Vegan Bolognese

Plate of spaghetti bolognese.
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 55 mins
Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

This Meaty Vegan Bolognese is all about deep, slow-simmered flavor. Bell pepper, carrot, celery, onion, and garlic create a savory foundation, while dry red wine adds richness and depth. Marinara, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste come together in a thick, robust sauce, with a touch of cayenne adding just a hint of warmth. 

Meatless ground crumbles give the sauce its hearty texture before it’s tossed with pasta so every bite is generously coated. Finish with fresh basil and bring it straight to the table for a cozy pasta dinner that’s every bit as comforting as the classic. 

Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, celery, carrots, yellow onion (each, diced)
  • 2 large cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (merlot or cabernet, optional)
  • 24 ounces marinara sayce
  • 14.5 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1 cup prepared meatless ground crumble (from frozen)
  • 12 ounces spaghetti (or other pasta of choice)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil (garnish)
Instructions
  1. 1

    Melt the vegan butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

     

  2. 2

    Add the bell pepper, carrot, celery, onion, garlic, black pepper, and cayenne to the pot and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are mostly tender; 5 to 7 minutes.

     

  3. 3

    Stir in the wine (if using) and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. If you've opted not to use the wine, add the same amount of water or broth in place of it.

     

  4. 4

    Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to bubble, then reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

     

  5. 5

    Stir in the meatless crumbles and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.

     

  6. 6

    Meanwhile, prepare the pasta as directed on the package. Then drain, add the pasta to the bolognese sauce, and toss to coat. Alternatively, you can serve the pasta and sauce separately if desired.

  7. 7
    Over head view of spaghetti bolognese with a garnish of fresh basil.

    Garnish with fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size 2.5 cups

Amount Per Serving
Calories 605kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12.5g20%
Saturated Fat 3.5g18%
Sodium 1030mg43%
Potassium 1240mg36%
Total Carbohydrate 98g33%
Dietary Fiber 10.5g42%
Sugars 15g
Protein 22.5g45%
Vitamin A 215 mcg
Vitamin C 42 mg
Calcium 115 mg
Iron 6 mg
Vitamin E 4.3 mg
Vitamin K 19 mcg
Vitamin B6 0.55 mg
Folate 145 mcg
Vitamin B12 0.7 mcg
Magnesium 92 mg
Zinc 2.4 mg
Selenium 48 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Vegan Bolognese Recipe, Vegan Bolognese Sauce, Vegan Bolognese, Plant-Based Bolognese
Read it online: https://sproutfulkitchen.com/recipe/vegan-bolognese/