Vegan Classic Beef Bolognese Sauce

Savor the rich, hearty flavors of this Vegan Classic Beef Bolognese Sauce, a plant-based twist on the traditional Italian favorite! Packed with wholesome ingredients like finely chopped baby bella mushrooms, protein-rich lentils, and aromatic vegetables, this vegan bolognese achieves an indulgently meaty texture without any animal products. A splash of red wine (or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic option) and a medley of Italian herbs infuse the sauce with bold, savory notes, while nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy depth. Simmered to perfection, this robust sauce is ideal for pairing with pasta, layering into lasagna, or spooning over zoodles for a gluten-free option. Whether you're a committed vegan or looking for a satisfying meatless meal, this easy-to-make recipe will become a staple in your weekly rotation!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 1 medium, finely diced carrot
• 1 finely diced celery stalk
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 8 ounces, finely chopped baby bella mushrooms
• 1 cup, cooked and drained lentils
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup (optional, use broth for non-alcoholic version) red wine
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot, and sauté for about 6-8 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and mushrooms, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.

Step 4

Add the cooked lentils to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetables.

Step 5

Push the mixture to one side and add the tomato paste to the empty side of the pot; cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the paste to caramelize slightly.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, soy sauce, oregano, basil, and red wine (if using). Stir to combine all the ingredients well.

Step 7

Add the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit more broth as needed.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the nutritional yeast and adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 9

Serve the bolognese sauce over your choice of cooked pasta or use it in a lasagna. Garnish with additional nutritional yeast or fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2045.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1263.9

Total Fat 46.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.6g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3488.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 137.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.7g	0%
Total Sugars 49.6g
Protein 46.1g	0%

Vitamin D 15.9IU	0%
Calcium 356.2mg	0%
Iron 18.0mg	0%
Potassium 5233.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.2%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 47.8%