Description
This Vegan Baked Ziti is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that swaps traditional cheese with a rich cashew-based sauce and uses plant-based ground beef for protein. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, delivering hearty flavors without any dairy or meat.
Ingredients
Cashew Cheese Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashews
- 3/4 cup water, plus 3 cups boiling water for soaking
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Main Dish
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (plus more for saucier preference)
- 16 ounces vegan ground beef (Impossible, Beyond, or vegan sausages)
Optional Toppings
- 2 cups vegan shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup vegan parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the cheese sauce: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil, then pour over the raw cashews and let soak for at least 5 minutes or up to an hour to soften. Drain the cashews, then add them to a high-powered blender along with 3/4 cup fresh water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic, onion powder, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set this rich cashew cheese sauce aside.
- Cook the pasta: While the cashews are soaking, cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and transfer the pasta into the prepared casserole dish.
- Cook the vegan meat: In a pan over medium heat, cook the vegan ground beef or sliced vegan sausages until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Combine in the baking dish: Pour the marinara sauce and cooked vegan meat over the noodles. Stir gently just to combine. Dollop spoonfuls of the cashew cheese sauce over the pasta, stirring only lightly to leave pockets of creamy sauce throughout.
- Bake: If desired, sprinkle the top with vegan shredded mozzarella and vegan parmesan cheeses. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, until the dish is hot, bubbly, and the cheeses are slightly melted. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Soaking the cashews longer will yield an even creamier sauce.
- You can use any brand of vegan ground meat or plant-based sausage that you prefer.
- Add extra marinara if you like a saucier baked ziti.
- Make sure to not overmix the cashew cheese with the pasta to maintain those delicious creamy pockets.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat nicely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
