Zesty Vegan Italian Casserole

Zesty Vegan Italian Casserole

Introduction:

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with our Zesty Vegan Italian Casserole. This hearty and satisfying dish combines savory ground beef substitute, tangy spaghetti sauce, and creamy vegan cheese, all layered between flaky crescent roll dough. Topped with a golden crust brushed with margarine and nutritional yeast, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Join us as we explore the simple steps to creating this delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion.

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 1 casserole (4-6 servings)

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups ground beef substitute
  • 1/4 cup chopped onions
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup spaghetti sauce
  • 1 cup shredded vegan cheddar soy cheese (e.g., Follow Your Heart Vegan Gourmet)
  • 3 tablespoons vegan sour cream
  • 3 triangles of uncooked Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Rolls
  • 1 tablespoon margarine, melted
  • 1/2 tablespoon nutritional yeast

Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 7×7-inch casserole dish and set aside.
  2. Saute the Onions: In a saucepan over medium heat, saute the chopped onions in olive oil until they turn translucent.
  3. Prepare the “Meat” Sauce: Add the ground beef substitute to the saucepan with the onions. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Mix the “Cheese” Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the shredded vegan cheddar soy cheese and vegan sour cream.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the prepared “meat” sauce into the greased casserole dish. Spread the “cheese” mixture evenly over the sauce. Arrange the uncooked crescent roll dough on top of the mixture, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
  6. Enhance with Nutritional Yeast: Mix the melted margarine with nutritional yeast, then drizzle it over the crescent roll dough.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Slice into portions and savor the zesty flavors of this irresistible vegan Italian casserole.

Conclusion:

Elevate your dinner table with the enticing aroma and irresistible taste of our Zesty Vegan Italian Casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners, this flavorful dish offers a delicious twist on classic Italian flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this casserole is sure to satisfy. With its layers of savory “meat” sauce, creamy “cheese” mixture, and buttery crescent roll crust, it’s a culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

Zesty Vegan Italian Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups ground beef substitute
  • 1/4 cup chopped onions
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup of spaghetti sauce
  • cup of shredded vegan chedder soy cheese (I used Follow Your Heart Vegan Gourmet)
  • 3 tablespoons vegan sour cream
  • 3 triangles of uncooked Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Rolls
  • 1 tablespoon margarine, melted
  • 1/2 tablespoon nutritional yeast

Instructions:

  1. Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Add the onions and olive oil to a sauce pan over medium heat and saute until the onions turn translucent. Then add the ground beef substitute and spaghetti sauce. Let that simmer for about 5 minutes, until it starts to thicken up.
  3. While the “meat” sauce is thickening, mix together the soy cheese and vegan sour cream in a small bowl.
  4. Once the “meat” sauce is done, put it in a 7 x7 casserole dish. Top it with the “sour cream/cheese” mixture, then layer on the uncooked crescent roll dough. You might have to stretch the dough a little to cover the entire casserole. Mix the nutritional yeast with the melted margarine and then pour it on top of the crescent dough.
  5. Put the pan into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let sit for 5 minutes, then serve!