Vegan Crockpot Lasagna is the perfect entree for parties, family gatherings, and lazy days when you just want to kick back with a movie while dinner cooks! Most importantly, it tastes amazing! It's also easy to prepare (no need to pre-cook the lasagna noodles) and versatile. Switch things up with your favorite veggies or vegan meats, and make it gluten-free with your choice of pasta. Oven instructions included.
Why You'll LOVE Crockpot Lasagna
Warm, cheesy, gooey, and rich. What's better than vegan lasagna? I'll tell you what's better...
Vegan lasagna made in the slow cooker! Friends, this recipe is a keeper for so many reasons.
- It's easy to prepare, and there's no need to pre-cook the lasagne noodles.
- Lasagna is the perfect hot entrée for potlucks, parties, and game day since the Crockpot keeps it warm.
- Vegan slow cooker recipes are perfect for make-ahead situations. And while dinner is cooking you're free to clean house, prepare for guests, run errands, or just chill on the sofa on a rainy day.
- It's impossibly delicious! Friends, I am NOT exaggerating. This vegan lasagna is the dish to make when you want to impress the skeptical omnivores in your life. The herbed tofu ricotta, melted vegan cheese, and tangy sauce all combine inside the crockpot to create magic, pure vegan magic. You'll see!
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Ingredients
For the tofu ricotta:
- Firm and/or extra-firm tofu - I like regular firm tofu for the ricotta because it's creamier, but extra-firm also works well. Sometimes I use a package of each.
- Non-dairy yogurt - look for a plain, unflavored and unsweetened variety. Kite Hill's Greek-style is really nice or Forager's plain cashew-gurt. Or try my homemade cashew yogurt, almond milk yogurt or tofu yogurt.
- Lemon juice - in addition to the yogurt, lemon adds an authentic tanginess to the ricotta.
- Salt and garlic powder
- Italian seasoning - though this isn't necessarily part of basic tofu ricotta, I like to add it during this step instead of later. If you don't have Italian seasoning on hand don't fret! Add about ½ teaspoon each of dried oregano, basil, and parsley, plus a pinch of thyme.
Other ingredients:
- Lasagne noodles - look for regular lasagne sheets with ruffled edges, not "no boil" varieties; use gluten-free lasagne if needed.
- Marinara - any jarred marinara/spaghetti sauce you like is fine. I used one of the organic 365 varieties from Whole Foods. Trader Joe's also has a tomato-basil marinara that's really good!
- Onion, mushrooms, spinach - feel free to omit anything you don't like (lookin at you, mushroom-haters), and add garlic or any other veggies you like in lasagna.
- Soy sauce or tamari - this is optional and really only needed for seasoning the onion and mushrooms.
- Vegan cheese - any shredded vegan mozzarella you like is fine. I recently made the recipe again with Daiya's mozzarella (cutting board shreds), and it was good! That cheese is not one to eat cold, but melted it's actually really delicious.
The cheese you see in the photos is Violife's Mature Cheddar, which I shredded with a box grater.
Tip! Shredded vegan cheese has a bad rap for not melting well, but the great thing about the crockpot is that the lid creates a steaming environment and melts vegan cheese like a champ! Or go the homemade route with this easy vegan mozzarella.
See recipe card below for quantities and the full recipe.
How to Make Vegan Crockpot Lasagna
- First, drain the blocks of tofu and place in a large bowl. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes while you chop the onion and mushrooms. Some water will drain out of the tofu as it sits. Discard the water, then add the remaining ricotta ingredients to the bowl. Mash with a fork until the ricotta is fluffy, and stir in the Italian seasoning.
- Sauté onion and mushrooms until softened. Add chopped spinach and cook for another minute or so, until wilted. Set aside.
How to Layer Lasagna in the Crockpot
Do 2 rounds of layers like this:
- sauce - about 1 ⅓ cups
- pasta - 3 sheets, broken to fit
- tofu ricotta - about 1 ½ cups
- sautéed vegetables - half of them
- shredded vegan cheese - about ¾ cup
Then, for the 3rd and final round, you'll skip the veggies and shredded cheese and finish with sauce on top. So the 3rd round looks like this:
- sauce
- pasta
- ricotta
- sauce - just a thin layer to cover the ricotta
Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 hours.
After 2 hours, carefully lift the lid straight up to avoid dumping all the condensation onto your lasagna.
Top the lasagna with shredded vegan cheese, cover, and cook for another 30 minutes.
Turn off the crockpot and let the lasagna stand for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour before serving, if you can wait that long!
Do I have to let the lasagna rest before serving?
You can serve it right after cooking, but just know that it will be somewhat messy, more like scooping up a casserole.
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The rest time allows the lasagna to cool slightly which helps it set, and it gives the flavors more time to mingle.
Serving Suggestions
Pair crockpot lasagna with a fresh green salad and some warm garlic bread. Since the lasagna is very rich, this fat-free Italian dressing helps lighten things up!
Variations
- Gluten-free - use gluten-free lasagna noodles, and be sure to use gluten-free tamari to season the sauté.
- With vegan meat - the sky is the limit!
- Add crumbled vegan sausage or vegan pepperoni.
- Brown some Impossible or Beyond Meat with the vegetables.
- For a homemade option try this amazing vegan ground beef. Since it's already cooked you can add it directly to the crockpot with the sauce layers.
- Additional veggies - try sautéed zucchini, yellow squash, and carrot, and swap the spinach for kale, arugula, or finely chopped broccoli.
And when you're in the mood for something similar but without tomatoes, try my vegan white lasagna.
Oven Instructions
Want to bake vegan lasagna in the oven instead? No problem! There are just a few differences to keep in mind:
- Due to the shape of a 13x9 baking dish, you'll need more lasagne noodles than in the slow cooker, around 12 to 14.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F, and oil the baking dish.
- Boil the lasagne noodles according to package directions.
- Layer the lasagna as indicated in the recipe below, making adjustments as needed for the shape of the dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and add the cheese on top. Cover again and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the lasagna is piping hot. If desired, broil uncovered for a few minutes to brown the cheese.
Let the lasagna rest, covered, for 15 minutes before serving.
Equipment
I use this 6 quart Crockpot. The locking lid comes in handy for transporting dishes to parties (and events like chili cookoffs)!
You'll also need a large sauté pan for the veggies and a grater if not using pre-shredded vegan cheese.
Storage
Store leftover lasagna in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It's great for meal prep and reheats well in the microwave.
Vegan lasagna can also be frozen. Once completely cool, transfer to a freezer-safe storage container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Top Tip
Remember, immediately after cooking the lasagna will be very soft. You can serve it right away (trust me, it's hard to wait!), or let it sit for a while if you want it slightly more set.
Unlike baked lasagna, which can be dry, the crockpot lid holds in all the delicious moisture, which is part of what makes this vegan lasagna SO cheesy, creamy and amazing. I hope you love it!
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Recipe
Easy Vegan Crockpot Lasagna
Equipment
Ingredients
For tofu ricotta:
- 2 (14 oz) packages firm tofu (no need to press) - Extra firm also works.
- ¾ cup plain, unsweetened vegan yogurt - Homemade or store-bought.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 ¾ teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning - See Note 1.
Other ingredients:
- 2 (25 oz) jars marinara sauce
- 10 sheets regular lasagne - Gluten-free, if desired.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 12 to 16 ounces baby bella mushrooms, chopped
- 6 ounces baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 teaspoons tamari or soy sauce, optional
- 7 ounces vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded - See Note 2.
Instructions
- First, drain the packages of tofu and place in a large bowl. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes while you prepare and gather the other ingredients. Some water will drain out of the tofu as it sits. Discard the water, then add the remaining ricotta ingredients to the bowl. Mash with a fork until the ricotta is fluffy and fully incorporated.
- Preheat a large saute pan over medium heat. Dry sauté the onion and mushrooms until softened and dry, about 8 minutes. Add chopped spinach and tamari, if using, and cook for another minute or until wilted. Set aside.
- Lightly oil the bottom and sides of a 6-quart slow cooker, and turn it on to HIGH so it can heat while you assemble the lasagna.
- Spread about 1 ½ cups of marinara across the bottom of the crockpot followed by 3 pasta sheets, broken to fit (this doesn't need to be perfect). Spread with 1 one third of the ricotta (about 1 ½ cups), followed by half of the sautéed veggies, and approximately ¾ cup shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layering process as written above. Then, for the 3rd and final round, skip the veggies and shredded cheese and finish with sauce on top. So the 3rd round looks like this: sauce, pasta, ricotta, sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours. After 2 hours, carefully lift the lid straight up to avoid dumping condensation onto the lasagna. Sprinkle the lasagna with more shredded cheese, cover, and cook for another 30 minutes.
- The cheese should be melted and the lasagna should be lightly bubbling. Turn off the crockpot and let the lasagna stand for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour (with the lid askew). The lasagna can be served right away, but it will be fairly messy, more like a casserole. The rest time allows the lasagna to cool slightly which helps it set. Serve with a side salad and enjoy!
Oven Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F, and oil a 13x9 baking dish. Boil 12 to 14 lasagne noodles according to package directions.
- Saute the veggies, and layer the lasagna as described above, making adjustments as needed for the shape of the dish. Don't add the top layer of cheese yet.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle cheese on top. Cover again and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the lasagna is piping hot. If desired, broil uncovered for a few minutes to brown the cheese.Let the lasagna rest, covered, for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific products and ingredients used.
Chris
This recipe looks delicious. Where I live baby bella mushrooms are not available. Can any other type of mushrooms be substituted? Thank youmin advanced for your response.
Lori Rasmussen
Hi Chris - yes, definitely. Feel free to use another variety.
Jessica
Have you tried this on low? I'm wondering if I could put it together on my lunch break and add the cheese 4 hours later when I'm off work.
Lori Rasmussen
Hi Jessica - sorry, no, I haven't tried it on low yet, but according to the way CrockPot describes low vs high settings, it might work! The pasta is the main concern here. It already gets fairly tender - but it's worth a try.
Emily
This recipe worked wonderfully on low for 4 hours! The lasagna noodles were nice and tender, and everything blended together so deliciously! Such a perfect, no-fuss meal for chilly days! Thank you!
Shauna
SOOOO good!!! My family LOVED this recipe (husband, and kids 14, 11, and 6) the first time I made it I followed the ingredients exactly (I used violife mozzarella shreds) and it was delish, you would never guess the “ricotta” was tofu! (Second time around I added an eggplant that needed to be used and threw some gardein ground into the veggie mix) Thank you!!!!
Anne
Hi, Lori, I made this lasagna tonight (oven method) and it turned out great! My husband and I have been vegetarian for many, many years but recently we are really trying to go vegan as much as possible. For this recipe I made the tofu yogurt and the tofu ricotta and both are impressive substitutes. I have tried some of your recipes and they’ve all been great. I guess it was time I thank you!
Nicki
Easy and so delicious! By far the best vegan ricotta I've ever had. Thank you for a great recipe! We will make this again and again.
Collette
I love this recipe! The flavor is a amazing! I did cut back on the pasta sauce...and added the spinach and my homemade Italian sausage. YUMMY!!
Thank you!
Greta
Made this lasagna today..we agree this a keeper. Followed recipe and added some broccoli florets, zucchini and thin sliced carrots. Was impressed with the final result of the tofu n almond yogurt ricotta… it’s tasty with a good texture. Thank you Lori!
Lee Kaplan
I’m not a fan of spinach (it gets stuck between my teeth). But your idea of zucchini sounds great!
Leann Nowak
Wow! I tried this lasagna tonight and it was absolutely DELICIOUS!!! I omitted the tamari and added about 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets and 2 cups of shredded organic carrots to the other veggies (because they were in the fridge and I needed to use them.) I also baked mine in the oven due to time. It was a hit with the entire family! My teenage daughter added a few dollops of the vegan cashew mozzarella and said it was AMAZING. Thank you so much for sharing all of your delicious and healthy recipes. We are brand new to the WFPB way of life and are loving it!!!
Kat
Hi Lori!
Quick question. It doesn’t say anywhere in the instructions what to do with the tamari/soy sauce, so I just didn’t add it into anything.
What are you supposed to do with it so I know for next time?
Just made it for the first time and I can’t wait to try it!
Kat.
Lori
Hi Kat,
Whoops! Thanks so much for bringing that to my attention. It's in the body of the post, but I forgot to add it to the recipe instructions (doing that now)! It's for seasoning the sauteed veggies during step 2.
Hope you enjoy it!
Kat
Oh thank you! I’ll do it next time! Making my second batch tomorrow actually! The first one even without the soy sauce was absolutely amazing and my husband said it was the best lasagna he ever had!
Nina - Edamommy4life
This recipe is great! I made it shortly after you posted it and I'm making it again as part of a ladies' Christmas party tomorrow night! It is perfect since it won't take up any oven space : ) I added an extra layer to it and it sat for an hour after it finished cooking before we served it. It was perfect--not watery, which seems to happen many times when I make lasagna.
Joyce Ward
I don’t own a slow cooker. What is the alternative?
Lori
Hi Joyce,
I haven't tested this one in the oven since the recipe was written specifically for the slow cooker, but I'm sure that the basic oven instructions you'll find in other lasagna recipes will work for this, too. Most call for layering it in a 13x9 casserole dish, so you may need to alter the amount of pasta (will likely require more). Then cover it tightly with foil and bake at 425 degrees F for around an hour. Hope that helps.
TL
Is there a way to do this in the instant pot instead?
Lori
Hi, I believe most IPs have a slow cooker function, so you could definitely layer it up in the Instant Pot and go that route. But if you’re curious about pressure cooking lasagna, I really couldn’t say. That would take some testing and a different process.
daisy
OMGosh, this looks SO good. We used to eat lasagna for Christmas, but having to make 3 different versions (for all of our dietary needs), was just too much. This looks like a breeze to make. I am so thankful this Thanksgiving for all of the marvelous recipes you've shared. You have made my life better because of it. So, thank you.
Blessings...daisy
Lori
Daisy, thank you so much for the lovely comment! I'm happy to know the recipes help you. I hope you love the lasagna, and happy Thanksgiving!
Dallas
Hi! I’m hoping to make this tomorrow. Usually when I make lasagna, I boil the noodles first. The recipe doesn’t say to do that (unless I missed it). Can you make it with uncooked noodles?
Lori
Hi Dallas, yes the noodles go in dry. No need to boil first! Hope you enjoy it!