta blend just melt into every bite — seriously fan-freaking-tastic. Stick around because I’m sharing all my tips to help you nail it from start to finish.
Why This Recipe Works
- Roasting Brings Deep Flavor: Roasting the mushrooms, peppers, and zucchini caramelizes their natural sugars, making the veggies super savory and a perfect lasagna filler.
- Creamy Ricotta with a Zesty Kick: Adding lemon zest and garlic to the ricotta brightens up the creamy layer so it never tastes bland or dull.
- Classic Lasagna Noodles: Cooking regular lasagna noodles al dente ensures a tender yet sturdy texture that holds up well when baked.
- Balanced Cheese Blend: Using both mozzarella for melt and pecorino for sharpness creates that irresistible golden crust and amazing flavor depth.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This lasagna brings together fresh vegetables, creamy cheeses, and bright herbs — each ingredient plays its part to build layers of flavor and texture. When you shop, prioritize fresh veggies and good-quality cheese, because they really make the difference here.

- Extra-virgin olive oil: Essential for roasting veggies and adding richness throughout the dish; go for a fruity, fresh oil if you can.
- Cremini mushrooms: Their meaty texture holds up beautifully when roasted, delivering umami that tastes almost like meat.
- Red bell pepper: Adds subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
- Zucchini: Brings moisture and mild flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Yellow onion: Roasts to mellow sweetness, balancing the savory mushrooms.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every flavor layer.
- Lasagna noodles: Regular noodles cook up tender and firm, perfect to build your layers.
- Marinara sauce: Use a good-quality or homemade sauce for rich tomato flavor.
- Fresh spinach: Adds freshness and a gentle earthiness that pairs well with roasted vegetables.
- Mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim): Melts beautifully and provides that classic stringy texture.
- Pecorino cheese: Adds a sharp, salty bite to balance the creamy and sweet layers.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese: The creamy heart of the ricotta filling; whole milk gives the best texture and flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Grated fresh garlic infuses the ricotta filling for a subtle savory punch.
- Lemon zest: Lifts and brightens the ricotta layer, making it taste fresher and lighter.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Adds a herby finish and pretty color garnish.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how versatile this Vegetarian Roasted Mushroom Lasagna Recipe is — feel free to make it your own! Sometimes I swap in whatever veggies I have on hand or use a different green, and it never disappoints. Don’t be afraid to personalize it to suit your cravings or dietary needs.
- Vegetable swaps: I’ve swapped bell peppers for roasted butternut squash in fall, which adds a lovely sweetness.
- Gluten-free noodles: If you need gluten-free, try corn or chickpea lasagna noodles, but keep an eye on bake times.
- Vegan version: I once used vegan ricotta and skipped cheese on top — it was surprisingly delicious! Use a cashew-based ricotta and tomato sauce without cheese.
- Extra spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara for a gentle kick that livens up the whole dish.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegetarian Roasted Mushroom Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Roast Those Veggies to Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper — makes cleanup way easier. Toss the quartered mushrooms, chopped red bell pepper, zucchini, and onion with a generous drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread everything in a single layer so they roast evenly. About 20-25 minutes later, you’ll have beautifully caramelized vegetables with crispy edges that add so much depth to the lasagna’s flavor. Then, lower the oven to 400°F for baking later on.
Step 2: Cook Your Noodles Just Right
While the veggies roast, boil a large pot of salted water and cook your lasagna noodles according to the package. The key is to get them al dente — cooked through but still with a little bite. Drain and toss with a light drizzle of olive oil so they don’t stick together; this little trick saves so much hassle when layering.
Step 3: Whip Up the Ricotta Filling
This filling is the creamy heart of your lasagna. Mix whole milk ricotta with freshly grated garlic cloves, zesty lemon zest, salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Stir until everything’s well combined — trust me, this little citrus zing keeps that ricotta light and never heavy.
Step 4: Layer Love — Start Assembling
Oil your 9×13 inch baking dish first, then spread a cup of marinara on the bottom. Lay down a layer of noodles, followed by half the ricotta mix. Distribute the ricotta evenly — I like to gently spread it with a spatula for good coverage. Next, layer half the fresh spinach, then half of the roasted veggies. Dot the veggies with about two-thirds of a cup of marinara to keep things saucy and flavorful. Repeat these layers once more and top with the last noodles.
Step 5: Cheese It Up and Bake
Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top layer of noodles. Then sprinkle the mozzarella and pecorino cheeses generously — this is where things get golden and bubbly in the oven. Bake uncovered at 400°F for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. Let it sit out for 20 minutes after baking — this is a trick I learned that helps the layers set so your lasagna slices beautifully instead of falling apart.
Pro Tips for Making Vegetarian Roasted Mushroom Lasagna Recipe
- Don’t Skip Roasting: Roasted veggies pack more flavor and reduce watery lasagna layers — trust me, the difference is night and day.
- Olive Oil on Noodles: Tossing noodles with oil after cooking prevents clumping — I always do this to save time untangling later.
- Rest Before Slicing: Letting the lasagna rest for 20 minutes makes slicing neater; rushing leads to a messy, sad plate.
- Lemon Zest in Ricotta: Adds brightness, making the ricotta layer feel fresh and balanced — my secret weapon!
How to Serve Vegetarian Roasted Mushroom Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes
I love finishing this lasagna with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley. The fresh herbs add vibrant color and a fresh, slightly peppery note that cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes, I also drizzle a little high-quality olive oil on top before serving — it’s a simple touch that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
Pairing this lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also works great to mop up any extra marinara sauce. When I make this for company, I often add roasted asparagus or a simple sautéed green bean dish on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes bake this lasagna in smaller, individual ramekins — it looks super elegant and makes portioning effortless. Another fun idea is adding edible flowers to the garnish for a dinner party wow factor. Plus, layering fresh herbs between each layer gives a more herbaceous aroma that really impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover lasagna tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To avoid drying out, I cover it in plastic wrap and then foil — double protection keeps it nice and moist. Each time I reheat, I notice the flavors even deepen, so it’s fantastic the next day.
Freezing
This Vegetarian Roasted Mushroom Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. After assembling but before baking, I wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake it straight from chilled — just add extra baking time until bubbly and hot throughout.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, I cover the dish with foil and warm at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes to avoid burning the cheese. If you like a crispier top, uncover during the last 5-7 minutes. I’ve found microwave reheating sometimes makes the noodles tough, so oven is always best.
FAQs
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Can I use no-boil noodles for this Vegetarian Roasted Mushroom Lasagna Recipe?
Yes, you can! However, no-boil noodles tend to be shorter and require baking covered for longer (about 40-50 minutes) to ensure they soften fully. Expect to use about ¾ of a 1-pound box since they overlap differently. Keep an eye on the sauce level so the noodles have enough moisture to cook through.
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How can I make this lasagna vegan?
Swap the ricotta for a vegan ricotta (such as cashew-based) and skip the mozzarella and pecorino on top. Bake covered at 400°F until the pasta is tender and everything is heated through. Adding extra roasted veggies and a bit more marinara helps keep it moist and flavorful.
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What’s the best way to avoid watery lasagna?
Roast your vegetables thoroughly to draw out excess moisture before assembling, and use a thicker marinara sauce. Also, don’t overseason with salt on the veggies before roasting to avoid drawing out too much liquid. Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps liquid redistribute for cleaner slices.
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Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just add around 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from chilled. This is great for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Final Thoughts
This Vegetarian Roasted Mushroom Lasagna Recipe is one of those dishes I return to again and again, whether feeding family or impressing a crowd. The cozy, savory roasted veggies paired with the zesty ricotta filling always make it feel like a special treat—even on a weeknight. Give it a try soon; I promise it’ll become a favorite comfort food you feel good about sharing.
Print
Vegetarian Roasted Mushroom Lasagna Recipe
- 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 recipe features roasted vegetables layered with creamy ricotta filling and rich marinara sauce, topped with mozzarella and pecorino cheeses. Perfectly baked to a golden bubbly finish, it’s a hearty and delicious meat-free main course ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
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
- 15 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups marinara sauce (24 ounces)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups grated low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated pecorino cheese
- Fresh basil leaves or chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Ricotta Filling
- 3 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (24 ounces)
- 3 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Roast vegetables: Place mushrooms, red pepper, zucchini, and onion on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Spread vegetables uniformly and roast for 25 minutes, until tender and browned around edges. Reduce oven temperature to 400°F.
- Cook noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make ricotta filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated garlic, lemon zest, salt, and fresh pepper. Stir thoroughly until smooth and well mixed.
- Assemble lasagna layer one: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer with noodles, then half of the ricotta mixture spread evenly. Top with half of the fresh spinach, followed by half of the roasted vegetables. Dot with ⅔ cup of marinara sauce.
- Assemble lasagna layer two: Repeat layering with noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, remaining spinach, remaining roasted vegetables, and another ⅔ cup marinara sauce. Add a final layer of noodles on top.
- Add cheese topping and bake: Spread the last ⅔ cup marinara sauce on top of the noodles, then evenly sprinkle with mozzarella and pecorino cheeses. Bake in the preheated 400°F oven for 30 minutes until cheese is browned, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and allow lasagna to stand for 20 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use regular lasagna noodles for tender texture; if using no-boil noodles, reduce quantity to about ¾ of a 1-pound box and bake covered for 40 to 50 minutes until noodles are tender, then uncover to brown the cheese.
- For vegan variations, substitute the ricotta filling with a vegan ricotta alternative and omit the cheese topping. Bake covered for 30 to 50 minutes at 400°F until heated through and pasta is tender.
- Drizzling olive oil on the cooked noodles helps prevent sticking when assembling.
- Lemon zest adds a bright flavor contrast to the creamy ricotta mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg


