Hearty Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna Recipe

Cozy Soul-Warming Hearty Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna Recipe

Layers of melted cheese and robust mushroom lasagna dance with tender spinach in a comforting Italian-inspired dish.

This hearty spinach and mushroom lasagna delivers rich, satisfying flavors that warm the soul.

Packed with nutritious vegetables and creamy ricotta, each bite promises delectable complexity.

The combination of earthy mushrooms and bright spinach creates a balanced vegetarian masterpiece.

Aromatic herbs and carefully selected ingredients elevate this classic pasta casserole beyond ordinary expectations.

Cheese lovers and vegetable enthusiasts will adore this robust, nourishing meal that comes together with surprising ease.

Prepare to savor every incredible forkful of this delightful culinary creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 6

Spinach Mushroom Lasagna Ingredient Guide

For Vegetable Base:
  • Onion: Builds a flavor foundation with sweet, aromatic undertones for the filling.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, pungent depth and enhances overall savory profile.
  • Mushrooms: Provides meaty texture and earthy umami flavor to the vegetable mixture.
  • Spinach: Introduces vibrant green color, nutritional boost, and tender leafy texture.
  • Fresh Thyme: Contributes delicate herbal notes and complementary woodland essence.
For Creamy Components:
  • Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for béchamel and adds luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Flour: Helps thicken sauce and provides smooth, velvety consistency.
  • Milk: Delivers silky liquid foundation for classic béchamel sauce.
  • Nutmeg: Introduces warm, subtle spice that elevates cream-based sauces.
For Cheese and Pasta Layers:
  • Lasagna Noodles: Structural element that holds layers together and provides hearty base.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating stretchy, gooey texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers sharp, salty crystalline taste and golden brown topping.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevents sticking during cooking process.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance overall flavor profile.

Tools to Layer a Veggie Lasagna Just Right

  • Large skillet: Essential for sautéing onions, garlic, mushrooms, and spinach.
  • Medium saucepan: Perfect for creating smooth, creamy bechamel sauce.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for layering and baking the lasagna.
  • Whisk: Crucial for preventing lumps in the bechamel sauce and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions and garlic.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
  • Aluminum foil: Used to cover the lasagna during initial baking.

Bake Creamy Spinach Mushroom Lasagna at Home

  • Warm Up The Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

  • Sauté Veggie Base

Splash some oil in a skillet and dance the onions around until they turn soft and translucent. Toss in garlic for a quick minute, then introduce mushrooms. Let them brown beautifully and release their deep, earthy flavors.

  • Build Silky Sauce

Melt butter in a pan and whisk in flour to create a smooth foundation. Slowly pour warm milk, stirring constantly to create a luxurious creamy sauce. Season with a whisper of nutmeg and salt.

  • Layer With Love

Start by spreading a thin blanket of sauce on the baking dish. Arrange lasagna noodles like a cozy quilt. Sprinkle spinach and mushroom mixture, drench in creamy sauce, and shower with cheese. Repeat these delicious layers twice more.

  • Bake To Perfection

Cover with foil and slide into the oven. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and let the top turn golden and bubbly for another 15 minutes.

  • Serve And Enjoy

Let the lasagna rest and settle for 10 minutes. Cut into generous slices and savor the creamy, veggie-packed masterpiece.

Tips That Bring Out Umami and Richness

  • Prepare the entire lasagna up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.
  • Replace mushrooms with zucchini, roasted bell peppers, or eggplant for a different vegetable twist. Each alternative brings a unique flavor profile and texture to the dish.
  • Add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or crumbled plant-based protein to transform this vegetarian lasagna into a heartier meal. Layer the protein between the spinach and mushroom mixture for even distribution.
  • Substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Ensure the bechamel sauce uses gluten-free flour to make the entire dish celiac-friendly.
  • Replace dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, use dairy-free butter alternatives, and swap cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese substitutes for a completely dairy-free version of this creamy lasagna.

Serve with Bread or a Simple Salad

  • Veggie Comfort Plate: Pair this rich lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy layers and add fresh contrast.
  • Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving to brighten the dish and add a burst of color and herbal freshness.
  • Wine Companion Pairing: Serve with a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti to complement the earthy mushrooms and creamy sauce.
  • Hearty Side Kick: Add roasted garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette on the side to soak up the delicious bechamel sauce and complete the meal.

Store Lasagna Without It Drying Out

  • Keep leftovers sealed in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Tightly wrapped lasagna stays fresh and maintains its delicious flavor profile without compromising texture.
  • Slice individual portions and warm in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in a 350F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Wrap completely cooled lasagna in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze flat for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to ensure best taste and consistency.
  • Divide lasagna into single-serve portions before storing. This makes meal prep easier and allows for quick, convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week without compromising the dish's original quality.

FAQs

  • What makes the bechamel sauce creamy and smooth?

The key to a perfect bechamel sauce is whisking constantly while adding warm milk to the roux. This prevents lumps and creates a silky, smooth texture. The gradual addition of milk and continuous stirring ensures a consistent, creamy sauce.

  • Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely! If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it completely before adding to the mushroom mixture. Squeeze out excess moisture to prevent the lasagna from becoming watery. Frozen spinach works just as well as fresh in this recipe.

  • How do I know when the mushrooms are properly cooked?

Mushrooms are ready when they turn golden brown and any released liquid has completely evaporated. This typically takes about 7-8 minutes over medium heat. Properly cooked mushrooms will have a rich, concentrated flavor and a slightly crispy texture.

  • Is it necessary to let the lasagna rest after baking?

Resting is crucial for lasagna. The 10-minute rest allows the layers to set and makes cutting and serving much easier. It helps the lasagna maintain its shape and prevents the filling from running when you slice it.

Print
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Hearty Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna Recipe

Hearty Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna invites layers of rich Italian comfort onto dinner plates. Generous cheese, tender vegetables, and savory sauce meld together, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil or pre-cooked)
  • 12 oz (340 g) mushrooms, sliced
  • 10 oz (280 g) fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
  • 4 cups (1 L) milk, warmed
  • 2 cups (200 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 4 tbsps (60 g) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté onions in a skillet until translucent, then introduce minced garlic for a fragrant base. Add sliced mushrooms, allowing them to caramelize and release moisture, creating a concentrated flavor profile.
  2. Vegetable Integration: Fold in fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt completely and blend seamlessly with the mushroom mixture. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to elevate the vegetable medley’s depth.
  3. Bechamel Crafting: Melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth, golden roux. Gradually stream warm milk, continuously whisking to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, thick consistency. Enhance with a delicate touch of nutmeg and seasonings.
  4. Lasagna Assembly: Lightly coat the baking dish with oil and create an initial bechamel layer. Strategically build layers by arranging lasagna noodles, distributing the spinach-mushroom blend, bechamel sauce, and generously sprinkling mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat layering process twice, ensuring a lavish cheese topping.
  5. Baking Perfection: Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 375F (190C) oven, allowing flavors to meld and texture to become tender. Uncover during the final baking phase to achieve a golden, crisp cheese crust.
  6. Serving Presentation: Rest the lasagna for several minutes to set layers and intensify flavors. Slice and serve warm, revealing the intricate layers of vegetables, cheese, and creamy sauce.

Notes

  • Moisture Management: Pat mushrooms and spinach dry before sautéing to prevent excess liquid and ensure proper caramelization and texture.
  • Roux Technique: Whisk flour and butter continuously to avoid burning and create a smooth base for the bechamel sauce, which guarantees a silky, lump-free consistency.
  • Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated cheese for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the lasagna.
  • Resting Period: Let the lasagna rest 10-15 minutes after baking to allow layers to set and absorb moisture, making slicing cleaner and preventing runny servings.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 359
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 256 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 57 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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