Creamy Vegan Comfort Lasagna
Indulge in this rich and creamy dairy-free lasagna that boasts layers of flavorful ingredients. Perfect for both dairy-free diets and vegans, this lasagna is crafted with delectable plant-based cheeses and hearty sauces, making it a satisfying meal for everyone. Each bite is a delightful combination of creamy textures and bold flavors, while the use of no-boil lasagna noodles adds convenience without sacrificing taste. Whether you're feeding a crowd or prepping for meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Daiya mozzarella cheese
16 ounces (shredded)
Treeline Treenut Herb-Garlic cheese
12 ounces (softened)
Eggs
4 (beaten)
Trader Joe’s Puttanesca sauce
25 ounces (jarred)
Ground meat (any kind)
1 lb (browned)
Garlic powder
2 tablespoons (not needed)
Herbes de Provence
2 tablespoons (not needed)
No-boil lasagna noodles
9 ounces (not needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Begin by lining the bottom of an 8x13 inch baking dish with a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, brown your choice of ground meat until fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
4
Once cooked, add the Trader Joe's Puttanesca sauce to the meat, stirring to combine. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
5
Ladle a generous portion of the meat sauce over the noodle layer, ensuring each noodle is well covered.
6
In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, herbes de Provence, eggs, and Treeline Treenut Herb-Garlic cheese. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and well-blended.
7
Pour a layer of this creamy cheese mixture over the meat sauce, spreading it evenly.
8
Sprinkle a layer of Daiya mozzarella cheese over the creamy mixture, then add another layer of no-boil lasagna noodles on top.
9
Repeat steps 5 through 8 until you've reached your desired number of layers or until your cheese mixture is used up.
10
For the top layer, finish with any remaining Daiya mozzarella cheese and a little more sauce to ensure a deliciously cheesy crust.
11
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour until the lasagna is bubbly and golden.
12
In the last few minutes of baking, turn on the broiler to brown the top layer for added texture, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Vegan Comfort Lasagna?
It is a rich, dairy-free lasagna featuring layers of plant-based cheeses, hearty sauces, and no-boil noodles for a satisfying and convenient meal.
What type of noodles are required for this recipe?
This recipe uses no-boil lasagna noodles, which save time as they do not need to be cooked before assembly.
What sauce is recommended for the meat layer?
The recipe specifically calls for 25 ounces of Trader Joe’s Puttanesca sauce to provide a bold and savory flavor.
How do I prepare the ground meat?
Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces, then simmer it with the Puttanesca sauce for 10 minutes.
What kind of plant-based cheeses are used?
The recipe utilizes 16 ounces of Daiya mozzarella cheese and 12 ounces of softened Treeline Treenut Herb-Garlic cheese.
How is the creamy cheese mixture made?
Combine garlic powder, herbes de Provence, beaten eggs, and Treeline Treenut Herb-Garlic cheese in a bowl until smooth.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) before baking.
What size baking dish is needed?
You will need an 8x13 inch baking dish for this lasagna recipe.
How long does the lasagna need to bake?
The lasagna should bake for approximately 1 hour until it is bubbly and golden.
How do I get a crispy, browned top on the lasagna?
In the last few minutes of baking, turn on the broiler to brown the top layer of cheese, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Can I use any kind of ground meat?
Yes, you can use 1 lb of any kind of ground meat, including plant-based alternatives to keep the dish vegan-friendly.
What seasonings are added to the cheese mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with 2 tablespoons of garlic powder and 2 tablespoons of herbes de Provence.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 beaten eggs to help bind the creamy cheese layer.
How should I start the assembly process?
Begin by lining the bottom of your baking dish with a layer of the no-boil lasagna noodles.
What is the first layer placed over the noodles?
Ladle a generous portion of the meat and Puttanesca sauce mixture over the first layer of noodles.
How many layers should I create?
Repeat the layering of noodles, meat sauce, and cheese mixture until you reach your desired height or run out of ingredients.
What should the top layer consist of?
The final layer should be finished with the remaining Daiya mozzarella cheese and a bit of extra sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, its hearty nature and layered structure make it an excellent choice for preparing meals in advance.
Is this lasagna dairy-free?
Yes, it is specifically crafted for dairy-free diets using plant-based cheese substitutes.
What if I do not have Treeline Herb-Garlic cheese?
While this specific cheese provides a unique flavor, you can look for other soft, herb-infused nut-based cheeses as a substitute.
How much garlic powder is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of garlic powder for a robust flavor.
What gives the lasagna its 'comfort food' quality?
The combination of rich, creamy textures, bold sauces, and melted plant-based mozzarella creates a classic comfort food experience.
Should the eggs be prepared in a specific way?
The eggs should be beaten before being mixed into the herb and cheese filling.
What is the purpose of simmering the sauce?
Simmering the meat and Puttanesca sauce for 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld together properly.
Can I use regular lasagna noodles?
If you use regular noodles instead of no-boil, you must boil them according to package directions before assembling the lasagna.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
It is tagged as healthy and plant-based, offering a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional dairy-heavy lasagnas.
How much mozzarella cheese goes on top?
Use a portion of the 16 ounces of Daiya mozzarella, ensuring enough is saved to create a cheesy crust on the final layer.
What does the herbes de Provence add to the dish?
Herbes de Provence adds a fragrant, floral, and earthy Mediterranean flavor profile to the cheese filling.
Does the recipe require any prep for the no-boil noodles?
No, these noodles are designed to be used dry and will cook using the moisture from the sauces in the oven.
Is this lasagna appropriate for serving a crowd?
Yes, the recipe fills an 8x13 inch dish, making it perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties.