Lasagna is a beloved comfort food, known for its layers of pasta, savory tomato sauce, and cheesy filling. But if you’re following a plant-based diet, you might think this traditional dish is off the table. Think again! Our Vegan Lasagna Roll-Ups are the perfect alternative—offering all the rich flavors and textures of the classic dish, without any animal products. These roll-ups are packed with a delicious vegan ricotta filling, savory tomato sauce, and tender lasagna noodles, making them a satisfying, hearty meal for anyone, regardless of dietary preferences.
This recipe transforms the classic lasagna into an individual serving format by rolling up lasagna noodles with a creamy tofu-based ricotta filling. The best part? These roll-ups are perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or family dinners, and they can be enjoyed by everyone, vegan or not. Paired with a hearty tomato sauce and optionally topped with vegan mozzarella, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love Vegan Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Nutritious & Protein-Packed: This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing. The tofu ricotta filling provides a rich source of plant-based protein, which helps support muscle growth and repair. Combined with nutritional yeast, this filling is loaded with vitamins, including B-vitamins like B12 (a nutrient often lacking in vegan diets). The tomato sauce offers a rich dose of antioxidants, particularly from lycopene, which is known to promote heart health.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is ideal for meal prepping. Since the roll-ups can be stored in the fridge for several days or even frozen for future meals, they make a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks. They are perfect for lunches or dinners, providing a convenient and satisfying option when you’re on the go.
- Customizable: One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily modify the vegan ricotta filling to suit your preferences, such as adding extra herbs, nutritional yeast, or even spices to enhance the flavor. If you’re not a fan of tofu, you can substitute it with cashews, almond ricotta, or any other plant-based ricotta alternative. You can also incorporate additional vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms, into the sauce or filling for added nutrition.
- Family-Friendly: These roll-ups are a great way to introduce vegan meals to your family. The flavors are so familiar to those who love classic lasagna that it will be easy to convince even non-vegans to try them. They’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of a savory tofu ricotta filling, zesty tomato sauce, and the hearty pasta noodles creates a symphony of flavors. Whether you top them with vegan mozzarella for a cheesy finish or enjoy them as-is, these roll-ups offer a rich, satisfying meal that will leave you coming back for more.
Ingredients for Vegan Lasagna Roll-Ups:
For the Vegan Ricotta Filling:
- 2 cups firm tofu, crumbled (use extra firm for a better texture)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (adds a cheesy, nutty flavor)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (adds brightness and acidity to the filling)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for an extra kick of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (adds a savory note)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (for a fresh, herbal flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (a classic Italian herb)
- Salt and pepper to taste (season to your preference)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (a base for the sauce, providing a rich, tangy flavor)
- 1 onion, finely chopped (for sweetness and depth)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (adds a fragrant, bold flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (for a lovely herby note)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for classic Italian flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (season to your liking)
For the Lasagna Roll-Ups:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente (you can use gluten-free pasta if desired)
- Vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional, but adds a cheesy, melty topping)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for a fresh, vibrant topping)
Instructions for Vegan Lasagna Roll-Ups:
1. Prepare the Vegan Ricotta Filling:
Start by preparing the vegan ricotta filling. In a large mixing bowl, crumble the firm tofu until it resembles the texture of ricotta cheese. This gives it the perfect consistency for rolling up in the lasagna. Add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until the tofu is well-coated and the filling is creamy and flavorful. Set aside.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce:
Next, prepare the tomato sauce. In a large saucepan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook them until al dente, as they will soften further during the baking process. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or baking sheet to prevent them from sticking.
4. Assemble the Roll-Ups:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin assembling your roll-ups by spreading a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Take each lasagna noodle, spread a generous amount of the vegan ricotta filling along the length of the noodle, and roll it up tightly. Place each roll-up seam-side down in the baking dish.
5. Top with Sauce and Vegan Cheese:
Once all of the noodles are rolled and placed in the dish, pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top of the roll-ups. If desired, sprinkle vegan mozzarella cheese on top to create a cheesy, melty layer. This step is optional, but it gives the dish a more traditional lasagna feel.
6. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. This will allow the roll-ups to heat through and for the flavors to meld. If you used vegan mozzarella, the cheese should melt and become bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the roll-ups cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the lasagna roll-ups warm, with a side of mixed greens or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips:
- These lasagna roll-ups are perfect for meal prepping! You can store the unbaked roll-ups in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply assemble the dish and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
- To freeze, place the unbaked roll-ups in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes About 6 Servings):
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Weight Watchers Points: 6 Points per serving (depending on the specific ingredients used, particularly vegan cheese)
Note: Nutritional values are based on estimates and can vary depending on your choice of ingredients (i.e., brand of vegan cheese, pasta type, and any additional veggies or seasonings you include). Always check packaging for more accurate results.
Conclusion:
These Vegan Lasagna Roll-Ups are a game-changer for anyone looking for a healthy, satisfying, and delicious plant-based meal. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or someone who simply wants to try something new, this dish has something for everyone. From the creamy tofu ricotta filling to the rich tomato sauce, it’s a hearty, flavorful meal that will make you feel good from the inside out. Perfect for meal prep, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home, these roll-ups are sure to be a hit!
Get ready to indulge in a vegan version of a classic comfort food that will have everyone asking for the recipe!