Looking for a quick, nourishing, and family-approved meal? This assembly-style, plant-based lasagna is my ultimate crowd pleaser. I make it monthly, year-round—it’s simple, robust in flavor, and absolutely no-nonsense.
✨ Fun fact: My record assembly time is just under 12 minutes!
What makes it special? No cheese, no problem. This lasagna bursts with flavor even without cheese. Traditional dairy is swapped for a robust tofu ricotta, and the umami-packed filling steals the show. You won’t miss the dairy—and neither will your guests.
🛒 Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, drained and mushed
- 1 box mushrooms (any variety), washed and pulverized by hand
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 1 bag frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- Seasonings & condiments:
- Balsamic reduction
- Soy sauce
- Truffle salt
- Italian seasoning
- Nutritional yeast (aka “nooch”)
- Granulated garlic
- Granulated onion
- Paprika
For assembly:
- Rao’s marinara sauce (or your favorite marinara)
- No-bake lasagna noodles
- 1/2 cup vegan shredded cheese (optional, for presentation)
Optional nutrient boost:
- Lentil, bean-based, or whole-grain no-bake noodles
⏱ Prep & Cook Time
- Assembly: 10–12 minutes
- Bake: 45–55 minutes
- Total: ~1 hour
🥣 Instructions
- Prepare the filling:
Combine tofu, mushrooms, onions, and spinach in a large bowl. Add seasonings generously: balsamic reduction, soy sauce, a large pinch or two of truffle salt, Italian seasoning, 1/3 to 1/2 cup nutritional yeast, granulated garlic, granulated onion, and paprika. Mix thoroughly. - Layer the lasagna:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a Pyrex or baking dish.
- Add a few sheets of no-bake noodles.
- Spread a layer of the tofu ricotta filling over the noodles.
- Add more sauce, then repeat layers until the lasagna is three layers thick.
- Top and bake:
- Finish with a generous layer of sauce, ensuring it drips into the corners for full moisture.
- Sprinkle with nutritional yeast, vegan shredded cheese, extra Italian seasoning, another pinch of truffle salt, and any leftover diced onions.
- Cover with foil and bake 35–40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more until bubbly and noodles are fully cooked.
- Serve & enjoy:
Slice hot and serve on its own or with a simple green salad.
This plant-based lasagna is quick, robust, and utterly satisfying. It proves that plant-based comfort food can be just as indulgent as traditional lasagna—without any cheese!






