Description
Rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying, Classic Vegan Baked Ziti is the perfect plant-based comfort food. Layers of ziti pasta, savory marinara, melted vegan cheese, and ricotta create a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- ½ medium white onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 14 ounces vegan beef crumbles or crumbled sausage
- 32 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 large handful fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 2 cups vegan mozzarella cheese shreds
- ¼ cup (½ stick) vegan butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)
- 1 lb. ziti or penne noodles
- ½ cup vegan ricotta cheese
- Vegan parmesan, for garnish
- Finely chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 10×8-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a medium pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Sauté the diced onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the vegan beef crumbles, breaking them up with a spoon, and cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, fresh basil, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a small pot over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Add the mozzarella cheese shreds and almond milk, whisking until smooth and creamy.
- Spread a few tablespoons of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of pasta, followed by marinara, a drizzle of cheese sauce, and a sprinkle of ricotta. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used (4 layers are ideal).
- Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling and lightly golden.
- Let the ziti cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with vegan parmesan and parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
- Customization: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
- Adjusting Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara for a hint of heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian