Vegetarian Beef Rigatoni

Indulge in the hearty, comforting flavors of Vegetarian Beef Rigatoni, a plant-based twist on a classic pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. This recipe features tender rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich, savory sauce made with meat-free ground beef, sweet bell peppers, earthy carrots, and aromatic garlic and onions. Simmered with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a medley of Italian herbs like oregano and basil, the sauce bursts with bold, wholesome flavors. Ready in just an hour, this vegetarian rigatoni offers a satisfying, protein-packed alternative while remaining comforting and familiar. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-quality finish that's sure to please even the most devoted carnivores. Vegetarian pasta recipes, meat-free dinner ideas, and easy plant-based comfort food just got an irresistible upgrade!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 bell pepper
• 2 carrots
• 10 oz meat-free ground beef
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables: chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice the bell pepper, and peel and dice the carrots.

Step 3

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 4

Add the bell pepper and carrots to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 5

Add the meat-free ground beef to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and bring to a simmer.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld.

Step 8

Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss well to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2065.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2395.7

Total Fat 118.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 95.2mg	0%
Sodium 6463.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 227.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.3g	0%
Total Sugars 60.4g
Protein 135.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1841.8mg	0%
Iron 23.4mg	0%
Potassium 5292.4mg	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: 42.3%

Protein: 21.6%

Carbs: 36.1%