I don’t say this lightly. This truly is the BEST Vegan Lasagna! Layered with a tofu-cashew ricotta, red lentil marinara and loads of fresh spinach, this lasagna is protein packed with 26 grams per serving and is sure to satisfy! 

vegan lasagna being picked up from the pan.

THE BEST VEGAN LASAGNA. After trying many different vegan lasagnas over the years since giving up animal products, I have finally come up with the WINNING RECIPE! At last, a lasagna that my whole family will eat without complaining.

Now, I adore a lasagna filled with zucchini, mushrooms, spinach and whatever other vegetables you’d like to put in it. However my children do not feel the same way! They just don’t want chunks of veggies in their lasagna. So I compromised.

There are still plenty of healthy ingredients in this vegan lasagna, such as red lentils, tomato sauce, tofu, cashews, spinach and whole grain noodles. And I promise, it’s delicious!

vegan lasagna photo from above

Let’s talk about red lentils for a minute.

They are my favorite lentil, especially for kids and picky eaters! Talk about a protein powerhouse. At 18 grams of protein per cup cooked, these add a TON of nutrition to this dish. And the best thing about them is that unlike green or brown lentils, red lentils kinda mush and mix in with whatever you put them in.

They are almost undetectable, and in pasta sauce they simply help create a “meaty” type texture without being very “beany”. Perfect for picky kids (or husbands)!

vegan lasagna in a casserole dish from side shot

Do I have to pre-cook my lasagna noodles?

No, you don’t have to pre-cook your lasagna noodles! That is one thing I just really can’t be bothered with. I mean, they all stick to each other no matter what I do, and the lasagna turns into mush in the oven.

Trust me, this works and it’s the reason for the 2 jars of pasta sauce. I know it seems like a lot, but it works perfectly!

bowl of red lentil marinara for vegan lasagna

I think you are going to LOVE this Vegan Lasagna!! It’s:

  • High Protein
  • Nutrition Packed
  • Creamy, Rich and Satisfying
  • Hearty
  • Comforting
  • Easy to Prepare

vegan lasagna, from above, on a spatula to serve.

Want more delicious vegan pasta recipes?

Vegan Baked Ziti

Instant Pot Vegan Alfredo

Spaghetti and Vegan Meatballs

Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese

If you make this recipe, let me know how it goes! Rate it, leave a comment and tag a photo @noracooksvegan on Instagram. Enjoy!

vegan lasagna being picked up from the pan.

The Best Vegan Lasagna

Servings: 8 large servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Author: Nora Taylor
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
This is hands down the BEST Vegan Lasagna. With a protein packed red lentil marinara sauce, tofu-cashew ricotta and lots of fresh spinach, this lasagna will satisfy everyone, vegan or not!
4.96 stars (369 ratings)
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Ingredients 

  • 1 cup dried red lentils
  • (2) 25-ounce jars marinara sauce
  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 16 ounce firm tofu, patted dry with paper towels
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, from about 2 lemons
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2-3 cups baby spinach
  • 1 box lasagna noodles, whole grain or gluten free if needed
  • Double recipe Easy Vegan Mozzarella Cheese
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • First, cook your red lentils. Add 1 cup dried red lentils and 3 cups of water to a medium pot. Bring to a boil, and then simmer for about 20 minutes. Drain the lentils in a fine strainer, and then add to a large bowl. Add both jars of marinara to the bowl with the lentils and mix to combine. Set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Make the Cashew-Tofu Ricotta: Add the cashews to a food processor and process until fine and crumbly. Then add the tofu in chunks, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, basil, oregano and garlic powder to the food processor. Pulse until well combined and pretty smooth.
  • Assembling the lasagna: Add about 1 cup of marinara sauce (with the cooked lentils) to the bottom of a large 9 x 13 inch casserole dish or lasagna pan. Spread it around evenly. Next add 4-5 lasagna noodles (uncooked). Spread half of the Cashew-Tofu Ricotta on top of the noodles. Top with half of the spinach. Add about 1 cup of the marinara sauce over the spinach, then place 4-5 lasagna noodles on top. Spread the rest of the Ricotta over the noodles, then the rest of the spinach. Place 4-5 more noodles on top of the spinach, and then pour the rest of the sauce over the top, evenly. 
  • Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 1 hour. Let cool at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving. (see below if using optional mozzarella topping)
  • While the lasagna is cooking, make your Vegan Mozzarella Cheese, if using.
  • If using the mozzarella topping, simply remove the lasagna after 40 minutes of cooking in the oven. Spoon on the mozzarella, and pop it back in the oven for another 20 minutes. Remove, let cool for at least 15 minutes and serve.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 497kcal, Carbohydrates: 75g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 700mg, Potassium: 1149mg, Fiber: 14g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 1479IU, Vitamin C: 18mg, Calcium: 139mg, Iron: 7mg

 

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