a close-up shot of a slice of vegan spanakopita lasagna on a gray plate with a wooden rim. the lasagna has layers of pasta, spinach, and a red sauce, topped with melted cheese and artichoke hearts. fresh basil and thyme sprigs garnish the plate. the text "9 best vegan casserole recipes" is visible

When it comes to comforting meals, casseroles are a favorite for many. They offer a great way to combine flavors and textures in one dish, making them popular for family dinners or gatherings. In this article, I will share the 9 best vegan casserole recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

Vegan dishes can sometimes be seen as lacking substance, but casseroles change that perception. They are packed with a variety of vegetables, grains, and spices that create hearty meals. Each recipe I will discuss brings unique tastes to the table, showing how satisfying vegan cooking can be.

Table of Contents

1. Creamy Cauliflower Alfredo

a close-up shot of creamy fettuccine alfredo on a white plate. the pasta is coated in a rich, light-colored sauce and sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley leaves. the plate sits on a white cloth napkin on a wooden table, with a fork partially visible in the background, suggesting a comforting italian meal

Creamy Cauliflower Alfredo is a delicious vegan twist on a classic pasta sauce. I appreciate how this dish is both healthy and satisfying. It delivers rich flavors without the use of dairy.

Making this recipe is quite easy. With just a few ingredients, you can create a creamy sauce that’s perfect for pasta or as a base for casseroles.

Here’s how I prepare it:

Cook the cauliflower: Boil or steam approximately 2 cups of cauliflower florets for about 8-10 minutes until tender.

Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine the cooked cauliflower, 1 cup of nut milk, 2-3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and seasonings like garlic powder and salt. Blend until smooth.
Combine with pasta: Cook your favorite pasta according to package directions. Drain it and return it to the pot.
Mix it all together: Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and stir until well coated. You can add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.

This dish is not only simple to make but also offers a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

2. Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchilada

a close-up shot of vegan enchiladas with black beans on a white plate. the enchiladas are covered in a rich red sauce with black beans, topped with a dollop of white cream and fresh cilantro. the plate rests on a burlap cloth over a dark wooden table, suggesting a hearty and flavorful plant-based meal

The Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchilada is a delicious and nutritious dish. It combines the sweetness of potatoes with the hearty texture of black beans. This recipe is vegan-friendly and packed with flavor.

I find this recipe quite easy to make. It typically takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake.

To make this dish, I follow these simple steps:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook 1 large sweet potato until tender, then mash it.

In a bowl, mix the mashed sweet potato with 1 can of drained black beans, 1 cup of diced tomatoes, and spices like cumin and chili powder.
Spoon the mixture into corn tortillas, roll them up, and place them in a baking dish.
Top the enchiladas with enchilada sauce and bake for 20-25 minutes.

This dish is not only quick to prepare but also satisfying and healthy. I enjoy it with avocado or guacamole for extra flavor.

3. Butternut Squash Mac n’ Cheese

a close-up shot of creamy pumpkin pasta in a light-colored bowl. the fettuccine noodles are coated in a vibrant orange sauce and topped with toasted breadcrumbs and grated cheese. a piece of pumpkin and a small gourd are visible in the blurred background, suggesting a seasonal and comforting dish

Butternut Squash Mac n’ Cheese is a creamy and delicious vegan dish. It combines pasta with a sauce made from butternut squash, creating a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

I find this recipe easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. The basic steps include cooking pasta and preparing the sauce.

First, I chop 2 cups of butternut squash and steam until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
While that cooks, I boil 8 ounces of pasta until al dente.
Next, I blend the cooked squash with 1 cup of vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast, and seasonings until smooth.

I mix the sauce with the pasta, adding salt and pepper to taste.

This dish can be baked for extra flavor. Just transfer it to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs, baking at 350°F for 15 minutes. Enjoying Butternut Squash Mac n’ Cheese is a delightful way to indulge in comfort food without dairy.

4. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

a close-up shot of vegan shepherd's pie in a brown oval baking dish. the pie has a golden-brown mashed potato topping with visible lentils, carrots, and celery underneath. rosemary sprigs and a white cloth napkin with a fork are arranged around the dish on a wooden surface, suggesting a comforting plant-based meal

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, vegan alternative to the traditional meat-based dish. It features lentils as the main protein source, mixed with vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

Making this dish is quite simple. I find it easy to prepare, even for busy weeknights. Here’s how I do it:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook 1 cup of lentils in a pot until tender, about 20-25 minutes.

In a skillet, sauté 1 diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks for 5-7 minutes.
Add the cooked lentils, 1 cup of vegetable broth, and your favorite seasonings. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, boil and mash 4-5 potatoes with a splash of plant-based milk.

Transfer the lentil mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are golden.

This dish is filling, nutritious, and perfect for a cozy dinner. Enjoy!

5. Eggplant Parmesan Bake

a close-up shot of eggplant parmesan in a light-colored oval baking dish. layers of sliced eggplant are visible under a rich red tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, sprinkled with parmesan. the dish sits on a white tablecloth, with a small bowl of parmesan cheese in the corner, suggesting a warm and comforting italian meal

Eggplant Parmesan Bake is a classic Italian dish that I enjoy making. It’s a great way to use eggplant, which has a nice texture and absorbs flavors well. This dish is both satisfying and healthy.

Making it is quite easy. First, I slice the eggplant and sprinkle it with salt to remove excess moisture. After letting it sit for about 30 minutes, I rinse the salt off and pat the slices dry.

Next, I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C). I then layer the eggplant in a baking dish with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. I repeat these layers until I run out of ingredients. I finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

I bake the casserole for about 40 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Letting it cool for a few minutes makes it easier to serve. This dish is perfect for family dinners or as leftovers.

6. Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

a close-up shot of broccoli casserole in a brown oval baking dish. the casserole has a golden-brown, slightly crumbly topping with florets of bright green broccoli peeking through. fresh herbs are scattered on top. the dish rests on a burlap placemat on a wooden table, suggesting a warm and comforting homemade meal

Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is a healthy and filling dish. It combines nutritious broccoli with protein-rich quinoa. This casserole is great for a quick weeknight meal.

I find it easy to make. The prep and cooking time is about 30 to 40 minutes.

To prepare, follow these steps:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook 1 cup of quinoa according to package instructions.

In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa with 2 cups of chopped broccoli, 1 cup of vegetable broth, and your choice of seasonings.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
Bake for 20 minutes until heated through and slightly browned on top.

This casserole is versatile, allowing me to add other vegetables or spices as I like. It’s a simple way to enjoy a nutritious meal that satisfies.

7. Spinach Artichoke Lasagna

a close-up shot of a partially sliced spinach and ricotta lasagna in a light-colored oval baking dish. layers of green spinach and white ricotta filling are visible between the pasta sheets, topped with red tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves. the dish sits on a white cloth, suggesting a hearty italian meal

Spinach Artichoke Lasagna combines rich flavors and healthy ingredients. This dish uses layers of pasta, a creamy spinach and artichoke filling, and a delicious tomato sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that can please everyone, whether they’re vegan or not.

I find this recipe easy to make. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake. You will need ingredients like lasagna noodles, fresh spinach, artichokes, and vegan cheese.

Here are the steps:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions.

In a pan, sauté chopped spinach and artichokes for 5 minutes.
In a baking dish, layer noodles, the spinach-artichoke mixture, and vegan cheese.
Repeat the layers and top with tomato sauce.

Bake for 30 minutes until heated through.

This easy recipe makes a comforting meal that I enjoy preparing. It’s perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.

8. Zucchini Tomato Gratin

a close-up shot of stacked zucchini and tomato slices on a white plate. the vegetables are layered and topped with a golden-brown, crumbly topping. fresh basil leaves garnish the plate, which rests on a light-colored cloth, suggesting a fresh and healthy vegetable dish

Zucchini Tomato Gratin is a delightful dish that combines fresh zucchini and tomatoes with a crunchy topping. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal.

I find this recipe simple enough for anyone to follow. You need just a few ingredients, including zucchini, tomatoes, herbs, and breadcrumbs.

Here’s how I make it:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Slice 2 medium zucchinis and 3 ripe tomatoes into thin rounds.
Layer the zucchini and tomato slices in a greased baking dish, alternating them.
In a bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the layered vegetables.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.

This dish highlights the flavors of fresh produce and makes a great side or main course. Enjoy!

9. Mushroom Stroganoff Bake

a close-up shot of rigatoni pasta with creamy mushroom sauce in a gray bowl. sliced mushrooms and fresh parsley are mixed with the pasta and sauce. the bowl sits on a burlap napkin on a wooden table, with a bunch of parsley blurred in the background, suggesting a comforting and flavorful italian dish

Mushroom Stroganoff Bake is a creamy and hearty vegan dish. It combines mushrooms, noodles, and a flavorful sauce. This meal is satisfying and packed with flavor.

Making this casserole is straightforward. I find it simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The prep time is about 15 minutes, and it takes around 30 minutes to bake.

Here’s how I make it:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook 8 ounces of pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 cups of sliced mushrooms until soft.

Stir in 1 cup of vegetable broth and 1 cup of cashew cream. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes.
Mix in the cooked pasta and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Combine well.
Transfer everything to a baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes.

I enjoy serving this dish warm, topped with fresh parsley. It’s perfect for any vegan meal or gathering.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Vegan Casseroles?

Vegan casseroles offer a range of nutritional advantages that support a healthy diet. They are packed with plant-based proteins and essential vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their nutrition.

How Are Vegan Casseroles Rich in Plant-Based Proteins?

Many vegan casseroles include ingredients such as beans, lentils, and whole grains. These foods are excellent sources of plant-based protein, which is vital for muscle growth and repair.

For example, black beans contain about 15 grams of protein per cup.

Using a mix of vegetables and protein sources can easily lead to a dish that provides all the necessary amino acids. Additionally, plant-based proteins are often lower in saturated fat compared to animal sources, making them heart-healthier options.

Incorporating ingredients like quinoa adds another protein boost. Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.

What Essential Vitamins and Minerals Are Found in Vegan Casseroles?

Vegan casseroles often feature a variety of colorful vegetables. These veggies bring essential vitamins and minerals to the table.

Spinach, for example, is rich in iron and calcium, vital for bone health.

Root vegetables like sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function.

Adding bell peppers not only enhances flavor but also provides vitamin C, important for skin and tissue health.

A well-balanced casserole can be a significant source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. I enjoy combining different vegetables to maximize the nutritional profile of each dish.

9 Best Vegan Casserole Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals