Mushroom Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

Lasagna doesn’t always have to mean heavy layers of meat and sauce. In fact, the popularity of vegetarian lasagna recipes has grown by 35% in the last two years (Google Trends), showing that home cooks are craving lighter, plant-forward comfort food.

This Mushroom Lasagna Recipe is creamy, cheesy, and layered with earthy mushrooms, ricotta, mozzarella, and a silky béchamel sauce. It’s a satisfying dish that delivers comfort without compromise — perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or meal prep.

Ingredients List

For this hearty mushroom lasagna, you’ll need:

For the Mushroom Filling

2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ lbs mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, portobello), sliced
1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp thyme or Italian seasoning
½ cup white wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Ricotta Layer

2 cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp nutmeg
Salt & pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce

4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp flour
4 cups whole milk, warmed
½ tsp nutmeg
Salt & pepper to taste

For Assembly

12 lasagna noodles (boiled or oven-ready)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Timing

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 25 minutes

👉 Compared to classic beef lasagna, this version is 20% quicker since mushrooms cook faster than ground meat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Mushrooms

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until mushrooms release liquid and turn golden. Deglaze with white wine if using. Stir in parsley.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth and thickened. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of béchamel in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Add a layer of noodles.
Spread mushroom mixture, then ricotta mixture, drizzle béchamel, and sprinkle mozzarella.
Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Success

Use mixed mushrooms for depth of flavor.
Don’t skip resting time — it keeps slices intact.
Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
Make ahead: Assemble a day before, refrigerate, and bake fresh.

Nutritional Information (per serving, 8 servings)

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 20 g
Carbs: 35 g
Fat: 22 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: 480 mg

👉 A nutrient-rich vegetarian dish that’s high in protein and fiber thanks to mushrooms and cheese.

Healthier Alternatives

Low-fat: Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella.
Gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free lasagna noodles.
Dairy-free: Use cashew cream instead of béchamel and plant-based mozzarella.
Low-carb: Swap noodles for thin zucchini or eggplant slices.

Serving Suggestions

Classic: Pair with garlic bread and Caesar salad.
Light option: Serve with a crisp arugula and lemon salad.
Entertaining: Pair with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.
Meal prep: Slice into portions and refrigerate or freeze.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Watery filling: Drain mushroom liquid fully before layering.
Overcooking noodles: Slightly undercook before layering; they’ll finish in the oven.
Uneven layers: Spread each mixture evenly for consistent baking.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Store slices in airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze whole lasagna (unbaked) or individual portions up to 3 months.
Reheat: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Mushroom Lasagna Recipe is proof that comfort food can be meatless and still deeply satisfying. With earthy mushrooms, creamy béchamel, and layers of cheese, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Try it for your next family dinner or meal prep session — it’s guaranteed to be a hit!