Lasagna is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style. It’s rich, filling, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings. If you’re looking for a hearty, flavor-packed vegan lasagna recipe that’s simple to make and completely dairy- and meat-free, this is it. This easy vegan lasagna uses simple, affordable ingredients while delivering all the textures and flavors you expect from traditional lasagna.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting to explore plant-based meals, this recipe offers a foolproof guide to making lasagna that satisfies every craving without compromising on your values—or your taste buds.
Why This Vegan Lasagna Recipe Works
Veganizing lasagna might sound intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. In fact, when you remove the dairy and meat and replace them with plant-based alternatives, you end up with a dish that’s not only more nutritious, but also lighter, more sustainable, and just as satisfying.
Here’s why this easy vegan lasagna recipe stands out:
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Layers of flavor from rich tomato sauce, creamy vegan ricotta, and tender noodles
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Customizable for gluten-free, soy-free, or oil-free diets
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Great for meal prep – make ahead and enjoy leftovers all week
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Omnivore-approved – perfect for serving to mixed-diet families and friends
Ingredients for Easy Vegan Lasagna
You don’t need specialty products to make this lasagna. Everything can be found at most grocery stores or already in your pantry.
For the Sauce:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, finely diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon dried basil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
For the Vegan Ricotta:
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1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup fresh basil or spinach, finely chopped
Other Ingredients:
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9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
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2 cups fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
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1 medium zucchini, sliced thin (optional)
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1 cup dairy-free shredded mozzarella (optional topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Make the Vegan Ricotta
While the sauce simmers, crumble the tofu into a food processor. Add lemon juice, olive oil, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth but still slightly grainy—like traditional ricotta. Stir in chopped basil or spinach for added flavor and color.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
If using traditional lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. If using oven-ready noodles, no pre-cooking is necessary—just layer as directed.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Now build your layers:
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Spread 1/2 cup of sauce on the bottom of the dish.
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Lay down 3–4 noodles.
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Spread a generous layer of vegan ricotta over the noodles.
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Add a handful of spinach and a few slices of zucchini (if using).
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Spoon sauce over the veggies.
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Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, ending with sauce on top.
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Sprinkle dairy-free shredded cheese on top, if desired.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is bubbling and slightly browned.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Let the lasagna sit for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Lasagna
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Press your tofu well: This helps remove excess water for a creamier ricotta texture.
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Don’t skip resting after baking: Lasagna slices more neatly when it's had time to cool slightly.
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Customize your veggies: Roasted red peppers, mushrooms, eggplant, or kale all make great additions.
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Double the recipe: Lasagna freezes beautifully. Make two trays—one for now, one for later.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This easy vegan lasagna is perfect for preparing in advance. You can fully assemble it, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.
Storing:
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freeze: Freeze whole or in individual portions. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
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Reheat: Bake from frozen at 375°F for 40–45 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 3–4 minutes.
Nutritional Benefits of Vegan Lasagna
Lasagna might have a reputation as indulgent, but this vegan version is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients:
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High in plant-based protein from tofu and whole grains
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Rich in fiber thanks to veggies and whole wheat noodles (if using)
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Lower in saturated fat than traditional lasagna
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No cholesterol, because it’s entirely plant-based
By using tofu for the ricotta and packing in vegetables, you're upgrading the nutrition without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Serving Suggestions
Vegan lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
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A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
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Garlic bread or whole grain rolls
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A glass of red wine or sparkling water with citrus
Looking to impress dinner guests or feed a hungry family? This meal is hearty, elegant, and crowd-pleasing.
Customize Your Vegan Lasagna
Make this dish your own by trying one of these creative variations:
Mushroom & Walnut Meat Lasagna
Add sautéed mushrooms and ground walnuts seasoned with soy sauce and garlic for a “meaty” bite.
Sweet Potato Lasagna
Swap the ricotta layer with mashed sweet potatoes mixed with tahini and garlic for a creamy, sweet-savory twist.
Pesto Lasagna
Add dollops of vegan pesto between the layers for an herby burst of flavor.
Gluten-Free Lasagna
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and double-check labels for other ingredients. Everything else stays the same.
Why You’ll Make This Again and Again
Lasagna is one of those dishes that satisfies on every level: texture, taste, and comfort. Once you discover how easy it is to make a vegan version that doesn’t skimp on richness or satisfaction, it’ll quickly become part of your regular meal rotation. It’s also ideal for entertaining guests, feeding a family, or freezing for future dinners.
If you’re someone who loves sharing plant-based meals and values cruelty-free living, you’ll also love The Dharma Store. They sell vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton—a great way to wear your compassion and spark conversations around plant-based living.
Final Thoughts
This easy vegan lasagna recipe proves that you don’t need meat, dairy, or complicated ingredients to make an incredibly delicious, hearty lasagna. With its creamy tofu ricotta, rich tomato sauce, and layers of flavor, it’s everything you love about traditional lasagna—only better for you, the animals, and the planet.
Whether you're making it for your family, bringing it to a potluck, or stocking your freezer with ready-made meals, this plant-based version delivers every time. So grab your baking dish, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a comforting classic—vegan-style.