Vegan Ground Meat with Tomato Sauce

Transform your comfort food classics with this hearty and satisfying Vegan Ground Meat with Tomato Sauce! Combining tender brown lentils, finely chopped cremini mushrooms, and earthy walnuts, this plant-based recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and rich umami flavor. A savory mix of garlic, onion, and smoky paprika enhances the vibrant tomato sauce, while fresh basil adds a burst of aromatic freshness. Ready in under an hour, this versatile dish pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta, zucchini noodles, or even as a filling for vegan tacos. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep ideas, this wholesome vegan recipe is a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional meat-based sauces.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Brown lentils
• 3 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 8 ounces Cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 cup Walnuts, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 can (14 ounces) Diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, add lentils and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender. Drain any excess water and set aside.

Step 3

While the lentils are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown.

Step 7

Mix in the chopped walnuts and cooked lentils. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Pour in the soy sauce and stir to coat the mixture evenly.

Step 9

Add the tomato paste to the skillet, stirring to incorporate it into the mixture.

Step 10

Stir in the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt.

Step 11

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Step 12

Before serving, stir in the fresh basil leaves.

Step 13

Serve warm, paired with pasta or as a filling for vegan tacos.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1950.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1511.2

Total Fat 112.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2867.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 103.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.1g	0%
Total Sugars 32.5g
Protein 54.3g	0%

Vitamin D 15.9IU	0%
Calcium 479.2mg	0%
Iron 19.1mg	0%
Potassium 3988.1mg	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: 61.7%

Protein: 13.2%

Carbs: 25.1%