Butternut Squash Lasagna

Butternut Squash Lasagna 

Lasagna is the perfect dish for a cozy, satisfying meal. With layers of rich tomato sauce, creamy tofu ricotta, hearty mushrooms, and melty vegan cheese, this recipe delivers rich flavours along with a comforting texture in every bite.

This version brings together The Better Butchers Italian plant-based ground for a savoury depth, a homemade tofu ricotta for a creamy element, and a blend of fresh spinach and mushrooms to add extra nutrients and flavour. Topped with gooey vegan mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or making something special for guests, this lasagna is a fantastic option that’s both nourishing and delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Lasagna

✔ Packed with Protein – The Better Butchers Italian plant-based ground and tofu ricotta make it incredibly satisfying.
✔ Rich & Flavourful – Layers of rich tomato sauce, earthy mushrooms, and fragrant spices create a restaurant-quality dish.
✔ Dairy-Free & Vegan – No need for traditional cheese—creamy plant-based mozzarella and Parmesan work great! Feel free to use your favourite! 
✔ Meal Prep Friendly – Make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers for days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the "Meat" Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 package The Better Butchers Italian ground
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Tofu Ricotta:

• 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for extra cheesy flavour)
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Layers:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 9-12 oven-ready lasagna noodles
• 1/2 medium butternut squash sliced
• 1 ½ cups vegan mozzarella shreds
• ½ cup vegan Parmesan

How to Make Vegan Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the “Meat” Sauce

Start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, then add the mushrooms and cook until softened. Stir in The Better Butchers Italian plant-based ground and cook until browned and fragrant.

Next, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tamari/soy sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.

Step 2: Make the Tofu Ricotta

While the sauce simmers, prepare the tofu ricotta by crumbling pressed firm tofu into a bowl. Add lemon juice, nutritional yeast (if using), nutmeg, salt, and olive oil. Mix well until the texture resembles ricotta cheese.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce to prevent sticking.

Now, start layering:

1. Noodles – Arrange a layer of oven-ready lasagna noodles.
2. Tofu Ricotta – Spread an even layer over the noodles.
3. Spinach – Add a generous handful of fresh chopped spinach.
4. Meat Sauce – Spoon a layer of the rich tomato sauce.
5. Vegan Cheese – Sprinkle vegan mozzarella shreds over the top.

Repeat using butternut squash slices to replace middle layer of noodles until you’ve used all ingredients, finishing with a final layer of sauce and a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before slicing—this helps it set and makes serving easier. Plate it up, sprinkle extra Parmesan if you’d like, and dig in!

Tips for the Best Vegan Lasagna

✔ Use quality vegan cheese – Some brands melt better than others! Try some different ones to find the best one for you. 
✔ Press the tofu well – Removing excess moisture ensures a creamy, thick ricotta texture.
✔ Make it ahead – This lasagna tastes even better the next day as the flavours meld together.

Final Thoughts

This hearty butternut squash lasagna is a flavourful, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich layers of tomato sauce, creamy tofu ricotta, and hearty mushrooms, it brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

Whether you're meal prepping for the week, cooking for family and friends, or just craving a cozy homemade meal, this lasagna is sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s easy to customize—add extra veggies, experiment with different seasonings, or try a different vegan cheese to make it your own.

Give it a try and let us know what you think on Instagram! Would you add any other ingredients to make it your own? Let’s chat!