Ingredients
2 large eggplants for noodle substitute
3 ½ tablespoons olive oil for roasting
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt for seasoning
½ teaspoon black pepper for flavor
16 ounces sliced cremini (baby bella) mushrooms for sauce base
3 cloves garlic for aroma
½ teaspoon oregano for Italian flavor
1 (24-ounce) can prepared marinara-style pasta sauce for base
1 (15-ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese for filling
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach for nutrients
½ cup grated Parmesan for nutty taste
1 large egg for binding
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for layers
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, thyme, or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1-First Step: Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare the eggplant slices. Slice 2 large eggplants lengthwise into 3/4-inch thick pieces, about 8 slices total, then arrange them on baking sheets. Brush with 2 ½ tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper for even seasoning.
2-Second Step: Roast the eggplant in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. This step helps achieve a tender texture without sogginess, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F once done.
3-Third Step: In a skillet, heat the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and sauté 16 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms until soft, about 7 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon oregano, cooking for 2 more minutes before stirring in 1 (24-ounce) can of marinara sauce. Remove from heat once combined.
4-Fourth Step: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 (15-ounce) container of part-skim ricotta cheese, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, 1 large egg, the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Stir in 1 (10-ounce) package of thawed and squeezed spinach until fully mixed, creating a creamy filling.
5-Fifth Step: Assemble the lasagna in a 9×13-inch baking dish by spreading half of the mushroom sauce on the bottom. Layer with 4 roasted eggplant slices, then add all of the ricotta mixture on top. Follow with the remaining eggplant slices and the rest of the sauce.
6-Sixth Step: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan over the top. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Finally, garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs, let it rest for 5-10 minutes, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🌟 Roasting eggplant first ensures a tender texture.
🥗 This dish can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
🍗 For added protein, substitute mushrooms with ground turkey, chicken, beef, or sausage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting, Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-free, Keto-friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
