I’m head over heels for this multi-layered mushroom lasagna—a deeply satisfying vegetarian casserole built on a creamy béchamel base, rich ricotta and parmesan, and earthy mushrooms sautéed to golden perfection. It’s comfort food elevated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how mushrooms take center stage—whether I’m using a mix of fresh cremini, portobello, or even dried wild mushrooms rehydrated for extra umami. With layers of silky béchamel, cheesy filling, and tender pasta, it feels indulgent without feeling heavy. The nutmeg and garlic in the white sauce add just the right aromatic touch.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Lasagna noodles (no-boil or pre-cooked)
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Mixed mushrooms (cremini, button, portobello, or wild)
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Olive oil and butter
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Shallots and garlic
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Flour (for bechamel)
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Whole milk
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Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
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Ricotta cheese
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Egg(s) (optional, for ricotta layer)
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Parmesan and mozzarella cheese
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Fresh thyme or parsley
directions
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Prep mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil and butter with salt and pepper until golden brown. Add shallots and garlic near the end. For dried mushrooms, rehydrate in hot water, drain, chop, and add alongside fresh mushrooms.
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Make bechamel: Melt butter, whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg The Modern Proper.
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Ricotta blend: In a bowl, mix ricotta with egg (if using), half the Parmesan, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
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Assemble layers: Spread a bit of bechamel on the bottom of a baking dish. Add noodles, more bechamel, ricotta mixture, sautéed mushrooms, mozzarella, and repeat to build 3–4 layers. Finish with noodles, bechamel, remaining mozzarella, and Parmesan.
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Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15 minutes until bubbling and golden. Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing to help it set.
Servings and timing
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Serves: 6–8
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Prep time: 30 minutes
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Cook time: 45–60 minutes
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Total time: 75–90 minutes
Variations
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Cheese mix: Use Taleggio, Stracchino, or Scamorza in place of mozzarella.
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Greens addition: Fold in spinach or kale into the sauce layers for brightness.
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Wine-enhanced: Add a splash of red wine or mushroom soaking liquid to the mushroom sauté for robust flavor.
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Smoked speck version: Layer in diced speck or prosciutto for a meaty twist.
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Pumpkin & mushroom: Stir in pumpkin purée or cubes for a seasonal variation.
storage/reheating
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Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheat: Gently warm in a 350 °F oven until hot and bubbly; the resting slice makes cutting cleaner.
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Freeze: Cool fully, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat in oven.
FAQs
Can I swap out ricotta for cottage cheese?
Absolutely—I’ve pulsed whole‑milk cottage cheese in a food processor to mimic ricotta’s texture, and it works beautifully.
How can I make it gluten‑free?
Use gluten‑free lasagna noodles and substitute flour in the bechamel with a GF flour blend—it still thickens perfectly.
Is it okay to use no‑boil noodles?
Yes! Just make sure the sauce layers are moist enough. Alternatively, soak the noodles briefly beforehand for a more predictable texture.
How do I prevent a soggy lasagna?
Ensure mushrooms are well-drained and golden, bechamel is not overly thin, and rest the dish before slicing so liquids redistribute.
Can I assemble it ahead?
Yes, you can build it a day ahead and bake when ready. Freshly baked lasagna always tastes better, though leftover versions are still delicious.
Conclusion
This mushroom lasagna is my go-to for a cozy, elegant vegetarian feast. With layers of creamy béchamel, cheesy ricotta, and savory mushrooms, it feels special enough for guests yet easy enough for a weeknight. I love how versatile it is—whether using fancy wild mushrooms or adding greens, it always delivers. I’ll keep making this one, and I think you’ll fall in love with it too.
Print
Mushroom Lasagna
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
A deeply savory, creamy lasagna layered with tender mushrooms, silky béchamel, and melted cheese—comforting and flavorful without the meat.
Ingredients
12 lasagna noodles
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
16 oz (450 g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk, warmed
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 1 minute.
Add mushrooms and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release moisture and become golden, about 8–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually pour in warmed milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Spread a thin layer of béchamel on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer 4 noodles over the béchamel. Top with one-third of the mushroom mixture and one-third of the remaining mozzarella. Spoon over béchamel to cover lightly. Repeat for two more layers.
Finish with noodles topped by remaining béchamel and mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–12 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course