Vegan Rich Ground Meat Sauce

Dive into the comforting flavors of this Vegan Rich Ground Meat Sauce, a plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. Packed with hearty vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, this sauce is simmered to perfection with savory plant-based ground meat, aromatic garlic, and a medley of dried herbs, including oregano, basil, and thyme. A splash of soy sauce and a hint of sugar balance the flavors, while a slow simmer ensures a rich, velvety texture. Perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta, spooning over roasted vegetables, or using in lasagnas, this wholesome, protein-packed sauce is a must-try for vegans and meat-lovers alike. Ready in just under an hour, this easy recipe makes six generous servings, ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 medium bell pepper, finely chopped
• 12 ounces plant-based ground meat
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, grated carrot, chopped celery, and bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Add the plant-based ground meat to the saucepan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until it begins to brown, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth, mixing well.

Step 6

Add the oregano, basil, thyme, soy sauce, bay leaf, and sugar to the saucepan.

Step 7

Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 8

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1870.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1643.1

Total Fat 109.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.2g
Cholesterol 15.9mg	0%
Sodium 5248.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 111.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.6g	0%
Total Sugars 48.9g
Protein 77.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 564.2mg	0%
Iron 21.8mg	0%
Potassium 4283.9mg	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: 56.8%

Protein: 17.7%

Carbs: 25.5%