Vegan Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food makeover with this hearty and satisfying Vegan Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese recipe! Combining tender vegan pasta with a rich, savory plant-based "meat" sauce made from crushed tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and Italian seasonings, this dish offers bold, classic flavors without any animal products. Topped with melty vegan cheese shreds and finished with fresh basil, it’s baked to perfection for a bubbly, golden finish. Ready in just 45 minutes, this vegan pasta bake is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you're vegan or simply looking to enjoy a plant-based twist on a timeless favorite, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Vegan pasta of choice
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Bell pepper, diced
• 12 ounces Plant-based ground 'meat' (e.g., Beyond Meat or similar)
• 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 1 cup Vegan cheese shreds (e.g., mozzarella-style)
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the vegan pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the skillet, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers are soft.

Step 4

Add the plant-based ground 'meat' to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the tomato paste. Mix well.

Step 6

Add the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 8

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 9

In a large oven-safe dish, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 10

Sprinkle the vegan cheese shreds over the top of the pasta.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.

Step 13

Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your hearty vegan pasta with meat sauce and cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1995.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2316.4

Total Fat 112.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 43.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5219.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 235.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.3g	0%
Total Sugars 53.6g
Protein 101.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1645.7mg	0%
Iron 30.8mg	0%
Potassium 4817.9mg	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: 42.9%

Protein: 17.2%

Carbs: 39.9%