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Portobello Mushroom Lasagna

This recipe outlines the creation of a rich Portobello Mushroom Lasagna. It features homemade béchamel sauce, tender sautéed portobello mushrooms, and layers of pasta, all baked to golden perfection with Parmesan cheese. Ideal for a comforting and hearty vegetarian main course.
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 people
Calories 4343.1 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot For cooking lasagna noodles
  • 1 Saucepan For simmering milk and making béchamel sauce
  • 1 Large Saute Pan For cooking mushrooms
  • 1 Baking Dish 8x12x2-inch
  • 1 Whisk Essential for a smooth béchamel

Ingredients
  

Main

  • Kosher salt
  • Good olive oil
  • 3/4 pound dried lasagna noodles
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 12 tablespoons 11/2 sticks unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 pounds portobello mushrooms
  • 1 cup freshly ground Parmesan

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon salt and a splash of oil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.
  • For the white sauce, bring the milk to a simmer in a saucepan. Set aside. Melt 8 tablespoons (1 stick) of the butter in a large saucepan. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Pour the hot milk into the butter-flour mixture all at once. Add 1 tablespoon salt, the pepper, and nutmeg, and cook over medium-low heat, stirring first with the wooden spoon and then with a whisk, for 3 to 5 minutes, until thick. Set aside off the heat.
  • Separate the mushroom stems from the caps and discard the stems. Slice the caps 1/4-inch thick. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large (12-inch) saute pan. When the butter melts, add half the mushrooms, sprinkle with salt, and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and they release some of their juices. If they become too dry, add a little more oil. Toss occasionally to make sure the mushrooms cook evenly. Repeat with the remaining mushrooms and set all the mushrooms aside.
  • To assemble the lasagna, spread some of the sauce in the bottom of an 8 by 12 by 2-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of noodles on top, then more sauce, then 1/3 of the mushrooms, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Repeat 2 more times, layering noodles, sauce, mushrooms, and Parmesan. Top with a final layer of noodles and sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.
  • Bake the lasagna for 45 minutes, or until the top is browned the sauce is bubbly and hot. Allow to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes and serve hot.

Notes

For a truly smooth béchamel, ensure continuous whisking as you add the hot milk to the roux; this prevents lumps and ensures a silky texture. When sautéing the portobello mushrooms, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding steams the mushrooms rather than browning them, which compromises their flavor and texture. A good sear is essential for deep umami notes. Finally, the 15-minute resting period after baking is non-negotiable. It allows the lasagna to set, making for cleaner slices and preventing a watery, collapsed mess when served.