The Best Vegan Lasagne Recipe You’ll Ever Find! (No Tofu and No Nuts!)

Vegan Lasagne are a simple and tasty main dish, a vegetal reinterpretation of the great classic of Italian tradition, Lasagne Bolognese. Ideal for those who follow a diet free of animal products and for those intolerant to eggs or lactose, they will be able to conquer even the most demanding omnivorous guest.

Here we propose a sauce made with seitan, a highly protein food obtained from the gluten of soft wheat or other cereals, blended and slowly cooked with a mirepoix of celery, carrots and onion, tomato puree and soy milk; if the dish is intended for celiac guests, however, we suggest you replace it with a ragout of vegetables, lentils or beans.

Then you just need to alternate the sheets of fresh eggless pasta with the dressing and with generous spoonfuls of vegan béchamel sauce made from rice milk, margarine and flour. The result, after baking, is a rich, creamy and succulent dish, excellent for Sunday lunch or for a convivial dinner with friends.

What Are Vegan Lasagne?

Lasagne, one of Italy's most beloved dishes, has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Originating in the Emilia-Romagna region, traditional lasagne featured layers of flat pasta sheets alternated with hearty fillings such as meat, cheese, and béchamel sauce. The dish evolved over centuries to become a staple of Italian cuisine, renowned for its comforting and indulgent flavors.

Vegan lasagne, a plant-based twist on the classic, began to gain popularity in the late 20th century alongside the rise of vegetarianism and veganism. Initially embraced by niche health-conscious communities, vegan lasagne substituted traditional meat and dairy ingredients with innovative plant-based alternatives like lentils, tofu, cashew cream, and nutritional yeast. By the 2010s, as veganism gained mainstream traction due to environmental, ethical, and health concerns, vegan lasagne grew into a widely embraced option, appearing on restaurant menus, in cookbooks, and across food blogs worldwide.

Pro Tips for The Best Vegan Lasagne

• Allow the tomato sauce to simmer long enough to develop a rich, flavorful base. Adding herbs like basil or oregano can elevate its taste.
• Whisk the vegan béchamel sauce continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a creamy consistency.
• Alternate the layers evenly, starting with sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking and ensuring all the pasta sheets are fully covered with sauce for proper cooking.
• Let the lasagne sit for about 10–15 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make slicing easier.
• Add breadcrumbs, vegan parmesan, or fresh herbs on top for added texture and flavor.

Are Dried Lasagne Sheets Vegan?

Dried pasta sheets for lasagne are often vegan, as they are typically made with just semolina flour and water. However, some brands may include eggs in their recipes, which would make them non-vegan. Always check the ingredient list to confirm whether the pasta sheets are egg-free and suitable for a vegan diet.

What Can I Use Instead of Seitan?

Yes, seitan can be substituted with other protein-rich ingredients in the ragout. Some great vegan alternatives include lentils, crumbled tofu, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or finely chopped mushrooms. These options provide a similar hearty texture and absorb flavors well, making them ideal for a vegan ragout.

What's a Good Substitute for Cheese in Vegan Lasagne?

A good substitute for cheese in vegan lasagne includes cashew cream, almond ricotta, or a blend of nutritional yeast and tofu for a creamy, tangy flavor. Store-bought vegan cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan alternatives, can also mimic the texture and taste of traditional cheese.

What Can I Serve With Vegan Lasagne?

Vegan lasagne pairs well with a fresh side salad, such as arugula with a lemon vinaigrette or mixed greens with balsamic dressing. You can also serve it with crusty garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a light soup, like minestrone, to round out the meal.

Can I Make Vegan Lasagne Ahead of Time?

Yes, vegan lasagne can be made ahead of time. Assemble the lasagne, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can Vegan Lasagne Be Frozen?

Yes! If you have used only fresh ingredients, you can freeze them already divided into portions.

How to Store Any Leftovers

Vegan lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator, well covered with a sheet of cling film, for up to 2 days.

To reheat vegan lasagne, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the lasagne with foil to retain moisture and heat for 20–30 minutes, or until warmed through. For smaller portions, you can use a microwave, heating in short intervals to avoid drying out. Add a splash of sauce if needed to maintain moisture.

How to Make Vegan Lasagne

To prepare vegan lasagne, start with the ragout: cut the seitan into cubes.

Transfer it into the jug of a kitchen blender and blend it finely, until you obtain a grainy consistency.

Finely chop the celery, carrot and onion, then fry them in a pan with a drizzle of oil.

When the vegetables are golden and slightly wilted, add the previously blended seitan.

Mix thoroughly and let it flavor for a few minutes.

At this point, also add the tomato puree.

Mix the ingredients and let them cook for 10 minutes on a medium-low flame.

Complete with soy milk.

Stir for a few more moments, then leave to cook for 30 minutes on a low flame.

Season with salt and pepper.

Once the cooking time is up, start assembling the lasagne: spread a few spoonfuls of ragout and vegan béchamel on the bottom of a baking dish.

Arrange a layer of ready-to-use fresh pasta sheets and cover them with ragout.

Spread a few more spoonfuls of vegetable béchamel.

Proceed by alternating pasta sheets, ragout and béchamel until you have used up all the ingredients.

Bake the lasagne in a fan oven preheated to 390°F/200°C for 20 minutes, until a tasty crust has formed on the surface.

Let the vegan lasagne settle for a few minutes. Enjoy!