Ingredients
Spinach Tofu Ricotta Mixture
- 4 ounces frozen spinach (thawed and lightly squeezed)
- 5 ounces firm tofu
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup or more vegan mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
Other Ingredients
- 8 to 10 ounces pasta sauce (or marinara)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 15-ounce can butter beans (or white beans, drained and rinsed, or 1 1/2 cups cooked white beans)
- Vegan parmesan (optional)
- Fresh basil (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Panko breadcrumbs or fresh breadcrumbs (optional)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Spinach Tofu Ricotta: Combine thawed and lightly squeezed spinach, firm tofu, salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, vegan mozzarella, and nutritional yeast in a bowl or directly in your baking dish. Mix thoroughly and taste to adjust seasoning, adding more cheese or salt if desired.
- Assemble Casserole: If using a bowl, transfer the spinach tofu ricotta mixture to a 7×8” baking dish. Spread evenly to form the base layer.
- Add Beans and Sauce: Even out the ricotta layer, then evenly layer the butter beans over it. Pour the pasta or marinara sauce on top, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle vegan parmesan, fresh basil, red pepper flakes, and breadcrumbs if using. Drizzle a little olive oil over the entire top for added richness and a golden finish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling nicely.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or herbs of your choice. Serve warm alongside sourdough, multigrain bread, garlic bread, or over pasta.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for several months. Reheat using a skillet, microwave, or oven before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is vegan and dairy-free using tofu and vegan cheese substitutes.
- Optional toppings like breadcrumbs, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes add extra texture and flavor.
- Use any white beans if butter beans are unavailable.
- Adjust seasoning in the ricotta mixture to suit your taste.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit breadcrumbs altogether.
- Leftovers reheat well, making this dish great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan