Vegetarian Pasta with Beef

Satisfy your pasta cravings with this hearty and flavor-packed Vegetarian Pasta with Beef! This recipe combines tender penne pasta with a vibrant medley of vegetables, including red bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms, for a nutrient-rich base. The secret lies in the inclusion of plant-based beef crumbles, delivering all the savory satisfaction of traditional beef while keeping the meal entirely vegetarian. A rich sauce made with diced tomatoes, aromatic garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil ties everything together for a comforting dish that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking, this quick and easy pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional) for a touch of indulgence, and serve a crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to impress vegetarians and meat-eaters alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 12 oz plant-based beef crumbles
• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

Add the red bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft.

Step 4

Stir in the plant-based beef crumbles and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until heated through.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-6 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta with the sauce evenly.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves.

Step 8

Divide the pasta among serving plates and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1981.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3034.4

Total Fat 122.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 45.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.1g
Cholesterol 102.7mg	0%
Sodium 4916.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 339.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.4g	0%
Total Sugars 36.9g
Protein 167.3g	0%

Vitamin D 22.7IU	0%
Calcium 1768.8mg	0%
Iron 31.4mg	0%
Potassium 4729.7mg	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: 35.2%

Protein: 21.4%

Carbs: 43.4%