Save A hearty, budget-friendly vegan lasagna layered with savory mushrooms, spinach, rich tomato sauce, and creamy dairy-free béchamel. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
I first made this vegan mushroom spinach lasagna for a Sunday family dinner, wanting something comforting yet light. Even my non-vegan relatives returned for seconds, and it quickly became our go-to request for both holidays and meal prepping busy weeks.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing vegetables
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Mushrooms: 500 g (1 lb), sliced
- Spinach: 200 g (7 oz), roughly chopped
- Carrot: 1 medium, grated
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Passata or crushed tomatoes: 700 ml (24 oz)
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Balsamic vinegar: 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil or vegan butter: 3 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 3 tablespoons
- Soy or oat milk (unsweetened): 750 ml (3 cups)
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Dry lasagna sheets (vegan): 250 g (9 oz)
- Nutritional yeast: 3 tablespoons, optional for cheesy flavor
- Fresh basil: for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Mushrooms and Carrot:
- Add mushrooms and carrot. Cook for 6–8 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.
- Add Spinach and Seasonings:
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Tomato Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine passata, tomato paste, sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make Vegan Béchamel:
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil or vegan butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually add plant milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by half the vegetable mixture, some tomato sauce, and a layer of béchamel. Repeat layers, finishing with lasagna sheets, remaining béchamel, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Save My kids love helping layer the noodles, and hearing their laughter while we cook together always makes this lasagna taste even better. Sharing a tray for cozy evenings has become an unspoken family tradition.
Required Tools
Large skillet, saucepan, whisk, baking dish (23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch)), sharp knife, and spatula are all must-haves for preparing and assembling the layers efficiently.
Allergen Information
This dish contains gluten unless using gluten-free pasta and flour. If opting for soy milk, be mindful of soy allergies. Always check store-bought ingredients for hidden animal products or allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has around 365 calories, 10 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein, making it satisfying yet light enough for second helpings.
Save Serve with a fresh green salad and extra basil for a truly homey vegan Italian feast. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute kale for spinach?
Yes, kale can be used instead of spinach. It offers a slightly firmer texture and robust flavor that complements the mushrooms well.
- → How do I make the béchamel without dairy?
The béchamel is created using plant-based milk such as soy or oat, along with olive oil or vegan butter and flour to build a creamy sauce without dairy.
- → What type of mushrooms work best?
Button or cremini mushrooms are ideal for their mild flavor and meaty texture, which enhance the dish’s heartiness.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, it can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving, making it convenient for meal planning or gatherings.
- → Are gluten-free pasta sheets a suitable alternative?
Gluten-free lasagna sheets can be used to accommodate dietary needs without compromising the layered structure and overall taste.
- → What is the purpose of nutritional yeast in the layers?
Nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy flavor and depth to the dish, enhancing the savory profile without dairy.