Heartwarming Vegetarian Spinach, Carrot, and Mushroom Lasagna: A Beloved Family Tradition

This vegetarian Spinach, Carrot, and Mushroom Lasagna holds a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious flavors, but because it symbolizes precious quality time spent with my cherished family. Every layer of pasta, every dollop of creamy ricotta, and every vibrant vegetable is infused with the love and connection we share, making it more than just a meal – it’s a memory in the making.

The Enduring Power of Family Meals

Family time truly means everything to me. For many years, my life has been defined by distance from my loved ones. After moving away for college, a mere 90-minute drive meant monthly visits. Then came a semester abroad in Ireland, a long four months without seeing their faces. The pattern continued after graduation, as my first “big girl job” placed me 2.5 hours away. There are countless days when I yearn to live closer, to simply call them up in the morning and spontaneously invite them over for dinner that same evening. Instead, our reunions require careful planning: weekend visits, often stretching into two-night stays. Sometimes, my brother can’t even make it due to work commitments. This geographical challenge makes our time together incredibly precious, and every shared meal becomes an event to cherish.

When my family does manage to visit, I always make sure to ask if there’s anything special they’d like me to cook. It’s not often I get the chance to prepare a large, elaborate home-cooked meal for everyone. Without fail, one request surfaces repeatedly: my Spinach, Carrot, and Mushroom Lasagna. This particular vegetarian lasagna recipe is not just a dish; it’s a tradition, reserved for these special gatherings. Today, I’m thrilled to be teaming up with McCormick to share my American Homemade story. This collaboration allows me to illustrate how this very Spinach, Carrot, and Mushroom Lasagna bridges the distance, brings my family closer, and helps us forge invaluable memories around the dinner table, making the most of our limited time together.

The Weekend Ritual: From Travel to Table

Our family visits typically begin on Friday night, with the eager anticipation of their arrival filling my home. Saturdays are often spent exploring, whether it’s a day trip to the vibrant streets of Washington D.C. or the historic Inner Harbor of Baltimore, or perhaps a relaxed day of shopping. Dinner on Saturday is usually quick and convenient – either dining out at a local restaurant or a simple pizza thrown into the oven. It’s a day for adventures and easygoing fun, saving our culinary efforts for the grand finale.

Sunday: The Heart of Our Home-Cooked Tradition

Sunday is truly the day that means the most to me – it’s when I plan and execute a big, elaborate home-cooked meal with all the trimmings. This isn’t just about the main course; it includes delicious side dishes, usually fresh vegetables and artisanal bread, and a delightful dessert to round it all off. My mom, a fantastic cook herself, often lends a helping hand with the prep work. Sometimes even my dad joins in, especially if there’s a serious “potato duty” to be done! Our kitchen transforms into a bustling hub of activity, filled with laughter, conversation, and the delightful aromas of ingredients coming together. It’s during these moments of shared cooking that some of our fondest memories are made.

Why This Vegetarian Lasagna is So Special

Making this particular Spinach, Carrot, and Mushroom Lasagna is a special occasion for a couple of key reasons. Firstly, since I normally cook for one, preparing a full-sized lasagna recipe means a significant amount of delicious leftovers. Unfortunately, my freezer isn’t deep enough to store extra batches, not even a cookie sheet to chill cookie dough! This means the lasagna is truly a dish designed for sharing, perfect for when I have company.

Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, this vegetarian lasagna was specifically created with my family in mind. Before I moved out, Mom would often request it for her special days, like Mother’s Day and her birthday. She isn’t a huge fan of meat dishes, so I developed this recipe packed full of vibrant spinach, sweet carrots, and earthy mushrooms just for her. My dad, bless his heart, eats pretty much anything, while my brother, like my mom, can be quite particular about meats. This versatile and flavorful vegetarian lasagna satisfies everyone, making it the perfect centerpiece for our family gatherings. It’s a testament to how thoughtful cooking can cater to individual preferences while bringing everyone to the same table.

Elevating Flavors with McCormick Spices and FlavorPrint

Growing up, our kitchen relied heavily on dried herbs for cooking. They were always more affordable and convenient than fresh, a practical choice for a busy family. To this day, McCormick spices are a staple in my pantry. For this special lasagna, I incorporate dried basil, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper into the rich tomato sauce, adding a little extra love and depth of flavor that dried herbs uniquely provide. The consistent quality of McCormick spices ensures that the taste is always perfect, bringing warmth and familiarity to every bite.

McCormick is truly all about flavor, and they’ve created an innovative tool called FlavorPrint. This personalized recommendation system is fantastic for anyone looking to discover new recipes tailored to their palate. When you create a profile on FlavorPrint, it asks you about the flavors and tastes you love, then provides recipe suggestions based on your unique preferences. It’s like having a personal chef who knows exactly what you’ll enjoy! My top three flavors turned out to be Coffee/Chocolate, Cooling, and Vanilla – which sounds absolutely right for me! I highly recommend signing up now to find recipes based on the flavors you love; it’s a wonderful way to explore new culinary horizons and elevate your home cooking.

Crafting the Perfect Vegetarian Spinach, Carrot, and Mushroom Lasagna

Creating the perfect lasagna is an art, and this vegetarian version is no exception. The key lies in balancing the vibrant vegetables with a rich, savory tomato sauce and a creamy ricotta filling. For the sauce, I start with a base of sautéed onions and garlic, building layers of flavor before adding crushed tomatoes and a generous blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a robust foundation for the lasagna. The carrots add a touch of sweetness and beautiful color, while the mushrooms contribute an earthy depth that meatless dishes often benefit from.

The ricotta filling, combined with cooked spinach, is seasoned perfectly to complement the sauce and vegetables. Layering is crucial: tender lasagna noodles, generously spread with the savory sauce, followed by the creamy ricotta and vegetable mixture, and finished with slices of mozzarella and sprinkles of Parmesan cheese. Each layer contributes to the symphony of textures and tastes. Baking it first covered, then uncovered, ensures the lasagna is cooked through and bubbling, with a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping. Cooling for a few minutes after baking allows the layers to set, making for a cleaner, more satisfying slice. This careful process transforms simple ingredients into a truly memorable dish that’s worth every moment of preparation.

Spinach, Carrot, and Mushroom Lasagna

Yield:
12

Prep Time:
1 hour

Cook Time:
45 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 45 minutes

To save time, making the sauce and assembling the lasagna can be done ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use/bake.

Ingredients

Tomato Sauce

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion (roughly 1 medium onion)
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 3 (14 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juices
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Lasagna

• 10 uncooked lasagna noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion (roughly 1 small onion)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced into coins (roughly 2 carrots)
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cooked spinach, water squeezed out (roughly 10 ounces frozen spinach)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 14 slices mozzarella cheese, broken into 28 half slices
• 6 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. For the sauce: In a large saucepan, heat the oil. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the tomatoes with juices, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered for 20 minutes or until tomatoes break down and sauce starts to thicken, stirring occasionally.
2. Remove from the heat. Very carefully add the sauce to a blender. Blend until smooth. Caution – hot mixtures tend to expand more when blended, so you may need to blend the sauce in two batches so it doesn’t splash everywhere.
3. Preheat oven to 375F. Have a 13×9 pan ready.
4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles for 10 minutes. Drain and let cool.
5. In a large deep skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, carrots, and mushrooms and cook until softened, 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in the ricotta, spinach, and salt until smooth. Cook another 5 minutes or until heated through.
6. Spread a few spoonfuls of sauce in the bottom of the 13×9 pan. Add 3 noodles flat on top, making 3 rows. Add 9 mozzarella half slices on top. Spoon half of the ricotta filling on top then cover with 1/3 of the remaining sauce. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese on top. Top with another 3 noodles.
7. Repeat with another 9 half cheese slices, the rest of the ricotta filling, another 1/3 of the remaining sauce, and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Finish with the remaining 3 noodles, the rest of the sauce, the remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, and remaining 10 half cheese slices.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted on top and the lasagna is hot. Cool for 10 minutes then serve immediately.

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Beyond the Plate: Making Lasting Memories

The Spinach, Carrot, and Mushroom Lasagna, beyond being a delicious vegetarian meal, is a vessel for creating lasting memories. It’s a focal point around which stories are shared, laughter echoes, and the bonds of family are strengthened. In a world where busy schedules and distances often keep us apart, these home-cooked meals become invaluable opportunities to reconnect and reinforce our shared history. Each bite is a reminder of the love, effort, and joy that went into its preparation, making every family gathering truly unforgettable. It’s more than just sustenance; it’s a celebration of togetherness, a legacy passed down through flavors and traditions that will be cherished for generations to come.

Want more family meal inspiration? Here are a few other comforting and delicious recipes I often make for my loved ones:

Wonton Soup

Guinness Shepherd’s Pie (double the recipe for a family of four)

Chicken Pot Pie Topped With Bacon Cheddar Biscuits

Haluski (Cabbage And Noodles)

Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs with Garlic Blue Cheese Sauce

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post through McCormick and Kitchen PLAY. All words and photographs are my own.