Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, comforting, and meat-free meal that everyone will rave about, let me introduce you to this **Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe**. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, packed with layers of perfectly roasted veggies, creamy ricotta mixed with bright lemon zest, and plenty of melty mozzarella to pull it all together. Trust me, once you make this, you’re going to want to add it to your regular dinner rotation because it’s just that fan-freaking-tastic.
Why This Recipe Works
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a wonderful depth of flavor without extra fuss.
- Creamy Ricotta Filling: The ricotta mixed with lemon zest and garlic adds a bright, fresh twist that keeps the dish lively and balanced.
- Mozzarella and Pecorino Cheese: A melty, golden top that delivers rich, savory satisfaction.
- Layering Technique: Alternating layers of sauce, noodles, cheese, spinach, and veggies creates the perfect balance in every bite.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe shines because each ingredient brings its own magic, from fresh produce to carefully chosen cheeses. Shopping for vegetables ripe and firm makes a huge difference, and I swear by good-quality marinara to save time while boosting flavor.

- Extra-virgin olive oil: Perfect for roasting veggies and adding richness without overpowering flavors.
- Cremini mushrooms: Add an earthy, meaty texture that complements the other vegetables beautifully.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a sweet crunch that caramelizes wonderfully when roasted.
- Zucchini: Moist and tender, it softens just right to meld with the other ingredients.
- Yellow onion: Its mild sweetness intensifies with roasting, creating a foundational flavor.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- Lasagna noodles: Regular noodles cook to tender perfection and hold the layers without getting mushy.
- Marinara sauce: The bright, tangy tomato base holds all the layers together—choose one with good herbs and no excessive sugar.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a pop of color and a subtle, fresh flavor to balance the richness.
- Mozzarella cheese: Low-moisture part-skim melts beautifully and gives you that gooey, comforting cheese pull.
- Pecorino cheese: Adds sharpness and a lovely salty punch to contrast the creamy ricotta.
- Ricotta cheese: Whole milk ricotta provides creaminess and heft—plus, when mixed with garlic and lemon zest, it’s seriously next level.
- Garlic cloves: Grated to release maximum flavor in the ricotta layer.
- Lemon zest: Adds unexpected brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish, bringing fresh herbal notes and a pretty finish.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to switch up the veggies based on what’s fresh or on hand, or tweak cheeses for your preference. It’s all about making a dish that feels just right for you.
- Variation: I often swap out the cremini mushrooms for roasted eggplant when it’s in season—adds a smoky depth that’s irresistible.
- Dietary tweaks: For a vegan version, try swapping the ricotta with a store-bought or homemade cashew-based vegan ricotta and skip the mozzarella; this still keeps it creamy and satisfying.
- Seasonal swaps: In colder months, roasted butternut squash instead of zucchini offers a sweet and cozy vibe.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Roast those veggies to bring out their best
Start by heating your oven up to 425°F. Spread out those mushrooms, red pepper, zucchini, and onion on a baking sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup. Drizzle olive oil, then sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – don’t be shy! Toss everything until veggies are evenly coated. Roast them for about 20 to 25 minutes until they’re tender and just starting to brown—this caramelization is key for flavor depth. While the veggies roast, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’re already halfway there!
Step 2: Cook and prep your noodles like a pro
While vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your lasagna noodles according to package instructions, aiming for al dente because they’ll keep softening in the oven. When drained, toss the noodles with a little olive oil to keep them from sticking—this little trick saves frustration during assembly.
Step 3: Whip up that luscious ricotta mixture
In a large bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, grated garlic, lemon zest, salt, and a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper. The garlic and lemon zest brighten the ricotta, giving it a fresh bite that balances perfectly with the roasted vegetables. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if you like—this is a flavor foundation you don’t want to skimp on!
Step 4: Layer it all up for magic
Oil your 9×13-inch baking dish and start spreading 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly at the bottom. Next, lay down a layer of noodles, then half of the ricotta filling, spreading it evenly. Scatter half the fresh spinach, then dot with half the roasted veggies. Pour about two-thirds cup of marinara over these veggies to keep everything juicy. Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining ricotta, spinach, roasted veggies, and another two-thirds cup of sauce. Finish with a final noodle layer, top with the rest of your marinara sauce, and then, generously sprinkle mozzarella and pecorino cheese.
Step 5: Bake and patience pay off
Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and bubbly golden brown on top. When it comes out of the oven, let it rest for about 20 minutes before slicing. This step may feel tough—I know I’m eager to dig in—but it helps everything settle so your layers don’t slide apart when serving.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Skip Roasting: Roasting veggies adds that caramelized depth you just can’t get from sautéing or steaming.
- Use Fresh Lemon Zest: It wakes up the ricotta filling and keeps the dish from feeling heavy.
- Let It Rest: Waiting before slicing helps keep the layers intact and makes serving much easier.
- Avoid Overcooking Noodles: Al dente is your friend; noodles will continue cooking as the lasagna bakes.
How to Serve Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes
I always top my lasagna with a handful of freshly torn basil leaves or some chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. It’s such a simple touch that brings the whole dish together visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Pair this lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette on the side never hurts either—perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to assemble individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets and bake them until bubbly. It feels fancy but is surprisingly easy and makes everyone feel like they’re getting a personalized treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover lasagna tightly wrapped with plastic wrap and then foil in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have mingled.
Freezing
This Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. I usually freeze it fully assembled before baking, wrapped tightly in foil and then placed in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. When ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge and bake it the next day. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Reheating
Reheat lasagna covered with foil at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes to warm through without drying out. I remove the foil in the last 5-10 minutes to re-crisp the cheese topping. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in a covered dish, but it won’t get quite as melty.
FAQs
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Can I use no-boil noodles in this Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! While I prefer regular noodles for their tender texture, you can swap in no-boil noodles. Just remember they’ll likely be shorter, so adjust quantity accordingly, and bake covered for 40-50 minutes until tender, uncovering at the end to brown the cheese.
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How can I make this lasagna vegan?
Replace the ricotta with vegan ricotta (store-bought or homemade cashew version), and omit mozzarella and pecorino on top. Bake covered at 400°F until pasta is tender and heated through. This keeps it creamy and delicious without dairy.
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What vegetables work best for roasting in this lasagna?
Along with cremini mushrooms, red pepper, zucchini, and onion, you can experiment with eggplant, butternut squash, or even carrots for a sweeter note. Just chop into manageable pieces and roast until tender and caramelized.
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Can I prepare this Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast vegetables, cook noodles, and prepare the ricotta mix a day in advance. Assemble just before baking, or fully assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze!
Final Thoughts
This Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it marries wholesome veggies with cheesy comfort in a way that feels both nourishing and indulgent. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you simply want a dish that fills your home with cozy vibes. I really hope you give it a try—I promise, it’ll become one of your favorites just like it did for me!
Print
Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Vegetarian Lasagna recipe features roasted cremini mushrooms, red bell pepper, zucchini, and fresh spinach layered with a flavorful ricotta filling and rich marinara sauce. Topped with mozzarella and pecorino cheeses, this comforting baked dish is perfect for a hearty family meal.
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, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce (24 ounces)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Pasta
- 15 lasagna noodles (regular lasagna noodles recommended)
Cheeses
- 2 cups grated low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated pecorino cheese
- 3 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (24 ounces)
Ricotta Filling Seasonings
- 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
- 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 pepper, zucchini, and onion on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Spread the vegetables out on the sheet and roast for 25 minutes, or until tender and browned around the edges. Then reduce the oven temperature to 400°F.
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare ricotta filling: In a large bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, grated garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly until well mixed.
- Assemble the lasagna – first layer: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Add half the fresh spinach, then half the roasted vegetables. Dot with ⅔ cup of the remaining marinara sauce.
- Assemble the lasagna – second layer: Add another layer of noodles, then the remaining ricotta mixture spread evenly. Top with the remaining spinach and roasted vegetables. Spoon another ⅔ cup of marinara sauce over the vegetables.
- Top and bake: Place the remaining noodles on top. Spread the final ⅔ cup of marinara sauce evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle the top with grated mozzarella and pecorino cheeses. Bake in the preheated 400°F oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is browned and bubbling.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the lasagna stand for 20 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped fresh parsley before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use regular lasagna noodles for a tender final texture. If using no-boil noodles, use about ¾ of a 1-pound box instead of 15 noodles.
- When using no-boil noodles, cover the lasagna and bake for 50 minutes until noodles are tender, then uncover and bake until cheese browns and bubbles.
- For a vegan version, replace the ricotta mixture with vegan ricotta and omit the cheeses on top. Bake covered for 30 to 50 minutes at 400°F until pasta is tender and heated through.
- Make sure to toss cooked noodles with olive oil to prevent sticking before assembling.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest before slicing helps it hold its shape and improves flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg


