An Instant Classic: Vegan Lasagne

Searching for a savory and classic dish that will please a large crowd? Try out this recipe for vegan lasagne filled with faux-beef crumbles and three styles of dairy-free cheese. It's as hearty as it is filling! 

Vegan Lasagne
1 67-oz. jar tomato sauce
1 pkg. vegan no-cook lasagne noodles
2 Tbsp. vegan Parmesan
2 cups shredded vegan cheese (try Daiya Mozzarella Style Shreds)
1 batch tofu ricotta (recipe below)
1 batch vegan ground beef (recipe below)

• Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
• Coat the bottom of a large baking dish with a layer of tomato sauce, then a layer of noodles (you can break them a bit so that they cover the dish evenly). Follow with a layer of tofu ricotta and top with a layer of vegan ground beef. Add a layer of shredded vegan cheese, followed by a layer of tomato sauce, then sprinkle with vegan Parmesan. Repeat this pattern until all the noodles are used (approximately three times). Note that the vegan ground beef recipe below will make only enough for two layers, so skip this layer once you have used all the crumbles.
• End with a thick layer of tomato sauce (or else the top noodles will come out crunchy) and a layer of shredded vegan cheese.
• Cover with tinfoil and bake for 50 minutes.
• Uncover and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Makes 8 to 12 servings

Tofu Ricotta
1 16-oz. pkg. extra-firm tofu
1 cup vegetable broth
1/3 cup nutritional yeast
2 Tbsp. vegan Parmesan
1/2 Tbsp. dried oregano
2 Tbsp. minced garlic
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. black pepper

• Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

Note: If you have leftover tofu ricotta after making the lasagne, try using it in pizzas, sandwiches, and other pasta dishes (I suggest stuffed shells or manicotti!).

Vegan Ground Beef
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1/2 Tbsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. black pepper
1 pkg. faux-beef crumbles (try Trader Joe's brand)

• Heat the oil, garlic, onion power, oregano, and pepper in a sauté pan.
• Stir in the faux-beef crumbles and cook on medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes.