If you’re craving comfort food that’s both hearty and wholesome, this Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Packed with a medley of tender roasted veggies, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese, it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to invite everyone over just so you can share it. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for cozy dinners or even meal prep. Stick around—I’ll walk you through every step so your lasagna comes out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Roasted Veggie Flavor: Roasting the mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, and onions brings out rich, caramelized notes that elevate the whole dish.
- Creamy and Light Ricotta Filling: Adding garlic and lemon zest to the ricotta gives it a fresh, bright zing that balances the richness beautifully.
- Family Friendly: Whether you’re feeding vegetarians or just cutting back on meat, this lasagna is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready, which means less stress on busy evenings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To nail this Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe, it’s all about fresh, quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. I love grabbing organic vegetables when I can because the roasting really highlights their natural sweetness, and don’t skimp on the cheeses—they make all the difference.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Choose a good quality one for roasting veggies and drizzling—it adds great flavor.
- Cremini mushrooms: These have a nice meaty texture that holds up well when roasted.
- Red bell pepper: Look for bright, firm peppers for sweetness and vibrant color.
- Zucchini: Fresh and firm zucchini will roast up tender but not mushy.
- Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness after roasting that rounds out the flavors.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the layers.
- Lasagna noodles: Cooked al dente so they don’t turn mushy in the oven.
- Marinara sauce: Use a good quality jarred sauce or homemade if you have it—the sauce ties everything together.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy texture and vibrant greens inside.
- Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese: For that all-important melting, gooey cheese layer on top.
- Pecorino cheese: A salty punch that adds depth—definitely don’t skip this!
- Whole milk ricotta cheese: Creamy base mixed with garlic and lemon zest for brightness.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly grated is best to infuse the ricotta.
- Lemon zest: This is my secret weapon—adds freshness that cuts through the richness.
- Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish, brings an herbal lift just before serving.
Variations
I’ve played around with this Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe quite a bit, and it’s fun to tailor it based on what’s fresh or your cravings. Don’t be afraid to swap veggies or cheeses to make it your own.
- Mushroom and Butternut Squash: I sometimes swap the bell pepper for roasted butternut squash in fall, which adds sweetness and a cozy vibe.
- Gluten-Free Version: Using gluten-free lasagna noodles works just fine and I’ve had no issues with texture or flavor.
- Vegan Adaptation: I’ve used tofu ricotta and vegan mozzarella with decent success—just add nutritional yeast and lemon to the tofu for that cheesy tang.
- Extra Cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover like me, sprinkle extra mozzarella or even parmesan on top before baking for a golden crust.
How to Make Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Roast Your Veggies to Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the mushrooms, diced red pepper, zucchini, and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly so they roast instead of steam. Roast for about 20-25 minutes until they’re tender and browned around the edges—this step is crucial because it layers in flavor and gives your lasagna that deep, savory veggie goodness that raw veggies just can’t match.
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
While the veggies roast, boil a large pot of salted water and cook your lasagna noodles to al dente—firm but cooked through. Drain them well and toss with a little olive oil right away so they don’t stick. I’ve learned the hard way that soggy noodles can turn a good lasagna into a goopy mess, so this step really pays off.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese with freshly grated garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended. Adding lemon zest here was a tip I picked up to brighten the whole dish, and I promise it makes a big difference in balancing those rich, creamy layers.
Step 4: Assemble Your Lasagna Layers
Oil your 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a cup of marinara at the bottom. Layer your noodles, then half of the ricotta mixture, half the spinach, and half the roasted veggies. Dollop with about two-thirds cup of marinara sauce on top. Repeat with another noodle layer, ricotta, spinach, veggies, and sauce. Finish with noodles on top, spread the remaining marinara sauce, and sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and pecorino. This layering is where all those flavors marry beautifully.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Resist the urge to cut into it immediately! Letting it rest for 20 minutes helps the lasagna set up nicely, making it easier to slice and serving up those perfect, gooey layers everyone will love.
Pro Tips for Making Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe
- Roast Veggies Evenly: Spread vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting—crowding causes sogginess.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cooking noodles just until al dente prevents limp textures after baking.
- Let Lasagna Rest: Giving it a 20-minute rest before slicing helps the layers hold together beautifully.
- Use Fresh Herbs For Garnish: Adding fresh basil or parsley at the end adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens the whole dish.
How to Serve Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes
I always top the finished lasagna with freshly chopped basil leaves—the sweet, aromatic herb complements the tomato sauce perfectly. If you don’t have basil handy, flat-leaf parsley works beautifully too. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra pecorino on top just before serving for that salty, savory punch.
Side Dishes
Something crisp and simple pairs best—think a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic-rubbed crusty bread to soak up extra sauce. Roasted garlic broccoli or steamed green beans like I make are tasty complements that don’t compete with the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes bake individual portions in small ramekins—it makes dinner feel extra thoughtful and perfect for entertaining. You can also sprinkle edible flowers on top for a beautiful, Instagram-worthy presentation. It’s amazing how little touches turn a homey dish into a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cool down the lasagna completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days and reheats easily. My family actually likes leftovers better—they’ve had more time for the flavors to meld!
Freezing
This Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully, which always surprises people! I freeze it unbaked in an airtight container or foil pan for up to 3 months. When ready to use, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend covering the lasagna with foil and warming it in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20-25 minutes). This method keeps the cheese from drying out or getting rubbery. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too but can make it a little less creamy.
FAQs
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Can I use other vegetables in this Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap in seasonal veggies like eggplant, butternut squash, or asparagus based on what you love or have on hand. Just make sure to roast them to the right tenderness so the texture stays balanced.
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Is it necessary to use fresh basil or parsley for garnish?
While garnishing with fresh herbs isn’t mandatory, I highly recommend it. Their bright flavor and pop of color really elevate the lasagna, making it look and taste fresher.
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How do I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of this lasagna, substitute dairy cheeses for vegan alternatives such as tofu ricotta and vegan mozzarella. Add nutritional yeast and extra lemon zest to the tofu mixture for cheesy flavor. Also, check your marinara sauce ingredients to ensure they’re vegan-friendly.
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Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary to ensure it’s heated through.
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What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Cover the leftovers with foil and warm them gently in a 350°F oven until heated through. This prevents the cheese from drying or toughening, keeping your lasagna creamy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe holds a very special place in my kitchen—it’s one of those comforting dishes that feels like a hug on a plate. What I love most is how the simple act of roasting vegetables transforms them into something so deeply flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this lasagna never disappoints. Give it a try—once you taste it, I think you’ll find it hard to go back to plain old pasta dishes!
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Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Vegetarian Lasagna recipe is a hearty and delicious dish featuring layers of roasted vegetables, fresh spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and pecorino cheeses. Roasting the mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor, making this lasagna a perfect comforting meal for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Olive Oil
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for roasting and tossing noodles
- 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
Lasagna
- 15 lasagna noodles*
- 3 cups marinara sauce (24 ounces)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (24 ounces)
- 2 cups grated low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated pecorino cheese
Ricotta Mixture
- 3 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, several grinds
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, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Spread evenly and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender and browned around the edges. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: While vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make Ricotta Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
- Assemble the Lasagna – First Layer: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay down a layer of noodles. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then layer half the fresh spinach, followed by half the roasted vegetables. Dot with ⅔ cup of marinara sauce over the vegetables.
- Assemble the Lasagna – Second Layer: Add another layer of noodles. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture over the noodles, then layer the remaining spinach and roasted vegetables. Top with another ⅔ cup marinara sauce.
- Top with Final Layers and Cheese: Place the remaining noodles on top. Spread the remaining ⅔ cup marinara sauce evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle the mozzarella and pecorino cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake the assembled lasagna in the 400°F oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheeses are browned and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the lasagna stand for 20 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil or chopped parsley before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This vegetarian lasagna is loaded with roasted vegetables and fresh spinach, delivering a flavorful and satisfying meatless meal.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to easily make this dish gluten-free.
- For a vegan version, substitute ricotta and cheeses with plant-based alternatives and ensure the noodles and marinara are vegan-friendly.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it hold together when sliced.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg

