If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor and packed with nutritious veggies, then you absolutely need to try this Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe. I promise, it’s fan-freaking-tastic. Roasting the vegetables deepens their flavor in a way that simple steaming or sautéing just can’t match, and layering them with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella makes every bite a total winner. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to make this a staple in your weekly dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: Roasting the cremini mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions caramelizes their natural sweetness for a rich, savory taste.
- Perfectly Balanced Layers: Creamy ricotta with a hint of lemon zest pairs beautifully with fresh spinach and tangy marinara sauce.
- Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this lasagna as a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready—ultimate comfort food made easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a wonderfully layered lasagna with texture and brightness. Choosing fresh vegetables and good-quality cheeses really makes a difference here, and I love how the lemon zest in the ricotta adds a subtle pop that you might not expect but will want to remember every time.

- Extra-virgin olive oil: Use a good-quality oil for roasting to bring out the best flavors.
- Cremini mushrooms: These add an earthy depth, and roasting them concentrates their taste wonderfully.
- Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and color; make sure to remove seeds and membranes for the best texture.
- Zucchini: Adds moisture and a mild flavor that balances other veggies.
- Yellow onion: Roasting tames its sharpness and adds sweetness.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer properly.
- Lasagna noodles: I use regular ones, but you can swap for gluten-free if you prefer.
- Marinara sauce: Homemade or store-bought works fine, just pick a sauce with a good balance of acidity and sweetness.
- Fresh spinach: I prefer fresh over frozen for texture and color.
- Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully without getting too watery.
- Pecorino cheese: A hard Italian cheese that adds a lovely salty bite.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese: Creamy and rich; stirring in garlic and lemon zest makes it extra special.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh and grated for maximum flavor.
- Lemon zest: Trust me, this brightens the ricotta layer like nothing else.
- Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish to add freshness and a pop of green.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe depending on what’s in season or what mood I’m in. Feel free to swap veggies or cheeses to make it uniquely yours.
- Veggie swaps: I’ve tried adding roasted eggplant or butternut squash to great effect—roasting always elevates the flavor.
- Dietary tweaks: For a gluten-free version, just use gluten-free lasagna noodles, and for vegan, swap ricotta and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives.
- Spice it up: Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes in the ricotta mix for a little heat, and it’s fantastic.
- Make it cheesy: More cheese lovers can sprinkle extra mozzarella on top before baking for that gooey crust.
How to Make Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables to Bring Out Their Natural Sweetness
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—that’s my easy cleanup trick! Toss the quartered cremini mushrooms, diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and onion with a generous drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on the sheet so they roast evenly without steaming. Roast for about 20 to 25 minutes until they’re tender and beautifully browned around the edges. You’ll notice how roasting intensifies their flavors compared to sautéing.
Step 2: Cook Your Lasagna Noodles Perfectly
While the veggies roast, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente. Drain them and toss with a little olive oil to keep them from sticking; I learned this trick the hard way after ending up with clumpy, frustrating noodles once!
Step 3: Make the Zesty Ricotta Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with freshly grated garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, and plenty of black pepper. Stir well—this is where that lemon zest really perks things up, adding a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness.
Step 4: Layer It All Up
Start by spreading a cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of your oiled 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Add a layer of noodles, followed by half the ricotta mixture, spreading it into an even layer. Top with half of your fresh spinach, then half of the roasted veggies. Spoon about ⅔ cup of marinara sauce over the veggies, then repeat the layers one more time, finishing with a final noodle layer. Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with mozzarella and pecorino cheeses evenly.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbly, Golden Perfection
Bake your assembled lasagna at 400°F for 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is browned and bubbly. Once out of the oven, let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing—this is key! It gives everything a chance to set so your slices hold together beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe
- Roast Veggies Evenly: Spread vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet without crowding to ensure they brown nicely instead of steaming.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: I discovered this little addition it adds a fresh zing that cuts through the heaviness of cheese and pasta.
- Let It Rest: Resist the urge to slice right away—waiting helps the sauce thicken and layers set, so your lasagna won’t fall apart.
- Use Good Quality Sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, a flavorful marinara will make a huge difference in the final taste.
How to Serve Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes
I always grab fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley to sprinkle on top—it adds that pop of color and fresh herb aroma that brightens the whole dish. Sometimes a quick drizzle of good olive oil right before serving takes it over the top.
Side Dishes
I pair this lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette or some garlic roasted asparagus. Both cut through the richness and add a nice crunch on the side. Garlic bread is a classic choice if you want to keep things cozy and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I’ve served this lasagna in smaller individual ramekins—baking and presenting single portions makes guests feel extra special and cuts down on leftovers. Garnishing each with a small basil sprig and a sprinkle of pecorino makes it look restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually let it cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess. When it’s time to eat, it tastes just as good warmed up!
Freezing
This Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe freezes really well—either baked or unbaked. When I’m prepping ahead, I assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I cover the lasagna with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes to keep it moist and bubbly. Avoid microwaving if you can; the oven preserves the texture and melts the cheese beautifully.
FAQs
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Can I make this Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute regular lasagna noodles with your favorite gluten-free ones. The rest of the recipe stays the same and is just as delicious.
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Can I prepare this vegetarian lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire lasagna a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a little extra baking time.
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What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you’re avoiding dairy, try silken tofu blended with lemon juice and garlic as a ricotta substitute, or use a vegan ricotta-style cheese available in many stores.
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How do I prevent my lasagna from getting soggy?
Roasting the vegetables before layering removes excess moisture. Also, letting the baked lasagna rest before slicing helps the sauce thicken and keeps it from being watery.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe turns out every time. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress friends without too much fuss. Roasting the vegetables is a game-changer, and the layers of cheese and fresh spinach make it standout. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to recipes too. Happy cooking!
Print
Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe
- 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 features layers of tender roasted vegetables, fresh spinach, tangy marinara sauce, and a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, all topped with melted mozzarella and pecorino cheese. Perfectly baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this hearty lasagna is a delicious and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy vegetarians and vegetable lovers alike.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 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
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Cheeses and Dairy
- 3 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (24 ounces)
- 2 cups grated low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated pecorino cheese
Other Ingredients
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 15 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups marinara sauce (24 ounces)
- 3 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- Fresh basil leaves or chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast 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 salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender and browned around the edges. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Meanwhile, 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.
- Prepare Ricotta Filling: In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, grated garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, then spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly on top. Arrange half the spinach over the ricotta, followed by half the roasted vegetables. Dot with ⅔ cup of the remaining marinara sauce.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of noodles, spread the remaining ricotta mixture evenly, top with the remaining spinach and roasted vegetables, and spoon over another ⅔ cup of marinara sauce. Then place the remaining noodles on top.
- Add Final Sauce and Cheese: Spread the final ⅔ cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top noodles. Sprinkle the mozzarella and pecorino cheeses evenly over the sauce.
- Bake Lasagna: Bake in the preheated 400°F oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is browned and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the 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
- This is the best vegetable lasagna recipe, packed with roasted veggies, spinach, tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For a vegan variation, substitute ricotta and cheeses with plant-based alternatives and check that the noodles contain no eggs.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it set for cleaner slices.
- Roasting the vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg

