Vegetarian Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Savor the hearty comfort of a classic Italian favorite with a plant-based twist in this Vegetarian Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is topped with a rich, flavor-packed sauce made from savory plant-based meat crumbles, aromatic sautéed onions, garlic, and sweet bell peppers, all simmered in a robust blend of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian herbs. Grated carrot adds a subtle sweetness, while optional red pepper flakes offer a hint of heat for spice lovers. This vegetarian delight is ready in under an hour, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing option for pasta night. Garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan (or a plant-based alternative), this dish proves you don't need meat to enjoy the full-bodied taste of a classic spaghetti dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
• 12 ounces plant-based meat crumbles
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced bell pepper and grated carrot to the skillet, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 5

Stir in the plant-based meat crumbles and cook for 5-6 minutes until they are browned and heated through.

Step 6

Add the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring to combine.

Step 7

Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. If using, add the red pepper flakes at this time.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors have melded.

Step 9

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 10

Serve the cooked spaghetti topped with the vegetarian meat sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1951.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2087.2

Total Fat 91.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 47.6mg	0%
Sodium 5707.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 221.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.3g	0%
Total Sugars 58.1g
Protein 119.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1191.5mg	0%
Iron 26.1mg	0%
Potassium 5062.8mg	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: 37.6%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 40.5%