Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the mushrooms and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned and all released liquid has evaporated. Stir in the garlic and baby spinach and cook until the spinach is just wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and smells slightly nutty. Gradually add the milk, about half a cup at a time, whisking well after each addition. Bring to a gentle simmer and whisk until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Give the ricotta a quick stir to loosen its texture.
- Spread 1/2 cup of béchamel across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles. Dollop half the ricotta across the noodles, scatter half the mushroom and spinach filling over the top, drizzle with béchamel, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and mozzarella.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining ricotta, mushroom filling, béchamel, and cheese. Top with a final layer of noodles. Pour the remaining béchamel over the top, spreading it to the corners and edges. Scatter the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the surface.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. For deeper browning, broil for 2 minutes with the oven rack in the upper third, watching closely.
- Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to firm up for clean, defined slices.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Flavor improves significantly by day two. Freezing: Cool completely, wrap tightly in two layers of foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Make-ahead: Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add 10 to 15 minutes to the covered bake time when baking from cold. Substitutions: Frozen spinach can replace fresh if thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry. The white part of a leek can replace shallots. Add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for subtle heat.
