Name: Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 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; 3 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (24 ounces); 3 garlic cloves (grated); 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1 teaspoon sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper; Fresh basil leaves or chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 2 reviews

If you are looking for a comforting, vibrant, and utterly satisfying meal, this Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to dish. Packed with tender roasted vegetables, creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and bubbling mozzarella, every bite is a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want to spoil yourself with layers of cheesy goodness and garden-fresh ingredients, this recipe hits all the right notes while remaining delightfully wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden cutting board sits centrally on a white marbled surface, topped with a sharp knife next to diced green zucchini pieces scattered across it. To the right of the board is fresh green spinach with smooth leaves. Above the board, a white bowl holds whole brown mushrooms with textured caps. On the left side, a white bowl contains bright red chopped bell peppers. Below the board, a white bowl is filled with soft white ricotta cheese, and next to it, another white bowl holds shredded white cheese. Nearby, several uncooked yellow lasagna sheets lay flat on the surface. Additional ingredients include a halved white onion placed at the bottom left of the board, a garlic bulb with several cloves next to it, a whole yellow lemon, a glass bottle of olive oil with a clear spout, a wooden pepper grinder, a white bowl of green grated cheese, and a small jar of red tomato sauce. A white cloth with black stripes rests at the lower left corner. The scene is bright and clear, arranged neatly for cooking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to contribute delicious taste, texture, or color. From the earthy mushrooms to the zingy lemon zest in the ricotta, every component plays its part in creating a dish that’s both hearty and fresh.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps roast the vegetables to caramelized perfection.
8 ounces cremini mushrooms (stemmed and quartered): Provide a savory, meaty depth to the filling.
1 red bell pepper (stemmed, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces): Delivers sweetness and vibrant color.
1 medium zucchini (cut into ½-inch pieces): Gives a fresh, light texture to balance the dish.
½ medium yellow onion (cut into ½-inch pieces): Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic flavor.
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the ingredients.
15 lasagna noodles: The foundation of the dish, providing structure and heartiness.
3 cups marinara sauce (24 ounces): Brings tangy tomato goodness with herbs.
3 cups fresh spinach: Adds a burst of green freshness and nutrition.
2 cups grated low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey layer.
½ cup grated pecorino cheese: Contributes a sharp, salty kick to the topping.
Fresh basil leaves or chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Injects herbal brightness at serving time.
3 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (24 ounces): Brings creamy, tender richness to every layer.
3 garlic cloves (grated): Infuses the ricotta filling with fragrant warmth.
2 teaspoons lemon zest: Adds a refreshing, zesty contrast to the creamy cheese.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Balances and enhances the ricotta mixture.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right bit of spice to the filling.

How to Make Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the mushrooms, red bell pepper, zucchini, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out evenly. Roasting these veggies intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a lovely caramelized edge, which gives the lasagna layers a dynamic flavor punch. Roast for about 20 to 25 minutes until tender and golden, then lower the oven temperature to 400 degrees for the next steps.

Step 2: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles

While the vegetables roast, boil a large pot of salted water and cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. The noodles should be tender yet firm enough to hold their shape within the lasagna layers. Drain them carefully and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to keep them from sticking together — this little tip makes assembly so much smoother!

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Filling

In a large bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese with grated garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir gently but thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and evenly seasoned. This mixture will provide the rich, flavorful contrast to the roasted vegetables and tomato sauce, making each bite silky and bright.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Layers

Oil your 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Begin by spreading one cup of marinara sauce at the bottom to keep the noodles moist and flavorful. Add a layer of noodles, followed by half the ricotta filling spread evenly. On top of that, arrange half the fresh spinach, then cover with half the roasted vegetables. Dot the vegetables with about two-thirds of a cup of marinara sauce for extra saucy goodness. Repeat this layering process one more time ending with noodles on top.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the final noodles layer. Then sprinkle the grated mozzarella and pecorino cheese generously on top — this cheesy blanket will melt, brown, and bubble to create an irresistible golden crust. Bake the assembled lasagna in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly browned and bubbling. Let the lasagna rest for 20 minutes before slicing — this resting time helps the layers set for beautiful, clean servings.

How to Serve Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe

A rectangular white baking dish filled with four visible layers of lasagna, each layer showing a mix of red tomato sauce, melted light golden cheese, and slightly browned edges. The top layer is mostly covered with bubbly, melted cheese that has a smooth and creamy texture, decorated with fresh bright green basil leaves scattered evenly. The white marbled surface beneath and around the dish adds a clean and fresh look, while a striped cloth and extra basil leaves are partly visible near the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh, aromatic finish, scatter torn fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley over the lasagna right before serving. These herbs add a pop of green color and a fragrant brightness that cuts through the richness and enhances each bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your creamy Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the meal. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also wonderful for soaking up any extra marinara sauce left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a charming touch. Layer a bit of extra fresh spinach or basil on each serving for a beautiful presentation. You can even pack leftovers into mason jars for an easy, grab-and-go lunch option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any uneaten portions tightly in plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the lasagna even better the next day. It will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing

This Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the lasagna but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed until hot and bubbly throughout.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave or warm in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of marinara sauce before reheating helps keep every bite moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free lasagna noodles?

Absolutely! Gluten-free noodles work just as well in this Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe. Just be sure to check the cooking instructions on your package to achieve the perfect al dente texture.

Do I need to pre-cook the vegetables before assembling?

Roasting the vegetables first enhances their flavor and helps remove excess moisture, which is important for preventing a soggy lasagna. It also softens them for a perfect texture in the final dish.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

While the classic recipe relies on cheese, you can swap out the dairy with plant-based ricotta and mozzarella alternatives. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary slightly but can still be delicious.

Is blanching noodles necessary?

Cooking the noodles until al dente is recommended to ensure they soften properly in the oven but do not become mushy. Tossing them with olive oil after draining prevents sticking and makes layering easier.

How long does the lasagna need to rest before serving?

Letting the lasagna rest for about 20 minutes after baking allows the layers to settle, making it easier to cut clean slices and helping the flavors fully develop.

Final Thoughts

This Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and a little love can come together to create something truly special. It’s hearty enough to satisfy your comfort food cravings but fresh and flavorful enough to feel vibrant. I genuinely hope you enjoy making—and devouring—this delicious lasagna as much as I do. Give it a try, and prepare to impress yourself and your loved ones with this beautiful, cheesy masterpiece!