Vegetarian Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this hearty Vegetarian Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese, a satisfying twist on a classic favorite. Featuring al dente pasta coated in a rich, plant-based meat sauce simmered with aromatic vegetables, crushed tomatoes, and Italian herbs, this dish delivers bold, savory taste with a wholesome touch. Finished with a sprinkling of gooey shredded vegetarian cheese and fragrant fresh basil, it’s the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights yet special enough for weekend gatherings. Enjoy this vegetarian delight that’s sure to please everyone at the table! Keywords: vegetarian pasta, meat sauce, plant-based, cheese-topped pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Bell pepper, diced
• 1 large Carrot, grated
• 12 ounces Plant-based ground meat
• 2 14-ounce Cans of crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian herbs
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped
• 1 cup Vegetarian cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar), shredded

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Add the diced bell pepper and grated carrot to the skillet. Sauté for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 6

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the plant-based ground meat. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and heated through, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Once the sauce is ready, add the chopped basil and stir well.

Step 10

Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet or serve the sauce over the pasta on individual plates.

Step 11

Sprinkle the shredded vegetarian cheese on top of the pasta. Serve immediately, allowing the cheese to melt slightly from the heat of the sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1356.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2095.9

Total Fat 123.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 100mg	0%
Sodium 4432.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 160.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.5g	0%
Total Sugars 25.2g
Protein 109.8g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1254.7mg	0%
Iron 20.8mg	0%
Potassium 2486.4mg	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: 50.6%

Protein: 20.1%

Carbs: 29.3%