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Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dinner, you’ll absolutely adore this Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe. It’s packed with layers of tender roasted vegetables, creamy ricotta, and perfectly melted cheese that my family just can’t get enough of. Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or just looking to add more meatless meals to your rotation, this recipe hits all the right notes—rich, satisfying, and bursting with freshness. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your lasagna comes out perfect every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Yet Impressive: Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, making the lasagna flavorful without fuss.
  • Balance of Textures: Creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and tender veggies create a harmony your taste buds will celebrate.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it the day before, which makes weeknights a breeze.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Whether feeding family or friends, it’s a surefire winner everyone asks for again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe has a role in making the layers sing. From the fresh veggies to the cheeses, these elements blend wonderfully to create a balanced dish. When shopping, pick the freshest vegetables you can find and a decent-quality marinara sauce—it really does impact the final flavor.

  • Extra-virgin olive oil: Use a good quality one for roasting and drizzling; it amps up the flavor.
  • Cremini mushrooms: Their meaty texture is ideal for adding depth to the filling.
  • Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the layers.
  • Zucchini: Brings moisture and mild flavor—don’t skip it.
  • Yellow onion: Roasting mellows its sharpness, bringing out natural sweetness.
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the veggies and cheese.
  • Lasagna noodles: Regular or gluten-free, cook them al dente for the perfect texture.
  • Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce, or homemade if you have time—it’ll make all the difference.
  • Fresh spinach: Adds an earthy, slightly bitter note and nice green contrast.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Opt for part-skim for less greasiness but plenty of melty goodness.
  • Pecorino cheese: Provides a salty, tangy kick—don’t skip or substitute with Parmesan.
  • Whole milk ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it ties the layers together beautifully.
  • Garlic cloves: Grated garlic infuses the ricotta with aromatic warmth.
  • Lemon zest: I love this small touch for a subtle brightness that lifts the entire dish.
  • Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish, adding freshness and a pop of color.
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.

Variations

I’m all for making recipes your own, and this Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe is no exception. Over time, I’ve tried swapping in different veggies or cheeses depending on what I have on hand or the season—feel free to do the same and make it your signature dish.

  • Mushroom Medley: Sometimes I use a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms for an earthier flavor that’s a bit more complex.
  • Seasonal Veggies: Roasted butternut squash or eggplant can replace or complement the zucchini and peppers beautifully in fall or summer.
  • Vegan Variation: Use vegan ricotta and mozzarella alternatives and swap out the egg pasta for gluten-free or vegetable-based noodles for a plant-based delight.
  • Extra Greens: I often add kale or Swiss chard for a bit more texture and nutrients; you’ll love the slight chewiness it adds.

How to Make Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and setting up a baking sheet with parchment paper—that way cleanup is easier (trust me!). Toss the cremini mushrooms, red pepper, zucchini, and yellow onion with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground pepper until everything is well coated. Spread them out evenly—no overcrowding!—to help them roast rather than steam. After about 20-25 minutes, you’ll notice the veggies are tender and golden around the edges, which is the magic I love because it amps up their natural sweetness and adds a lovely depth of flavor to the lasagna layers. Once done, lower the oven to 400°F for the final baking step.

Step 2: Prepare Your Noodles Just Right

While the veggies are roasting, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lasagna noodles according to the package directions—aim for al dente because you don’t want mushy noodles in your beautiful layers. I like to toss them with a little olive oil once drained to keep them from sticking together. This little trick saved me from a sticky mess my first few lasagna attempts!

Step 3: Whip Up the Flavored Ricotta Filling

In a large bowl, mix together the whole milk ricotta with freshly grated garlic, zesty lemon peel, sea salt, and plenty of cracked black pepper. This mixture is what brings creaminess and a slight tang that pairs perfectly with those roasted veggies and tomato sauce. I discovered this flavor combo when I craved something bright and creamy in my lasagna layers—it’s what makes this recipe stand out.

Step 4: Layer Your Lasagna Like a Pro

Time for the fun part! Oil your 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a cup of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Lay down your first layer of noodles, then half of the ricotta mixture in an even layer. On top of that, spread half the fresh spinach, followed by half your roasted veggies. Dollop and spread around ⅔ cup of marinara sauce on those veggies. Repeat with another noodle layer and the rest of the ricotta, spinach, veggies, and marinara. Finish off with your last noodle layer and spread the remaining marinara sauce on top. Finally, sprinkle the mozzarella and pecorino cheeses evenly over everything—this golden, bubbling cheese crust is what takes this dish to the next level.

Step 5: Bake and Let It Rest

Bake the lasagna at 400°F for about 30 minutes until the cheese is beautifully browned and bubbling. Now, be patient—after pulling it from the oven, let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing. This is one of my favorite tips because it helps the lasagna set up nicely, so each slice holds together rather than falling apart on your plate.

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Pro Tips for Making Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Roasting: Roasting the veggies adds caramelized flavor that raw veggies can’t give you.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Grated garlic in the ricotta boosts aroma much more than pre-minced or powder.
  • Oil Your Noodles: Tossing cooked noodles with olive oil keeps layers neat and stops sticking.
  • Patience Is Key: Let the baked lasagna rest before slicing—this prevents a messy, runny plate.

How to Serve Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

A square piece of lasagna sits on a white plate, showing four layers of wavy pasta sheets with a rich red tomato sauce on top. Inside the layers, there are visible green zucchini pieces, dark mushrooms, and white cheese, creating a mix of red, green, white, and brown colors. The top layer is golden and slightly crispy with melted cheese and is garnished with a couple of fresh green basil leaves. Some white cheese sprinkles are scattered around the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a blurred background of stacked white plates and a beige bowl with grated cheese. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For garnishes, I love sprinkling fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley on top—it brightens the dish and adds freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and roasted veggies. A tiny drizzle of good olive oil before serving can also elevate the flavors.

Side Dishes

This lasagna pairs brilliantly with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty sourdough is my go-to for soaking up any leftover sauce—comfort food perfection!

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this vegetarian roasted vegetable lasagna in individual ramekins for a personal touch—guests feel so spoiled! Layer the dish the same way, but portion it out and bake in smaller dishes for a cozy presentation. It’s also great for potlucks since it travels well and can be baked off just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover leftovers tightly with foil or an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together wonderfully the next day, sometimes even better than fresh!

Freezing

I like to freeze half the lasagna before baking for a quick dinner down the road. Freeze in the baking dish wrapped well with cling film and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. It reheats beautifully without losing moisture.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Removing the foil toward the end helps crisp up the cheese again—just like freshly baked.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Just swap out regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free varieties (there are many great options in stores now). Just be sure to cook them according to package instructions for the best texture.

  2. How can I make this lasagna vegan?

    You’ll want to use vegan ricotta and cheese alternatives—there are brands that melt and taste great—plus vegan-friendly noodles. You can also substitute nutritional yeast for some cheesy flavor if desired.

  3. Do I have to roast the vegetables first?

    While not mandatory, roasting the veggies brings out intense flavor and prevents them from releasing too much moisture during baking, which can make your lasagna watery. It’s a game-changer I highly recommend.

  4. Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?

    Yes! You can assemble it a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge, then pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe balances hearty comfort with fresh, vibrant flavors. Every time I make it, my family goes crazy for how rich yet fresh it tastes, and I know you’ll enjoy it just as much. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself returning to again and again because it’s just so reliable and delicious. So grab your veggies, preheat that oven, and let’s get roasting—your perfect lasagna is waiting!

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Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 129 reviews
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 90 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Best Vegetarian Lasagna recipe layers tender roasted vegetables, fresh spinach, creamy ricotta filling, and rich tomato marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and pecorino cheeses. It’s a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a satisfying meatless twist on a classic Italian favorite.


Ingredients

Vegetables and Roasting

  • 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

Pasta

  • 15 lasagna noodles

Sauces and Cheese

  • 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)

Ricotta Filling Flavorings

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

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves or chopped fresh parsley


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the mushrooms, red pepper, zucchini, and onion on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Spread them out in a single layer.
  2. Roast Vegetables: Roast the vegetables for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender and browned around the edges. Once roasted, reduce the oven temperature to 400°F to prepare for baking the lasagna.
  3. Cook Lasagna Noodles: While the vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the noodles and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Make Ricotta Filling: In a large bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, grated garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
  5. Assemble Lasagna – First Layer: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer with a portion of the noodles followed by half the ricotta mixture. Spread the ricotta layer evenly. Evenly distribute half of the fresh spinach over the ricotta, then top with half of the roasted vegetables. Dot the vegetables with about ⅔ cup of the remaining marinara sauce.
  6. Assemble Lasagna – Second Layer: Repeat the layering: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, the rest of the spinach, remaining roasted vegetables, and another ⅔ cup of marinara sauce.
  7. Top Layer and Cheese: Add the final layer of noodles on top. Spread the remaining ⅔ cup of marinara sauce evenly over the noodles. Then sprinkle the grated mozzarella and pecorino cheeses evenly over the top.
  8. Bake: Place the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven at 400°F and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it stand for 20 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • This vegetarian lasagna is packed with nutritious roasted vegetables and fresh spinach, making it a wholesome, delicious option for meatless meals.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular lasagna noodles with your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles.
  • For a vegan version, use dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan alternatives, and ensure the noodles contain no egg.
  • Letting the lasagna rest before serving helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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