Cheap Lazy Vegan Lasagna Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners

There’s something undeniably comforting about a big, bubbling dish of lasagna. But what if you could have all that cheesy, saucy goodness without the meat, the dairy, or the sky-high price tag?

Enter my cheap lazy vegan lasagna recipe: a weeknight-friendly, budget-conscious twist on a classic that will fill your belly without emptying your wallet. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, new to plant-based eating, or just trying to sneak more veggies into your diet, this recipe is here for you.

No fancy ingredients, no tofu ricotta blending, and absolutely no fuss. Just layered pasta, hearty veggies, and a creamy, savory sauce that comes together with pantry staples and minimal effort.

If you’re ready to dig into a slice of comfort—without breaking the bank or spending the whole evening in the kitchen—this is the recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Affordable Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find, budget-friendly staples like canned tomatoes, dried pasta, and frozen veggies.
• Minimal Prep: No need to pre-cook noodles or fuss over complicated cashew cheeses. The sauce and filling come together in minutes!
• Meal Prep Friendly: Makes a big batch—leftovers taste even better and freeze beautifully.
• Allergy-Friendly & Vegan: Completely dairy-free and egg-free; can be made gluten-free with the right noodles.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or what you have on hand. It’s a great “clean out the fridge” meal!
• Hearty & Satisfying: Layers of pasta, sauce, and a creamy vegan cheese topping mean you won’t miss the meat or dairy.

Ingredients

For the Simple Vegan White Sauce:

• 2 cups unsweetened soy or oat milk
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for “cheesy” flavor)

Equipment

• Large skillet or saucepan
• Medium saucepan (for the white sauce)
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Aluminum foil
• Colander (if pre-cooking noodles)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using regular lasagna noodles (not oven-ready), cook them according to package directions. Drain and set aside, drizzling a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the sauce and veggie filling: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, along with frozen mixed veggies, spinach, dried herbs, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft and the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning.
4. Make the white sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tbsp oil or vegan butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in 2 cups plant milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and nutritional yeast. Simmer until thickened, about 3-5 minutes, whisking frequently. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the veggie-tomato sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Lay down a single layer of noodles, overlapping slightly.
6. Spoon half of the remaining veggie sauce over the noodles. Drizzle or spread about a third of the white sauce on top. Add another layer of noodles, then repeat: veggie sauce, white sauce, noodles.
7. Finish with the remaining white sauce and sprinkle generously with vegan cheese shreds if using.
8. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top.
9. Cool & Serve: Let the lasagna cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set up and makes serving easier.

“Letting your lasagna rest before cutting is the secret to those perfect, tidy slices!”

Tips & Variations

• Make it Cheaper: Use whatever veggies you have on hand—zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even canned beans work great.
• Extra Protein: Add a can of drained lentils or crumbled firm tofu to the veggie sauce for a protein boost.
• Nut-Free: This recipe already skips expensive nuts and seeds—no cashews needed!
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and a gluten-free flour blend for the white sauce.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to eat.
• Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze one unbaked for future easy dinners.
• No Vegan Cheese? Skip it or sprinkle with extra nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

“Don’t have white sauce ingredients? You can use extra tomato sauce and just a little more vegan cheese or nutritional yeast instead!”

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on specific brands and ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple green salad tossed with lemon juice and olive oil for a fresh, tangy contrast.
• Pair your lasagna with crusty bread or low salt biscuits for an extra-comforting meal.
• Add a side of garlicky sautéed greens or steamed broccoli for even more veggies.
• For a fun twist, drizzle with a little sweet and sour sauce or hot sauce.
• Finish with a light dessert like lemon straws for a sweet-and-tart palate cleanser.

Conclusion

If you thought lasagna was off-limits when you’re eating vegan, on a budget, or just feeling too tired to fuss, this cheap lazy vegan lasagna will change your mind. It’s proof that plant-based comfort food doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated, or time-consuming.

With simple ingredients and just a little prep, you get a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in.

Try this recipe the next time you’re craving Italian comfort food, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. Experiment with different veggies, swap in your favorite sauce, or add a protein boost with lentils or tofu.

Whatever you choose, you’ll end up with a lasagna that’s as easy on the wallet as it is on your schedule. Want more budget-friendly or creative vegan dishes?

Check out our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes or the fresh flavors in Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe. Happy cooking and buon appetito!

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