Vegetarian Classic Minced Meat Sauce

Transform your favorite pasta night with this hearty and flavor-packed Vegetarian Classic Minced Meat Sauce! This plant-based twist on the traditional meat sauce combines finely chopped cremini mushrooms, protein-rich lentils, and vibrant vegetables like red bell peppers, carrots, and celery for a wholesome and satisfying base. Enhanced with aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme, a splash of savory soy sauce, and a hint of red chili flakes, this dish delivers complex layers of flavor with every bite. Simmered to perfection in a rich blend of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, this versatile sauce is ideal for pasta, lasagna, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. Ready in just one hour, it’s the ultimate go-to recipe for a comforting, meat-free dinner that serves up to six. Perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to add a nutritious, delicious twist to their meals!

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large, finely chopped Yellow onion
• 3 minced Garlic cloves
• 1 medium, finely diced Carrot
• 1 medium, finely diced Celery stalk
• 8 ounces, finely chopped Cremini mushrooms
• 1 medium, finely diced Red bell pepper
• 15 ounces, drained and rinsed Canned lentils
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 cup, chopped Fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cup, chopped Fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add the diced carrot, celery, red bell pepper, and chopped mushrooms to the pan. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the mushrooms have released their moisture.

Step 5

Mix in the drained lentils and cook for 2 minutes to combine.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add tomato paste, stirring to incorporate.

Step 7

Add the soy sauce, dried oregano, dried thyme, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.

Step 8

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, covering partially and letting it cook for 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 10

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley before serving.

Step 11

Serve over your favorite pasta or use as a topping for dishes like baked potatoes or lasagna.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1959.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1285.9

Total Fat 47.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4710.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 170.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 56.9g	0%
Total Sugars 52.9g
Protein 60.0g	0%

Vitamin D 15.9IU	0%
Calcium 414.6mg	0%
Iron 25.0mg	0%
Potassium 5619.4mg	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: 31.7%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 50.6%