Vegetarian Pasta with Ground Meat and Vegetables

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this hearty and satisfying Vegetarian Pasta with Ground Meat and Vegetables. Made with tender pasta of your choice, vibrant bell peppers, zucchini, and a robust plant-based ground meat, this dish is layered with comforting flavors and a healthy twist. A rich tomato sauce seasoned with aromatic basil, oregano, and garlic ties it all together, while a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or vegan cheese adds the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just 45 minutes, this vegetarian pasta recipe is easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for feeding the whole family. Garnish with fresh basil for a restaurant-quality presentation, and enjoy a dish that combines the best of comfort food and plant-based cooking.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta of choice (e.g. penne, fusilli)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz plant-based ground meat
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium bell peppers, diced (any color)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

Stir in the chopped bell peppers and zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and plant-based ground meat to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, breaking the ground meat into small pieces as it browns.

Step 5

Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.

Step 8

Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative) and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2220.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2156.2

Total Fat 105.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 11.9mg	0%
Sodium 3360.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 213.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.5g	0%
Total Sugars 47.3g
Protein 115.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1178.6mg	0%
Iron 25.7mg	0%
Potassium 4221.5mg	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: 41.9%

Protein: 20.4%

Carbs: 37.7%