How to Make Easy Vegan Lasagna ? This homemade vegan lasagna recipe is perfect. It has layers of noodles, creamy vegan ricotta, marinara sauce, and veggies. It’s a hit in any home, whether you’re a vegan pro or just starting out.
This lasagna is great for any meal, from weeknights to holidays. It’s made with just a few ingredients and simple steps. You’ll get a delicious, golden lasagna that’s also healthier because it’s plant-based.
We’ll show you how to make an easy vegan lasagna that you’ll love. You’ll learn to make vegan ricotta and marinara sauce. Then, you’ll put it all together and bake it to perfection. So, get your apron ready and let’s start making a vegan lasagna that will change your mind about vegan food!
Key Takeaways
- This vegan lasagna recipe is a delicious and comforting plant-based alternative to traditional lasagna, featuring layers of noodles, vegan ricotta, marinara sauce, and vegetables.
- The recipe is easy to follow and can be prepared in about 1 hour and 35 minutes, with a cooking time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- The lasagna is assembled with 12 un-cooked noodles, 2 jars of spaghetti sauce (48 ounces total), 2 heaping cups of vegan ricotta (approximately 16 ounces), and 1 package of frozen spinach (10-12 ounces).
- Optional ingredients include 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves and 1 cup of vegan mozzarella shreds.
- The lasagna is baked at 375°F for 25 minutes covered with foil, followed by an additional 20 minutes uncovered, yielding a 9″x13″ lasagna with 29 grams of protein per serving.
Introduction to Vegan Lasagna
Vegan lasagna is a tasty twist on the classic Italian dish. It’s a comforting meal that doesn’t use animal products. This healthy vegan lasagna shows how plant-based cooking can be both tasty and good for you.
What is Vegan Lasagna?
Vegan lasagna is a layered pasta dish. It has lasagna noodles, vegan ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, veggies, and vegan mozzarella cheese. Here’s what you need for this meatless lasagna:
- 12 lasagna sheets or noodles
- 2 cups (480 ml) of vegan ricotta cheese
- 1 jar (3 cups or 710 ml) of marinara sauce
- 4 cups (960 ml) of shredded vegan mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound (453.6 grams) of vegan ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Benefits of Making Vegan Lasagna
Making vegan lasagna has many benefits. It’s a tasty addition to your plant-based meals. It also has:
- Less fat and calories than traditional lasagna
- More fiber for better digestion
- It’s perfect for vegans or those wanting more plant-based meals
- It’s a high-protein vegan meal, with about 15 grams of protein per serving
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 461 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 43 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Total Fat | 23 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
Vegan lasagna is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal without compromising their plant-based lifestyle.
Ingredients for Easy Vegan Lasagna
Making a tasty vegan lasagna is simple. You just need the right ingredients. This way, you can create a meal that everyone will love. Here’s what you’ll need:
Lasagna Noodles
Choose your favorite lasagna noodles. You can pick regular, whole grain, or gluten-free noodles. This recipe needs 16 sheets, which is what you usually find in a box. If you use no-boil noodles, you’ll save time.
Vegan Ricotta Cheese
For a creamy lasagna, you need good ricotta cheese. You can buy it or make your own. To make cashew ricotta, blend 1 cup of cashews until smooth. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. You’ll need 2 cups of vegan ricotta.
Marinara Sauce
A great marinara sauce is key for a delicious lasagna. You’ll need 42 ounces of tomato sauce. You can use two jars, one 28 ounces and one 14 ounces. For a true Italian taste, use San Marzano tomatoes.
Vegetables and Seasonings
To make your lasagna better, add different vegetables. This recipe uses:
- 1 medium-sized white onion, diced
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large eggplant (14 ounces), evenly cut and cubed
- 9-12 ounces of vegan meat alternative crumbles (e.g., Beyond Meat)
Cook the onion and garlic for 5 minutes. Then, cook the eggplant for about 10 minutes until it’s soft. Add the vegan meat and cook for 3 more minutes. Season with 3/4 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lasagna Noodles | 16 sheets | Regular, whole grain, gluten-free, or no-boil |
| Vegan Ricotta | 2 cups | Homemade or store-bought |
| Marinara Sauce | 42 ounces | Two jars (28 oz + 14 oz) |
| Vegan Mozzarella | 3 cups | Shredded |
| Fresh Basil | To taste | Optional, for garnish |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Lasagna
Making vegan lasagna is easy and rewarding. This recipe serves 12, great for family dinners or leftovers. You’ll need lasagna noodles, vegan ricotta, marinara sauce, veggies, and spices.
First, cook the lasagna noodles as the package says. You need 12 noodles. While they cook, make the vegan ricotta and sauté the veggies. The ricotta takes 20-30 minutes, and the veggies 5-7 minutes to brown.
To assemble, start with marinara sauce at the bottom of a dish. Use 48 oz of sauce. Then, layer noodles, ricotta, veggies, and vegan mozzarella. Repeat until you’ve used all ingredients, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.
| Layer | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 1 | Marinara sauce (10 oz) |
| 2 | Lasagna noodles, ricotta, lentils, sauce |
| 3 | Lasagna noodles, ricotta, lentils, sauce |
| 4 | Lasagna noodles, remaining sauce, mozzarella cheese |
After assembling, cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 50-60 minutes. Remove foil for a golden top in the last 10-15 minutes. Let it cool for 30 minutes before slicing.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for 5 days or frozen for 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm and bubbly.
The key to a delicious vegan lasagna is layering the ingredients evenly and using quality components like homemade vegan ricotta and a flavorful marinara sauce.
Follow this guide to make a delicious vegan lasagna. It will impress everyone, whether they eat plants or meat. Happy cooking!
How to Make Easy Vegan Lasagna
Making vegan lasagna is simpler than you might think. Just a few ingredients and some layering are needed. You’ll get a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any time.
Preparing the Vegan Ricotta
A tasty vegan ricotta is key to a great lasagna. Blend 8 oz drained tofu, hummus or cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, and basil until smooth. This creamy mix adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Assembling the Lasagna Layers
It’s time to layer the lasagna. Start with a thin marinara sauce layer in a 9×13 inch dish. Add 3-4 lasagna noodles, then half the vegan ricotta and 8 oz frozen spinach. Top with more sauce and repeat, using 9-12 noodles. Finish with a layer of sauce and vegan mozzarella cheese.
| Layer | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 1 | Marinara sauce |
| 2 | Lasagna noodles |
| 3 | Vegan ricotta, spinach |
| 4 | Marinara sauce |
| 5 | Lasagna noodles |
| 6 | Vegan ricotta, spinach |
| 7 | Marinara sauce, vegan mozzarella |
Baking and Serving
Cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes. For a crispy top, broil for 3-5 minutes. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving, garnished with fresh basil.
With the right oven times, you’ll have a golden-brown masterpiece. This recipe makes 6 servings, great for family dinners or leftovers. For more ideas, check out this vegan lasagna recipe.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Vegan Lasagna
Making the perfect vegan lasagna is simpler than you think. A few easy tips can make your lasagna delicious, melty, and full of flavor. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Choosing the Right Noodles
For vegan lasagna, choose high-quality, thick noodles that hold layers well. No-boil noodles save time, as they don’t need pre-cooking. This recipe uses a 16-ounce package of lasagna noodles. Boil them for about 9 minutes before assembling.
Optimizing Vegan Cheese Melting
For the best melty vegan mozzarella, pick brands like Daiya or Miyoko’s. They melt well. For creaminess, make a homemade cashew cream. Blend 2 cups of soaked cashews with 1 cup of water until smooth.
Enhancing Flavor with Seasonings
Seasoning your vegan lasagna is key to a flavorful dish. This recipe includes:
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil (plus ¼ cup in the tofu mixture)
- ½ cup chopped parsley (plus ¼ cup in the tofu mixture)
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus ½ teaspoon in the tofu mixture)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste in the tofu mixture)
These seasonings boost the flavor of your marinara sauce and tofu ricotta. Feel free to adjust amounts to your liking.
By following these tips, you’ll make a delicious vegan lasagna. Remember to cover it for the first 30 minutes to prevent drying. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing for the best results.
Variations and Customizations
This vegan lasagna recipe is very versatile. You can change it to fit your taste, dietary needs, or use what you have. Whether you want a veggie lasagna full of nutrients or an allergy-friendly lasagna for everyone, there are many lasagna variations to try.
Adding More Vegetables
To make your vegan lasagna even healthier, add more veggies. Try sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots, or kale for different tastes and textures. This recipe can handle 3-4 cups of raw veggies, so pick your favorites.
By adding extra veggies, you make your lasagna heartier and more nutritious. It’s a great way to make a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Gluten-Free and Nut-Free Options
If you need a gluten-free or nut-free lasagna, this recipe works. For a gluten-free veggie lasagna, use gluten-free lasagna noodles instead of regular ones. Try using an 8 oz. box of gluten-free Chickapea oven ready noodles for a tasty and safe option.
To avoid nuts, use tofu or chickpea ricotta instead of cashew-based. The recipe calls for 15 oz. of chickpeas, 1/3 cup of almond flour, and 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast. Replace almond flour with coconut flour or more chickpeas for a creamy, nut-free ricotta.
| Variation | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Mushroom Lasagna | 2 cups sliced mushrooms1 tbsp olive oil1 tsp garlic powder | Sauté mushrooms in olive oil until tender.Add garlic powder and cook for 1 minute.Layer mushrooms into lasagna. |
| Spinach Lasagna | 4 cups fresh spinach1 tbsp olive oil1 tsp Italian seasoning | Sauté spinach in olive oil until wilted.Add Italian seasoning and mix well.Layer spinach into lasagna. |
Try different lasagna variations and customizing your vegan lasagna to your taste. This way, you can make a dish that’s not only delicious but also fits your dietary needs. So, get creative in the kitchen and make your perfect veggie lasagna!
Storing and Reheating Vegan Lasagna
Vegan lasagna is perfect for make ahead meals. You can assemble it in advance, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This is great for busy weeknights or when you have guests coming over.
Storing leftovers is easy. Place the cooled lasagna in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 3-4 minutes or until hot. For larger portions, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Freezing vegan lasagna is also a good option. You can freeze the whole lasagna or individual slices for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. If frozen, add 30-45 minutes to the baking time.
Pro Tip: For optimal results, allow the lasagna to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing much easier.
Here are some tips for storing and reheating vegan lasagna:
- Max storage duration in the fridge: 5 days
- Reheating time after freezing: 30-45 minutes (after thawing in the fridge overnight)
- Recommended oven temperature for baking: 400°F (200°C)
- Recommended resting time before cutting: 10 minutes
With these tips, you can enjoy your vegan lasagna whenever you want. Whether it’s a make-ahead meal or leftovers, indulge in this comforting, plant-based dish without hassle!
FAQ
What is vegan lasagna?
Vegan lasagna is a plant-based version of the classic Italian dish. It’s made without animal products. It has lasagna noodles, vegan ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, vegetables, and vegan mozzarella cheese.
What are the benefits of making vegan lasagna?
Vegan lasagna is a comforting, satisfying meal. It’s lower in fat and calories and higher in fiber than traditional lasagna. It’s great for those who follow a vegan lifestyle or want to eat more plant-based meals.
What ingredients do I need to make vegan lasagna?
You’ll need lasagna noodles and vegan ricotta cheese for vegan lasagna. Use a good marinara sauce, vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms, and seasonings. Don’t forget vegan mozzarella cheese shreds for the top.
How do I make vegan ricotta cheese?
To make vegan ricotta, blend drained tofu, hummus or cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, and basil until smooth.
Can I prepare vegan lasagna in advance?
Yes, you can prepare vegan lasagna in advance. Assemble the lasagna, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
How long do leftovers last and how should I reheat them?
Leftovers last 4-5 days in the fridge. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until hot. You can also freeze the lasagna or slices for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Can I customize this vegan lasagna recipe?
Yes, you can customize this vegan lasagna recipe. Add more vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version. For a nut-free ricotta, use tofu or hummus instead of cashews. Make sure your vegan cheese is nut-free.
Conclusion
This easy vegan lasagna is a hit for dinner that will make everyone happy. It’s full of rich flavors and cozy textures. It’s great for any time, from weeknights to big celebrations.
The mix of soft lasagna noodles, tasty marinara sauce, creamy tofu ricotta, and gooey vegan mozzarella is amazing. It’s a vegan comfort food that’s just as good as the meaty kind.
Making this lasagna is simple, thanks to a clear recipe and easy-to-find ingredients. In just 1 hour and 15 minutes, you can make a tasty, healthy meal for up to 12 people. Each serving has about 430 calories.
You can also make it your own by adding your favorite veggies. It’s perfect for those who follow gluten-free or nut-free diets.
If you’re a vegan or just want to eat more plant-based, try this lasagna. You can keep leftovers in the fridge or freezer. It’s great for meal prep or enjoying later.
So, get your ingredients ready, preheat your oven, and enjoy a tasty vegan twist on a classic Italian dish!