One-Pan Smoky Veggie Lentil Lasagne (Printable Version)

Hearty meat-free lasagne featuring smoky lentils and vegetables, layered with creamy béchamel and baked in one pan.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetable Bolognese

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 9 ounces mushrooms, chopped
07 - 2 medium zucchini, diced
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
12 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
13 - 14.5 ounces canned chopped tomatoes
14 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
15 - 2/3 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
16 - 2 cups vegetable stock
17 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Béchamel Sauce

18 - 1.5 tablespoons unsalted butter
19 - 3 tablespoons plain flour
20 - 2.5 cups whole milk
21 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
22 - 2/3 cup grated mature cheddar or vegetarian hard cheese
23 - Salt and white pepper, to taste

→ Assembly

24 - 9-12 no-boil lasagne sheets
25 - 2 ounces grated mozzarella or vegetarian cheese
26 - Fresh basil leaves

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Add carrot, red pepper, mushrooms, and zucchini. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and beginning to brown.
04 - Stir in smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, chili flakes, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
05 - Add canned tomatoes, soy sauce, red lentils, and vegetable stock. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender and sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
06 - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, then cook for 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in nutmeg, cheese, salt, and white pepper.
07 - Remove half the vegetable bolognese from the pan and set aside. Layer 1/3 of the béchamel over the remaining sauce, then top with lasagne sheets, breaking to fit the pan.
08 - Spread half the reserved bolognese over the pasta, pour over another third of béchamel, and add another layer of lasagne sheets.
09 - Finish with remaining bolognese, top with final lasagne sheets, and pour over remaining béchamel. Sprinkle with grated mozzarella.
10 - Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11 - Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The one-pan method means less washing up and more time enjoying dinner
  • Red lentils create a satisfying texture that feels substantial and hearty
  • The smoky depth makes you forget this is entirely plant-based
02 -
  • The sauce needs to be quite thick before layering, or your lasagne will be watery
  • No-boil sheets absorb moisture differently than fresh pasta, so don't skip the resting time
  • The foil should be loose to prevent steam from making the top soggy
03 -
  • Grate your own cheese rather than buying pre-grated—it melts significantly better
  • Use a pan you're certain is oven-safe before starting the one-pan method
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