We’re just a couple of days away from November and the temps here in Houston dropped below 50 degrees! A huge shift from the 100+ degree temps when I first arrived here. As soon as I feel a shift in temperature, my taste buds follow. I don’t do pasta often but I really wanted something hearty, full of flavor that could last us a couple of days so I went with this Vegan Baked Ziti. I make the sauce homemade and have included it in the recipe below. It’s clean, free from preservatives, and made with whole foods. This sauce can be used with other pasta dishes as well.

vegan baked ziti with homemade tomato sauce

Vegan Baked Ziti is an easy weeknight meal! I make this comforting pasta meal with cooked ziti noodles, and my homemade tomato sauce. It’s a major staple of my plant-based diet and a great meal-prep option.

prep time: 20 min | cook time: 1 1/2 hour

vegan tomato sauce ingredients

12 plum tomatoes
4 tablespoons olive oil
Yellow, white, and red onions diced
Red and green bell peppers diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed and minced
1¼ teaspoons sea salt
Fresh black pepper
Paprika
Red pepper flakes
Chopped fresh basil and oregano
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1/2 cup of water

other ingredients

1 pound ziti noodles - gluten-free if needed
1 bag non-dairy mozzarella cheese shreds, vegan parm or cashew cream sauce (optional for topping)

instructions

Prepare pasta according to package instructions, drain the noodles add to a casserole dish
Make homemade tomato sauce
1. Take 10 tomatoes and score them with an X on one end. Don’t cut too deep – about 1/4 inch is good
2. Place the tomatoes in boiling water and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the skins start to peel back. Be careful not to cook too long, or the tomatoes will become soft and difficult to handle
3. Remove the tomatoes from heat and place into a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process
4. Transfer the tomatoes to a cutting board and peel the skins off
5. Cut the tomatoes into 1/2-inch chunks
6. Place the chopped tomatoes, along with all of their seeds and juices, into a large Dutch oven or saucepan, along with the water, olive oil, onions, garlic, peppers, and all herbs and spices, including sugar - option
7. Bring to a gentle boil
8. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour
9. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking, taste the sauce occasionally and adjust the seasonings as needed
10. Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to smash any large chunks of tomatoes or garlic to make a slightly chunky and thick sauce.
11. Dice remaining 2 tomatoes and add to sauce, simmer on low for 5 minutes
12. Feel free to customize your sauce by adding mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor
Assemble Baked Ziti
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a casserole dish
2. Pour the sauce on top of the noodles and stir to combine
3. Sprinkle with non-dairy mozzarella cheese shreds, Vegan Parmesan or Cashew Cream Sauce (optional)
4. Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes until hot throughout
5. Serve immediately